If you’re a permanent resident or a protected person, you can take language classes at no cost. They are funded by the government.

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These classes are called:

• Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)  

 

To take a language class:

• take the CLB online self-assessment language test (you can do this before you come to Canada)

• visit an organization that helps newcomers get a formal language assessment

• register for language classes

• start taking your classes

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Link to all organizations in Canada that offer classes

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Class standards and types

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Classes are based on the official national standards for measuring and recognizing the language skills of adult immigrants in both English and French. These standards are the:

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• Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) (PDF, 4.18 MB)

• When you complete a CLB level, you’ll get a certificate that shows your skill at that level. If you complete a CLB level 4 or higher in speaking and listening, you can use that certificate as proof for meeting the citizenship language requirement.

 

There are also different types of language classes you can take, including:

• General language classes at different levels, such as:

  • basic

  • intermediate

  • advanced

• Literacy and language classes for people who have trouble reading and writing in any language

• Classes that teach advanced and job-specific language skills to help you succeed in the workplace (in some locations)