American Sign Language (ASL) LINC classes
The Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program offers free American Sign Language (ASL) classes in Vancouver, BC, for Deaf or hard-of-hearing newcomers.
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American Sign Language (ASL)
Are you a Deaf or hard-of-hearing permanent resident in British Columbia?
The Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program of ISSofBC provides free American Sign Language (ASL) classes in Vancouver, BC, for Deaf or hard-of-hearing newcomers. With this program, you will improve your English reading and writing skills while gaining the confidence to succeed in your new community.
Classes are led by Deaf instructors fluent in ASL, each with advanced training in linguistics and ASLPI Level 4+ certification. You will learn in a culturally supportive and linguistically accessible environment, designed to meet the communication needs of Deaf and hard-of-hearing learners.
Program highlights
- Free English language instruction in ASL
- In-person classes
- Small group learning environment
- Focus on reading, writing, and community engagement
- Experienced deaf instructors with advanced ASL proficiency
- Opportunities to connect with other deaf newcomers
Benefits of Learning ASL LINC at ISSofBC
This government-funded program is available at no cost to eligible permanent residents. You will get quality instruction and support without financial barriers.
To participate in this program, you must:
- Be Deaf or hard of hearing.
- Be a permanent resident of Canada residing in Vancouver, BC.
- Be 17 years of age or older.
- Take a writing language assessment to start classes (our team can assist you in scheduling the assessment)
- Obtain your Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level after the assessment.
Find answers to common questions about the American Sign Language (ASL) LINC classes.
Please find below the answers to our team’s most common questions about the ASL LINC program. If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our team directly.
American Sign Language (ASL), part of the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC), is a free program offering ASL classes for beginners who are Deaf or hard of hearing. Funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the training supports you to integrate and navigate daily life in British Columbia.
To join ASL LINC, you must first complete an English reading and writing assessment at a LINC Assessment Centre in Vancouver (Commercial Drive) or Surrey. Afterwards, visit the ISSofBC Vancouver LINC office to complete your registration.
For detailed information on completing a language assessment at a registered centre and obtaining your Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level, visit our section Contact us/Apply Now at LINC – Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 1 to 6 | Learn English | Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC)
Yes, you receive a certificate after you complete a CLB level, which indicates your English proficiency level based on the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB).
Locations Available
Languages Available
We provide services in English.
Additional languages available upon request
Contact Us/Apply Now
Before you join the ASL class with LINC, you must first complete a language assessment test in Vancouver, Coquitlam, or Surrey. Follow the instructions on how to complete a language assessment to book a test. Once you have the results, you can register your interest in the available local ASL LINC class below:
ASL LINC – Vancouver
- linc.vancouver@issbc.org
- (604) 684-2561 Ext. 2150
- 2610 Victoria Dr
