Learning the English language in Canada
Canada enjoys two rich official languages: French and English. About two-thirds of Canadians consider English as their language. Therefore, Canada is a perfect country for learning the English language.
Learning the English language for the newcomers
If you are a newcomer to Canada, you could qualify for LINC. Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada or LINC is a free English learning opportunity in Canada for newcomers. Of course, to qualify, you must meet specific criteria, including being:
- A permanent resident of Canada or a convention refugee or IRCC has approved your PR application in principal
- At least 18 years old
Nonetheless, you are not a newcomer if you are:
- A Canadian citizen, or
- a visitor or an international student, or a temporary foreign worker.
If you qualify for LINC, you may even receive free childcare and transportation tickets. However, these perks depend on the policies of where you live in Canada. While LINC may not be quite useful, newcomers may choose alternative options. For example, ESL programs and English training at colleges and universities. Nonetheless, some of these options are not free.
Learning English in Canada for foreign nationals
You may travel to Canada to learn English. Of course, you have two options:
- An independent English as a Second Language (ESL) training
- Learning English as a prerequisite for your post-secondary education
Independent ESL
Sometimes you travel to Canada, to learn the English language and then return to your home country. Therefore, you usually spend a few weeks in Canada, take some courses and go back home. Consequently, if the program’s duration is less than six months, you do not need a study permit. However, depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for an eTA or a TRV. Of course, this type of ESL cannot be part of a certificate, degree or diploma program. For example, you may not register for a Bachelor of Arts in English literature with this approach. Generally speaking, degree programs call for a study permit.
Prerequisite ESL
When you sign up for a college or university program, they usually ask for language test results (e.g. IELTS or Duolingo). However, sometimes you do not have the test results ready, or your test results are not acceptable. Therefore, you may learn English at the same institution as part of your education. In other words, you attend ESL courses for a while and then move on to regular classes. The approval of such a process depends on the college or university. In these situations, you must apply for a study permit. Of course, the institution must be a DLI. If IRCC approves your study permit, you may travel to Canada and start learning English.
Ask your questions
If you have general questions, such as how to learn the English language in Canada, please fill out the following form. We will get back to you as soon as we can. However, if your questions are specific to your case, you may consider booking a consultation session with me.
If you are interested in visiting or immigrating to Canada, please complete our free assessment form.
There is no fee for this assessment. We will review your information and contact you if we identify a suitable immigration pathway or other meaningful option for you.
If you would prefer direct advice about your specific situation, you may book a consultation session. This is a paid service and includes formal immigration advice from a licensed Canadian immigration practitioner.
Al Parsai, LLM, MA, RCIC-IRB
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant
Adjunct Professor, Queen’s University Faculty of Law
Instructor, Ashton College, Immigration Consulting Program
Author of 88 Tips on Immigration to Canada and Inadmissibility to Canada for Human Rights Violations
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