LINC Free English Classes for Newcomers: Eligibility, CLB Test and How to Register

Free English classes, free child minding during class and a certificate the government accepts as language proof: that is what many newcomers find when they join LINC.

Yet thousands of eligible people never sign up because they do not know the program exists or how to enter it.

This guide explains who qualifies for LINC free English classes, how the CLB assessment works and how to find a class near you.

What LINC is

LINC stands for Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada. It is a free English program for adult newcomers, funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and delivered by colleges, school boards and settlement agencies across the country. Classes combine language learning with practical topics about life in Canada, such as health care, banking, housing, work and community services.

There is a parallel French program called CLIC (Cours de langue pour les immigrants au Canada) for newcomers who want to learn French outside Quebec. Quebec runs its own francization program, so LINC and CLIC are offered in the other provinces and territories.

Who can join

Eligibility is set by IRCC, and each provider checks your documents. In general, you may qualify if you are:

• A permanent resident of Canada, including resettled refugees.
• A convention refugee or protected person.
• A person whose permanent residence application is being processed in Canada and who has received an IRCC letter of approval in principle.

Age rules depend on the provider; some accept learners from 17 and others from 18. Temporary residents such as most international students and temporary foreign workers are generally not eligible for IRCC-funded LINC, and IRCC ended eligibility for Ukrainian temporary residents and their dependents on April 1, 2025. Since April 1, 2026, IRCC has also applied changes to eligibility rules and to the CLB levels offered, so confirm your situation with a local assessment centre before you plan around a specific class.

Step 1: The language assessment

Before you can register, you need a placement test. In most cities this is done at a Language Assessment and Referral Centre (LARC) or a similar centre run by a settlement agency. The test is free and checks four skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. It is not a pass or fail exam; it places you in the right class.

You receive a score for each skill on the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB), a 12-level scale. Bring your original immigration document, such as your permanent resident card, refugee document or IRCC approval letter, and a photo ID. After the assessment you usually receive a referral right away. If your results are old and you have not taken classes for about two years, some providers will ask you to be reassessed.

Step 2: Choose a class level and format

LINC classes are grouped by CLB level. Beginner classes cover CLB 1 to 4, and intermediate classes cover CLB 5 to 8. Some providers specialize: Douglas College in British Columbia offers beginner levels 1 to 4, while Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers only CLB 5 to 8 to permanent residents. Larger cities have many providers, so you can often choose by location, schedule and format.

• In person: full-time day classes or part-time evening classes at a college or community centre.
• Online: live virtual classes, useful for people in rural areas or with busy schedules.
• Blended or hyflex: a mix of classroom and online learning.

Some providers also offer specialized classes, such as English for specific jobs, communication for workplace success, or programs for people who have experienced trauma.

Free child care and attendance rules

One of the biggest barriers for parents is child care, and IRCC funds free child care or child minding at many LINC sites. Conestoga College in Ontario, for example, offers it at its Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo sites, and Douglas College offers it at its Surrey site. Spaces can be limited, so ask about them when you register.

Attendance matters. Providers usually expect regular attendance, and Saskatchewan Polytechnic, for example, requires an 80% attendance average to keep a place in its free program. If you start a job or have another obligation, talk to your instructor about switching to an evening or online class instead of simply stopping.

Why LINC helps your job search

Better English opens doors to better jobs, but LINC offers more than grammar. Many classes include workplace vocabulary, resume writing, interview practice and information about Canadian workplace culture. Your progress is documented in reports and certificates. Reaching CLB 4 in speaking and listening through LINC can also serve as proof of language ability for Canadian citizenship applications, which IRCC accepts from certain government-funded programs.

For employers, a LINC certificate shows commitment and progress. Combine your classes with volunteer work or a part-time job, and you will practise English in real situations every week.

If you are not eligible

If LINC is not an option for you, look for provincially funded ESL classes, school board adult education programs, public library conversation circles and free online resources. Rules and options differ by province, so a local settlement agency is the best place to ask.

How to find a class near you

Use the IRCC page on free language classes and its newcomer services finder to locate assessment centres and providers in your city. You can also contact a local settlement agency, a community college or your school board’s adult education office. Book your assessment as soon as you can, since waiting lists for some levels and locations can be long.

This site is an independent guide and is not affiliated with IRCC or any LINC provider. Eligibility rules change; always confirm with an official assessment centre.