Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) is a program that offers free English classes for beginners to advanced. Funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the training supports you to integrate and navigate daily life in British Columbia.

Yes, LINC is free.

Newcomers aged 17 or older who have completed a language assessment at a LINC assessment centre and meet the other eligibility requirements.

LINC offers levels from CLB 1 to 6, each targeting specific language goals:
– CLB 1-4 (beginner): Focuses on basic English for daily life
– CLB 5-6 (intermediate): Includes job search skills and digital literacy

Classes are available full-time or part-time in the mornings, afternoons, evenings, with options for online or hybrid formats.

If you attend LINC classes in Vancouver (Victoria Drive) or Richmond, ISSofBC provides licensed preschool programs for children aged 30 months to five years, so your child can learn English and social skills while you focus on your studies.

To join LINC, you must schedule a language assessment at a LINC assessment centre. 
For detailed information on completing a language assessment at a registered centre and obtaining your Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level, visit our

LINC program offers flexible schedules, including daytime, evening, and online classes. Class attendance is important for your progress. Before enrolling in the LINC Program discuss your work/class schedule with our office to determine the best LINC class option.

Yes, you receive a certificate after you complete a CLB level indicating your English proficiency level based on the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB). If you reach CLB 4 or higher in Listening & Speaking, you can use your LINC certificate for citizenship applications.

Yes, we offer online LINC classes. You can learn from home for:
– CLB 4-8 in Squamish
– CLB 5-8 in Vancouver
– CLB 4-6 in Maple Ridge 

To join LINC, please complete a language assessment at a registered centre. Our team is happy to guide you, and don’t forget to bring the completed LINC application form.
Assessment Centres:

– Vancouver: 2525 Commercial Drive | Tel: 604-876-5756
– Surrey: 7337 137th Street | Tel: 604-507-4150
– If you live in other areas, you can contact Options Language Assessment & Referral Centre
– Squamish, Sea to Sky, Sunshine Coast: Call 604-567-4490 or visit the ISSofBC office.

Once you complete your assessment, bring your documents to register. For more information, kindly visit the Assessment Information Resources Page.

Yes, your success matters to us. If you’re having trouble:
1. Talk to your instructor.
2. Visit our office. We have many programs to support you as you settle in BC.

Please talk to your instructor and our team will support you.

Depending on demand and capacity, there might be a waiting list. Ask us about available spots and consider signing up early. You can also check our Language and Careers College, which offers affordable English classes.

Yes, volunteering opportunities may be available. Contact the program team for volunteering options or learn more here: https://issbc.org/volunteer/.

The LINC programs in Squamish, Sea to Sky, and the Sunshine Coast support your English learning and community integration. To join, you must be a PR (17+), a Naturalized Canadian citizen seeking employment, or a work permit holder (1+ year).
P
lease schedule a language assessment at a registered centre. Residents can complete it online or in person. For more information, kindly visit the Assessment Information Resources Page.

To join LINC, please schedule a language assessment at a registered centre. Residents of Squamish, Sea to Sky, and Sunshine Coast can complete the assessment online or in-person. For assistance, call 604-567-4490 or visit the ISSofBC Squamish office at 101 – 38085 Second Avenue, Squamish. After your assessment, bring your documents to register for LINC.

For more details, kindly visit the Assessment Information Resources Page.

By joining LINC, you’ll improve your English language skills, better understand Canadian culture, and connect with a supportive community. You can choose between in-person and online classes, offering flexibility to fit your schedule.

Yes, you can switch between in-person and online classes as needed, allowing you to accommodate your personal or professional schedule.

Due to demand, there may be a waiting list for enrollment. Contact us to check availability and consider registering in advance to secure your spot.

The program offers a variety of activities, including interactive group discussions, language exercises, role-playing scenarios, and community-focused projects. These activities help create an engaging and dynamic learning environment.

Yes, there are volunteering opportunities available. If you’re interested in assisting with the program, contact our team for more information or visit: Volunteer with ISSofBC.

Yes, if you attend ISSofBC’s daytime LINC classes in Vancouver or Richmond, you can enroll your children in the LINC Preschool. This program provides a nurturing environment for newcomer children aged 30 months to 5 years.

Enrolling your child in the LINC Preschool, your child will have the opportunity to learn, play, and grow while you focus on your studies in the Vancouver or Richmond LINC classes. It’s a great way for your child to develop language and social skills in a supportive environment.

To do it, you must be a ISSofBC’s daytime LINC classes in Vancouver or Richmond student. Then, contact our Vancouver or Richmond LINC office to register your child for the LINC Preschool. Our staff will guide you through the registration process and provide all necessary information.

No, there is no cost. The LINC Preschool is fully funded by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), making it free for eligible parents enrolled in the LINC program.

No, the LINC pre-schools in Vancouver and Richmond provide daily snacks. These include a vegetarian main dish served with fruits and vegetables and milk and water as beverages. Snack time allows your child to build relationships and learn about sharing meals.

Our LINC Preschool teachers are trained to work with newcomer children and families. They create a welcoming, inclusive environment for children from diverse backgrounds, ensuring every child feels supported.

Absolutely! LINC Preschool teachers maintain open communication with parents and provide regular updates on your child’s progress, development, and overall experience.

Health and safety are top priorities at the LINC Preschool. We follow strict protocols, including regular cleaning and sanitization, to ensure a safe environment for your child.

The primary language of instruction at the LINC Preschool is English. However, teachers are experienced in supporting children from various language backgrounds and encourage your child to express themselves in both English and their native language.

You can help your child prepare for LINC Preschool by talking about the preschool experience, organizing playdates, and introducing simple routines that will help them get familiar with a structured learning environment.

The Reconciliation Awareness LINC Lesson (RALL) program is a curriculum designed for the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) English program. It provides English language students from Literacy to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB)

The RALL materials are primarily designed for LINC and ESL teachers teaching English to students from Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 1 to 6. However, other publicly funded organizations, programs, or facilitators who wish to introduce the Indigenous peoples of Canada and promote reconciliation may also utilize these materials.

Yes, the RALL materials prioritize Indigenous voices and authenticity. All lesson content is reviewed by Indigenous consultants to ensure accuracy and cultural authenticity.

“Welcome to Our Homelands” is a video directed by Kamala Todd of Indigenous City Media, serving as the RALL curriculum’s foundation. It provides valuable insights into the Indigenous peoples of Canada and their current realities. (Please hyperlink the video here)

The RALL curriculum includes dedicated lesson plans for LINC and ESL teachers catering to students from CLB Level 1 to 6. It also provides printable PDF handouts and visual aids for students of all levels. Additionally, short video clips from ISSofBC’s ‘Welcome to Our Homelands’ video are available to support students’ learning according to their CLB level.

To access the free RALL teaching resources, complete the resource request form on our website. Once the form is submitted, you will receive access to the materials.

If you have already received an access password, click on the provided link to access and review the RALL lesson plans, videos, and student handout materials.

Yes, the Teacher’s Guide in the RALL curriculum provides guidance on contacting local Indigenous Peoples or Nations to invite them for a visit. Engaging with local Indigenous communities is encouraged to enhance the learning experience and foster meaningful connections.