If you are a Canadian permanent resident or a protected person, you can take language classes at no cost. They are funded by the Canadian government.

These classes are called: Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC). LINC is a free language training program for eligible adult learners.

Are you eligible to take LINC classes?

The LINC program is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You do not have to pay to for LINC classes. LINC provides basic language skills. If you need specific language skills, you may want to consider a program that better fits your educational or career goals.

To be eligible for the LINC program, you must:

• Be a permanent resident of Canada, or Convention Refugee, or be a person in Canada whose application for Permanent Resident status is being processed in Canada and who has been informed by a letter from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada of the initial approval of your application subject to an admissibility assessment (this means you have approval-in-principle);
• Be at least 18 years old; and
• Take a language assessment test at a Language Assessment Centre (PEI Association for Newcomers to Canada – PEIANC), to figure out which level is right for you.

You are not eligible for LINC if you are a:

• Canadian citizen
• Refugee claimant
• Temporary resident (such as foreign student, foreign worker or visitor)

When can you start taking LINC classes?

Student enrollment operates on continuous intake, and students can enroll in LINC classes after completing the following steps:

• Meet the requirements for and register as a client at the PEI Association for Newcomers to Canada (PEIANC).
• Complete the free Canadian language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT).
• Based on the results of the CLBPT, students are placed on a waiting list by level of English to attend classes at their preferred school.

To be eligible for free CLBPT testing in English at the PEIANC candidates must:

• Hold permanent resident status in Canada
• Be a recent immigrant currently residing in Prince Edward Island
• Be a registered PEIANC client

The first language test is usually scheduled during the intake process at the PEIANC.  The first CLBPT is free for all permanent residents. A fee of $50 applies if the test has to be taken a second time, and applies to all assessments for people without permanent resident status.

For more information on the PEIANC, visit their website or view the following links:

• Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test at PEIANC
• Intake and Referral at PEIANC

You can also take a free CLB online self-assessment language test (for reading and listening).  The results of this test are for your information only, and the test does not replace the official CLBPT offered at PEIANC.

Please note, if you are an international student interested in studying at Holland College and want to improve you English language skills, take a look at our English for Academic Purposes Program (EAP)