Free English Classes: Registration Guide

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 Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and is free to adult newcomers.

The LINC program, short for Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada, is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. It’s designed to help adult newcomers learn English, regardless of their current skill level. Best of all, it’s free!

To Get Started:

Step 1 – TAKE AN ASSESSMENT

Before you can join a LINC program, you need to complete a language assessment. 

If you live in Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Richmond, South Delta, Burnaby, or New Westminster, you can apply to the Vancouver Language Assessment Centre at:

Vancouver Language Assessment Centre
LINC Assessment and Referral Centre
#208 – 2525 Commercial Drive
Vancouver, BC V5N 4C1
Tel: 604-876-5756
Fax: 604 876-0134

If you live in Surrey, North Delta, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, or the Fraser Valley, you can apply to the Surrey Language Assessment Centre at:

Surrey Language Assessment Centre
LINC Assessment and Referral Centre
#408 – 7337 137th Street
Surrey, BC V3W 1A4
Tel: 604 507-4150
Fax: 604-507-4155

If you live in other areas, you can contact Options to complete a test at their Assessment Centre (see details below):

Options Language Assessment & Referral Centre
13520 78th Avenue
Surrey, BC V3W 8J6
Tel: 604 547-3322
Fax: 604-547-3330
Email: linc.assessment@options.bc.ca 
Visit the Options website

People living in Squamish, Sea to Sky, and Sunshine Coast can complete the Language Assessment ONLINE or IN-PERSON:

Please call 604-567-4490 to schedule an appointment or bring the application form and relevant documents to the Squamish office at:

ISSofBC LINC Program and Assessment Centre
101 – 38085 Second Avenue, Squamish
Tel: (604) 567-4490
Email: linc.squamish@issbc.org

Step 2 – REGISTER FOR A LINC PROGRAM

1. Gather the following documents (see instructions in LINC brochure and application form):
   1. Your Identification (Permanent Resident Card, or Government Issues of Proof of Status for those without a Permanent Resident Card)
   2. Your Canadian Language Benchmark Report
   3. Your Care Card
2. Visit an ISSofBC location near you.

Not sure what to do? Watch this video for help.

Not eligible for LINC? Check out our fee-for-service English classes.