LEARN ENGLISH
Canada has two official languages: English and French, but English is the most spoken language in most provinces and territories. Having strong English Language skills can help newcomers find employment, attend school, access various services available, meet new people, and get your Canadian Citizenship. For those individuals who are not fluent in English and would like to take language classes to learn English, you have the option as a newcomer to take advantage of the IRCC- funded language classes across Canada or pay for the private language classes. You can read below to learn about your options as a newcomer because in most cases, you will need to know your skill level for English, which is usually assessed by a Language Assessment Centre.

Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB):
CLB stands for “Canadian Language Benchmarks”, which is the national standard in Canada to evaluate and measure the language ability of individuals learning English. CLB uses a scale to describe 12 levels of ability which is evenly divided into three stages to represent the respective language ability for each skill: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. Here is a breakdown to help you understand:
- Learners at Stage 1 can range between CLB 1-4 with ‘Basic Language Ability.’
. - Learners at Stage 2 can range between CLB 5-8 with ‘Intermediate Language Ability.’
. - Learners at Stage 3 can range between CLB 9-12 with ‘Advanced Language Ability.’
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Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC):
LINC is a free English program funded by the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for eligible permanent residents and convention refugees who are 18-years or older (Canadian Citizens are not eligible). In these classes, you will not only learn how to communicate effectively in English and improve your Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing skills based on the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB), but also essential life skills and cultural awareness for living in Canada. It uses thematic language training based on a variety of relevant topics including Life Skills and Canadian Culture Awareness for living and working in Canada. LINC program uses the Portfolio-Based Language Assessment (PBLA) to assess learners on their English language ability.
LINC programs are conveniently offered across Canada through different modes of learning, and has continuous intakes year-round. Classes are formed according to the National Placement Grid for LINC and range from LINC Literacy, LINC (Day / Evening Classes), LINC Blended / Hybrid / Online, and LINC Home Study. To track progress and ensure skills enhancement, students attending in-person LINC classes are provided with a binder that is referred to as the “Language Companion” to store the artifacts. Whereas students attending LINC classes online through blended/hybrid mode can access the e-Portfolio that is available on Avenue.ca with similar content as the language companion. Finally, students who are unable to attend in-person LINC classes can take advantage of LINC Home Study option, if eligible.
LINC Program registrations and/or Intake Process will likely require you to provide valid immigration documents along with the Language Assessment Report and referral from an approved immigrant services centre in your province or territory of residing. Childcare services may also be available on-site for parents attending LINC classes for which you might be asked to provide your child’s health card.
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English as a Second Language (ESL) / English for Academic Purposes (EAP):
Both ESL and EAP are programs to prepare students for English Communication and Composition, but where the former is focused on learning English (Basic – Intermediate – Advanced) levels, the latter is specifically designed for international students who are applying or have been admitted to university / college in Canada.
Apart from international students, there are exchange students who come to Canada to study ESL and explore the Canadian culture; whereas post-secondary institutions offer EAP programs to allow students to gain exposure and practice using academic English focusing on advanced level communication and other soft skills needed for academia such as basic study skills, note-taking skills, presentation skills, research skills, critical thinking, and working in groups.
There may also be some instances where individuals take ESL classes to build skills and confidence for standardized tests such as IELTS, CELPIP, CAEL, DUOLINGO, TOEFL, and more but the purpose or reason for taking these English tests may be different for everyone. Unlike LINC, both private ESL and preparatory classes for the English Proficiency Tests have fee associated to the classes, and which excludes the official testing fee by the respective organizations conducting the standardized tests.