Settling in Ontario and want a better job? The province offers free or fully funded English/French training designed for newcomers at every stage—from basic language to workplace communication. This step-by-step guide explains who qualifies, how to book your assessment, and which program (LINC, ESL, OSLT, ELT) fits your job goals.
Who’s eligible Ontario’s free language training ?
- LINC/CLIC (federal): Free classes for permanent residents (PRs) and protected persons. Includes in-person or online options; in some regions childcare and transit supports are available.
- Adult ESL/FSL (provincial school boards): Free for many Ontario residents, including naturalized citizens, PRs, refugee claimants; some categories of temporary residents may also be eligible at boards that accept them.
- OSLT (Occupation-Specific Language Training, colleges): Free workplace language courses for PRs/protected persons with CLB ≈5+ and sector experience.
- ELT (Enhanced Language Training): Job-focused advanced English for PRs/protected persons, typically CLB 5–10, often paired with job search support or a placement.
If you’re not sure where you fit, start with a language assessment (CLB/NCLC). The assessor will refer you to the right class.
Step-by-step: from assessment to class
Step 1 — Book a free language assessment (CLB/NCLC).
Find a CLARS or YMCA assessment centre near you and book online or by phone. Assessments check speaking, listening, reading, and writing, then refer you to the right class and provider.
Step 2 — Bring the right documents.
Typical items include status documents (e.g., PR card or Confirmation of PR), photo ID, and proof of Ontario address. Ask your assessment centre exactly what to bring.
Step 3 — Pick your stream.
- Need everyday English/French or citizenship language proof? Choose LINC/CLIC. When you complete CLB 4 in speaking and listening, your certificate can be used for the citizenship language requirement.
- Are you a citizen, claimant, or other eligible resident who needs general English? Choose Adult ESL/FSL at your local school board.
- Already intermediate and job ready?
- OSLT (colleges): Sector-specific communication (e.g., tech, business, health, construction trades).
- ELT (community/school boards): Advanced, job-focused language + job search coaching or a work placement.
Step 4 — Ask about supports.
In some locations, programs offer free childcare (Care for Newcomer Children) and transit assistance if you qualify. Ask at registration.
Step 5 — Start classes and track your CLB.
Classes can be full-time or part-time, in-person or online. After each level, you’ll get feedback or a certificate showing your CLB progress. Keep these for applications (citizenship, college, licensing, or jobs).
Step 6 — After LINC/ESL, move to job-language.
Once you reach CLB ~5–6, consider OSLT or ELT to learn workplace communication, interviews, email tone, meetings, and sector vocabulary. Many programs include networking or mentoring.
Which program should I choose?
Goal: Improve daily life + meet citizenship language
- Pick: LINC/CLIC
- Good to know: Free; flexible schedules; some sites offer childcare and transit support.
Goal: General English for work/school (wider eligibility)
- Pick: Adult ESL/FSL at a school board
- Good to know: Often free for citizens, PRs, claimants; intake during the year.
Goal: Workplace English for your field (you have experience + CLB ≈5+)
- Pick: OSLT (college-delivered)
- Typical length: ~140–180 hours over 10–18 weeks; also short 40-hour online modules.
- Outcome: Stronger workplace communication, Ontario workplace culture, job-search skills.
Goal: Advanced, job-focused English + job search support
- Pick: ELT
- Typical length: 10–14 weeks class time; some providers add job development or placement support.
Quick comparison
| Program | Who it’s for | Typical entry level | Typical length | Key extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LINC/CLIC | PRs/protected persons | Any CLB | Varies; part-/full-time | May offer childcare & transit support in some areas |
| Adult ESL/FSL | Many Ontario residents (incl. citizens, PRs, claimants) | Any CLB | Ongoing terms | Board locations across Ontario |
| OSLT (colleges) | PRs/protected; experience in a sector | ~CLB 5+ | ~140–180 hrs (10–18 wks); 40-hr modules | Workplace communication + job-search |
| ELT | PRs/protected; internationally trained | CLB ~5–10 | ~10–14 weeks + job support | Employment coaching; sometimes placement |
Mini case
Jaspreet arrives as a PR with CLB 5.
- Week 1: Books a CLARS assessment and is referred to OSLT Technology.
- Weeks 2–13: Completes a 10–12 week OSLT course (evenings, virtual/blended).
- Weeks 14–16: Uses the program’s job search coaching, updates résumé, practises interview language.
- Month 4: Lands a junior QA role; keeps studying to reach CLB 7–8 for future promotions.
Checklist: what to bring to your assessment
- Status document: PR card/Confirmation of PR; or documents for protected persons/eligible residents.
- Photo ID and Ontario address.
- Any previous CLB/NCLC report or school placement info (if you have it).
- A list of times you can study (day/evening/online) and childcare needs.
FAQ
Do work-permit holders qualify?
You won’t qualify for LINC/CLIC, but many school boards offer Adult ESL to eligible residents, including some temporary categories. Check with your local assessment centre.
Can I study online?
Yes. LINC and college programs offer online or blended options; there’s also LINC Home Study for eligible learners.
Is childcare available?
In some locations, Care for Newcomer Children and transit support are available for eligible learners. Ask during registration.
Will my class help with citizenship?
If you complete CLB 4 in speaking and listening at a LINC provider, that certificate can be used to meet the citizenship language requirement.
Key takeaways
- Start with a free CLB assessment; it unlocks the right class and referrals.
- Match program to goal: LINC/CLIC for settlement basics, ESL for broad eligibility, OSLT/ELT for job-language.
- Supports exist: In some areas, childcare/transit help reduce barriers.
- Document progress: Keep CLB results and certificates for jobs, college, or citizenship.
