LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION FOR NEWCOMERS TO CANADA (LINC)
As a newcomer to Canada, learning English is one of the most important things you can do to make it feel like home.
LINC programs are offered for FREE from beginner to advanced levels.
Before you can enroll in a LINC program, you must complete a language assessment.
1. What is LINC?
LINC stands for Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada. The LINC program is one of the immigrant settlement services provided through the National Settlement Program. It is funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and is free to students. LINC provides basic and intermediate level English training for adult newcomers to Canada.
2. What will I learn in LINC classes?
You will learn English to help you with all your communication needs. You will learn about Canadian laws, health care, society, job market and many things that are important for life in Canada. At the higher LINC levels you can prepare for further studies in English or raise your English level to qualify for training for employment. To work in Canada in your field or occupation, you may need to learn more English after the LINC class ends.
ELIGIBILITY
3. Who can take LINC?
- You must be a newcomer to Canada, 17 years old or older, and approved for permanent residence.
- You must have at least one of the following documents:
1. Permanent Resident Card and Number (PRC)
2. Confirmation of Permanent Residence (form IMM5292)
3. Record of Landing (form IMM1000 – issued prior to June 2002)
4. Notice of Decision from the Refugee Protection Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) confirming convention refugee status
5. Letter from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) giving approval to remain in Canada while application for permanent residence is being finalized (approval in principle)
THE PROGRAM
4. What are the LINC levels?
LINC goes from level 1 (low beginner) to level 8 (high intermediate). There is also a pre-beginner level (literacy). After you apply for LINC, you will be given an appointment for an English assessment (test). At levels 5, 6, 7 and 8 there are general English classes and English for the Workplace classes.
5. What is the assessment for?
The Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT) is designed to determine at what level you should begin your LINC program. It measures abilities in listening, speaking, reading and writing. For example, if you score benchmark 3 in each of these skills, you are ready to start the program at LINC level 4.
The LINC assessment is only for the purpose of placement into the LINC program. It is not accepted by CIC as proof of language ability for citizenship applications. For this, you can take LINC classes and get a certificate from your LINC school, or take one of the other tests accepted by CIC – IELTS or CELPIP. These tests are not administered by the LINC assessment centre.
6. Where are LINC classes offered?
LINC classes are offered at IMSS in Prince George.
7. What are LINC class times?
Classes are offered in the morning, Monday to Friday, from 9:00am to 12:00pm.
8. What are the attendance rules?
Students are expected to attend all or almost all of their classes, and to attend on time. Do not apply for LINC if you cannot attend on all the days when the class meets.
9. What can I do about child care?
Our Prince George LINC school has free child care for pre-school age children.There is a provincial child care subsidy to help families pay for child care. An immigrant settlement person can help you to find out if you are eligible for a child care subsidy.
HOW TO APPLY
10. How can I apply for LINC?
Contact the IMSS office.
Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society of Prince George
1270 2nd Avenue, Prince George, B.C. V2L 3B3
Phone: (250) 562 – 2900
The name on your application must be the same as the name on your immigration document. Bring your original immigration document (not a photocopy).
11. When should I apply for LINC?
Apply when you are ready to start studying. The LINC assessment is valid for 12 months. You may not take the LINC placement assessment more than one time per year.
12. When do LINC classes start?
Classes run from September to June.
LINC HOME STUDY The Language Education at distance provides free distance education for eligible clients that can not attend classes in person. For more information contact LEAD
