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English Language Classes

English Language training helps newcomers to settle into their communities, integrate into Canadian society and find employment.

Language Instructions for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) programs are FREE, government-funded English language classes for eligible immigrants and refugees. LINC instructors use settlement themes to teach reading, writing, listening and speaking skills within the framework of Canadian Language Benchmarks.

All of our LINC classes provide information about settlement, employment and community connections in British Columbia and Canada.

LINC classes range from LINC Literacy to LINC 8.

We offer in person and blended (a combination of in-person and online teaching) LINC courses.

To participate in LINC, you must complete an assessment at one of the assessment centers in BC.

Where can I find an Assessment Centre?

There are 2 locations in the Lower Mainland:

For people living in Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Richmond, South Delta, Burnaby or New Westminster, please apply to:

Western ESL Services
LINC Assessment and Referral Centre
208 - 2525 Commercial Drive (Near Broadway SkyTrain Station.)
Vancouver, BC V5N 4C1
Tel (604) 876-5756
Fax (604) 876-0134

For people living in Surrey, North Delta, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Maple Ridge or the Fraser Valley, please apply to:

Surrey Language Assessment Centre
408-7337 137th St.
Surrey, BC V3W 1A4
Tel (604) 507-4150
Fax (604) 507-4155

For a list of all assessment centres in British Columbia, please visit the CLB assessment website.

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)

LINC helps to facilitate the social, cultural and economic integration of immigrants and refugees into Canada by providing language instruction in English. LINC assists participants to improve their reading, writing, listening and speaking skills in order for them to communicate effectively in social and employment settings.

The settlement themes covered in LINC classes help participants to gain Canadian knowledge about practical topics such as:

  • Banking
  • Employment
  • Community
  • Environment
  • Food & Shopping
  • Travel & transportation
  • Education
  • Housing
  • Health
  • Family and relationships

What classes are available? We offer a wide range of LINC courses. Please click on the options below to read more:

LINC 1 to LINC 8

Offered throughout our service locations. Upgrade your reading, writing, listening and speaking skills to communicate effectively for everyday living in Canada.

LINC Literacy

Offered at our Surrey & Fraser Valley office, this course is for newcomers who lack reading and writing skills in their first language. Our FREE LINC Literacy classes provide literacy skills, preparing participants to progress through other LINC courses. 

LINC Blended Learning

Offered throughout our service regions, CLB level 4-8 LINC blended learning courses are suitable for newcomers who are not able to attend full-time LINC classes. These courses are called “blended” because they involve both in-person class attendance and guided online self-study. The content is similar to regular LINC classes with the addition of the online component involving online class forums and discussion.

Please contact your local Immigrant Settlement & Integration Program office to learn more about which CLB level of the LINC Blended Learning courses are currently available.

How do I start? Please contact your local Immigrant Settlement & Integration Program office to register. You may be asked to contact a Language Assessment Centre to find out your English language level.

 


Clear Communication for the Workplace (CCW)

Offered online, CLB level 6-8 Clear Communication for the Workplace (CCW) focuses on improving English language proficiency, soft and hard skills as well as knowledge of Canadian workplace culture.

Topics covered include:

  • Introductions and small talk
  • Cultural awareness and diversity in the workplace
  • Communicating with others
  • Working with others
  • Business meetings
  • Writing in the workplace
  • Soft and essential skills
 
Conversation Circles

Offered in-person throughout our service regions, Conversation Circles help participants improve their listening and speaking skills by focusing on language for social networking, allowing for the integration of the participants in their communities. There are some conversation circles that are just for seniors. Contact individual regions for more information.

How do I start? Please contact your local Immigrant Settlement & Integration Program office to register. You may be asked to contact a Language Assessment Centre to find out your English language level.