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Free English Classes for Newcomers

“Success in Canada starts with learning English”

Pour des services d’établissement en français et/ou la formation linguistique en français, veuillez trouver des services gratuits pour les nouveaux arrivants près de chez vous. | If you wish to access French language training and/or French settlement services, please find free newcomer services near you.

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC Program)

Registration for the Fall / Winter classes will begin on August 19th , 2024.

Now available in-person and online

LINC is a free language training program for eligible adult learners. It is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). All our LINC instructors are TESL certified and experienced in adult education. 

We offer a supportive, friendly and welcoming learning environment where students can learn the language skills to:

  • Communicate effectively in a variety of different situations (shopping, banking, medical appointments, social interactions, landlord/tenant, emergencies, making a complaint, asking for help, etc.) and gain independence.
  • Learn about Canadian culture/society/values
  • Access the job market
  • Further upgrade their education

Eligibility

  • Age 18 or older
  • Be a Permanent Resident, Convention Refugee, Convention Refugee/ Protected Person or CUAET Permit holder (for Ukrainian citizens)
  • Persons in Canada whose applications for Permanent Resident status are being processed in Canada and who have been informed by a letter from IRCC of the initial approval of their application subject to an admissibility assessment
  • Must be physically within the province of Ontario
  • Must have a valid Language Assessment (*)

Canadian citizens, visitors, workers, international students and refugee claimants are not eligible for LINC.

* If you don’t have one we can book an appointment for you. Or you may contact YMCA / Tel. 416-925-5462 to book an appointment for the free test.

LINC Program
2024-2025 Fall / Winter courses

Classes begin on September 3rd, 2024.
ClassFormatBeginEndDaysTime
Communication / Achieve CLB 2 In-person Sep 3, 2024 Mar 31, 2025 Mon to Fri 10:00AM - 12:00PM
Communication / Achieve CLB 4In-person Sep 3, 2024Mar 27, 2025 Tue/Wed/Thu 9:00AM - 11:00AM
Communication / Achieve CLB 5OnlineSep 3, 2024Mar 31, 2025 Mon to Fri 9:00AM - 12:00PM
COMMUNICATION / ACHIEVE CLB 7OnlineSep 3, 2024Mar 31, 2025 Mon to Fri 9:00AM - 12:00PM
Communication / Achieve CLB 6OnlineSep 3, 2024Mar 27, 2025 Tue/Thu6:30PM - 8:30PM
COMMUNICATION / ACHIEVE CLB 7OnlineSep 3, 2024Mar 27, 2025 Tue/Wed/Thu 6:30PM - 8:30PM
Communication / Achieve CLB 8OnlineSep 4, 2024Mar 31, 2025 Mon/Wed 6:30PM - 8:30PM
Free English Classes for Newcomers

Important information about attendance requirements:

The LINC Program courses require students to have a minimum of 80% class attendance per month. Students who cannot fulfill this requirement due to personal circumstances (such as illness, parental responsibilities, employment scheduling, traveling, etc.)  will be removed from the course and their names will be included in the waiting list until they are ready to resume attending classes regularly.

The following information will help students understand what the attendance requirements are for each LINC course:

We have three types of course schedules (for the purpose of these calculations we will consider each month as a 4-week period):

  • Courses offering 2 class days per week or 8 class days per month.
    To meet the 80% class attendance requirement students in these courses can only be absent 1 class day per month.
  • Course offering 3 class days per week or 12 class days per month.
    To meet the 80% class attendance requirement students in these courses can only be absent 2 class days per month.
  • Course offering 5 class days per week or 20 class days per month.
    To meet the 80% class attendance requirement students in these courses can only be absent 4 class days per month.

Students must plan their personal activities in a way that does not compromise their class attendance (in person or online), by booking appointments at times/days that do not interfere with their class schedule.

Care for Newcomer Children (CNC)

For children 19 months to 5 years
Transportation subsidy for eligible students

We are happy to announce that CNC in-person is back, after a two-year closure due to COVID-19 restrictions.

CNC offers a great support to newcomer families by providing care for children aged 19 months to 5 years, while their parents are attending LINC courses at the same location.

CNC is a safety-first, enriching, entertaining and culturally sensitive program focusing on the specific needs of newcomer children. Activities include learning English, playing games, arts and crafts, music, dancing and singing.

Language Instruction Giving Hope to Trauma Survivors (LIGHTS)

An alternative language program for vulnerable newcomers who have difficulty with functional communication in English and have emotional, cognitive, or academic barriers to learning English in a traditional ESL/EAL or LINC class.
We offer flexible, dynamic groups and interactive classes adapted to participants’ need.

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“The people who work for MNLCT are not only professionals, but also have a deep sense of empathy, which is very important when dealing with newcomers.”

What’s Your Story

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Help create an inclusive
& diverse Canada

Online English Conversation Practice Group

For newcomers with beginner level English

This activity is not currently offered.

Please check our website in the future, or contact us to find out when this activity will resume.

Jorge Silvestri / Program Manager
Tel:
 (647) 812-1332 ext: #5251
Email: jsilvestri@mnlct.org

LINC Eligibility Test

LINC eligibility

Thanks for your interest in the Mennonite New Life Centre of Toronto LINC Program courses.

Please check if you are eligible for our English classes.


1. Age


Please check the next question.


Sorry, you must be 18 years old or older to be eligible for LINC classes.


2. Immigration Status in Canada


Please check the next question.


Sorry, you are not eligible for the LINC program.

Check other programs and services offered by MNLCT to find more options for you.


3. Residency


Please check the last question.


Sorry, you are not eligible for the LINC program. Please connect us when you are in Ontario, Canada.


4. English Language Assessment


Great! Please contact us to register.


If your Language Assessment has expired, you will need to take the new one.

Please find your nearest centre here


If you don’t have a valid Language Assessment, you may contact organizations providing the free test.

Please find your nearest centre here.


Please note that this Eligibility Quiz is only an informative tool that helps you understand the general program requirements. The final decision about your eligibility for the program will be made by the Admissions team after reviewing all your documentation.
 
Let us know if you have any questions. If you are not eligible for LINC, we can assist you to access other programs.