The Canadian Government Offers Free Language Courses!

The Canadian government has several free language courses that can help you learn English and French, improve your skills, study for a job, prepare to become a Canadian citizen, and more!

Canadian government-funded language classes

Did you know that you can take an online self-assessment language test before you arrive in Canada? This will give you an idea of your language level. The test results are not official and are for reference only.

If you are a permanent resident or protected person, you can take language classes for free. These classes are funded by the government.

The classes are called:

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)

Canadian Immigrant Language Courses (CLIC)

Benefits of language classes

Benefits of taking these language classes include:

being taught by qualified, experienced teachers

flexible locations, as you can take them:

online

in a classroom with other students at places like:

schools

colleges

community organizations

flexible schedules, as you can take them:

full-time or part-time

during the day, evening or on weekends

finding out more about helpful topics such as:

housing

banking

citizenship

how to get a job

in some places:

people who will mind your child while you’re taking classes

transportation to and from your classes

classes for people with special needs

Who is eligible for government-funded language courses?

You can take government-funded courses to improve your English or French language skills if you are an adult:

Permanent resident, or protected person.

Children and young people will learn English and French in school.

To sign up for a government-funded language course, you need to go to a language assessment centre in your city. They will assess your level of English or French. An organisation that helps new immigrants can tell you where to go. They can also give you more information about language training options.

What language training programs are funded by the Canadian government?

Eligible newcomers can take courses at all levels (beginner, intermediate and advanced) through Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) and Canadian Immigrant Language Courses (CLIC).

We also have advanced language courses for specific jobs. These courses are only offered for specific jobs in specific locations.

You can take classes during the day, evenings or on weekends. Some courses also offer childcare and transportation assistance.

You can get more information about all the available language training programs from organizations that help newcomers in your area.

how to apply?

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

start taking your classes