English Language Centres

Information • Eligibility • Registration

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.

Our English Language Centres offer LINC CLB classes 1 - 8 across three campuses in Burnaby , New Westminster , and Surrey .

Click on the links for detailed information about our campuses / classes and programs.

Each campus is close to skytrain and bus routes. There is parking as well.

How to Register

Generally who is Eligible for LINC?

Only newcomers to Canada who are at least 17 years old and approved for permanent residency and refugees are eligible for LINC classes. Please direct more specific eligibility questions to one of the LINC Assessment Centres.

In order to attend classes, students must first take a test at one of the LINC Assessment Centres. An appointment is required, so please call ahead to schedule your free assessment test:

Western ESL Services
208 – 2525 Commercial Drive
Vancouver, BC
V5N 4C1
Phone: 604-876-5756

OR

Surrey Language Assessment Centre
202- 7337 137th Street
Surrey, BC
V3W 1A4
Phone: 604-507-4150

After you have taken the test, you will get an assessment report with your test results and your LINC level placement.  You can take this assessment report and your immigration document to one of our Burnaby, New Westminster or Surrey schools to register for class.  If you need help with choosing a school, you can speak to a referral counselor at the assessment centre, who can show you where the schools are located, and information on their class types, levels, start dates, times and waitlists.

* The LINC assessment is valid for 12 months.  You may not take the LINC placement assessment more than one time per year.