Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)

The provinces of Quebec, Manitoba and British Columbia have assumed responsibility for the design, administration and delivery of settlement programs and services with federal funding. Settlement programs and services are to be reasonably comparable to those provided across the country.

The Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program provides basic language instruction in one of Canada's official languages to adult immigrants as soon as possible after their arrival in Canada, so that they may acquire the necessary language skills to integrate into Canadian society. Through the continued co-operation between Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and other partners, quality training can be offered to the broadest range and largest number of newcomers. Organizations interested in becoming partners in the LINC Program may obtain applications for funding by contacting their regional Citizenship and Immigration office.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible Service Providers

To be eligible under LINC, service providers must be:

• businesses;
• non-profit* groups;
• non-governmental organizations;
• community groups;
• educational institutions;
• individuals;
• provincial, territorial or municipal governments.

Eligible Clients

To be eligible under LINC a person must be:

• an adult immigrant (older than legal school leaving age); and
• either a permanent resident or a newcomer who has been allowed to remain in Canada, to whom CIC intends to grant permanent resident status and who has not acquired Canadian citizenship.

Summary

Before language training can be provided, clients must be rated to determine their level of language proficiency. The Canadian Language Benchmarks Assessment (CLBA) is used for this purpose. The CLBA provides an indication of the amount of training which may be required for clients to achieve the LINC Program outcome competency level.

Clients may participate in LINC for up to three years from the time they start training. LINC aims to have the same proportion of women and men participating in its program as is reflected in the local immigrant population.

Term of agreement

Agreements for any funding component may be signed for a period of up to twelve months.  

To find out more about LINC, contact your nearest Canada Immigration Centre or see the Guide for Applicants on the CIC Web site.

*Note: "non-profit" also known as nonprofit organizations, non profit organizations, not-for-profit organizations, voluntary organizations and volunteer organizations.

New Brunswick Contact(s):
See National Contact.

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National Contact(s):
CIC Call Centre Services
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Toll-free (information): 1-888-242-2100 (in Canada only)
TTY Toll-free (hearing impaired): 1-888-576-8502 (in Canada only)
Web site: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/index.asp
Hours of operation: Automated Telephone avialable 24/7.
Agents available Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.