Free English and French Language Training for Newcomers in Canada
Language is one of the most important factors in settlement success in Canada. Newcomers who develop strong English or French skills find employment faster, integrate more easily into their communities, and have more access to the full range of opportunities Canada offers.
Canada funds language training programs specifically for adult newcomers, at no cost to participants. These programs are one of the most valuable and underutilized resources available to people who have recently arrived.
LINC: Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada
LINC is the federal government's English language training program for adult permanent residents and protected persons. It is delivered through community organizations, school boards, colleges, and settlement agencies across Canada.
LINC classes are free. There are no fees for registration, tuition, or materials. Childcare and transportation assistance are available at many LINC providers for eligible participants.
To qualify for LINC, you must be a permanent resident or a protected person, be 18 years of age or older, and not be a Canadian citizen. Temporary residents, including those on work or study permits, do not qualify for federally funded LINC but may have access to provincially funded alternatives.
LINC classes are offered at multiple levels from beginner to advanced, based on an assessment of your current language ability. Classes are offered in person and, at many providers, online or in a hybrid format.
To find a LINC provider near you, contact your local settlement organization, visit the IRCC website, or call 211 to be connected with local services.
CLIC: Cours de langue pour les immigrants au Canada
CLIC is the equivalent French language training program for newcomers who want to develop or improve their French. It is delivered through francophone community organizations and educational institutions across Canada, with particular concentration in Quebec and francophone communities in other provinces.
CLIC is free for eligible permanent residents and protected persons and follows a similar structure to LINC in terms of levels and delivery formats.
Provincial Language Programs
In addition to federally funded LINC and CLIC, several provinces offer their own language training programs that may be available to a broader group of newcomers, including temporary residents.
In BC, the Workplace Essential Skills program offers language and skills training for employed newcomers. The English for Academic Purposes programs at colleges and continuing education institutions offer pathways to academic and professional English for those who need higher-level skills.
In Ontario, the Ontario Bridge Training Program includes language components specifically designed to help internationally trained professionals develop the sector-specific language skills needed for their field.
In Quebec, the provincial government offers Francisation programs through various institutions, with a strong emphasis on French language integration as part of the broader settlement process.
What to Expect in a LINC Class
LINC classes are not just grammar and vocabulary. They cover practical language skills for everyday life in Canada: navigating government services, communicating in healthcare settings, understanding workplace expectations, participating in community life, and developing the conversational fluency needed for employment.
Classes are typically offered several hours per day, several days per week, making them compatible with part-time work or caregiving responsibilities for many participants. Many providers offer morning, afternoon, and evening options.
A language assessment before you start will determine which level is right for you. Be honest about your current ability. Being placed at the right level is more valuable than being placed at a higher level where you cannot keep up.
Beyond the Classroom
Formal language training is most effective when combined with regular practice outside the classroom. Conversation circles, language exchange programs, volunteer opportunities, and community activities are all ways to practice English or French with fluent speakers in low-stakes settings.
Many public libraries run conversation circles specifically for newcomers. Settlement organizations often have informal conversation practice programs. The key is consistent exposure to the language in real contexts, not just in structured learning environments.
Language skills build slowly and then suddenly. The plateau periods where you feel like you are not improving are normal and temporary. Consistent effort over time, in and out of the classroom, is what produces fluency.
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