English Language

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Canada has two official languages: English and French. In Ontario, the most commonly spoken language is English. 

Newcomers to Ontario, who have English as a Second Language (ESL), can find many resources to improve their English. This would be very helpful in the process of settlement and will help you to find employment, gain admission in an educational program or course, access services, help your children with homework and also when you meet and talk to people. English language is also required to get your Canadian citizenship.

You can access some free tools to improve your knowledge of English (or French) at the following website by the Government of Canada:

https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/index

You can also take language classes and trainings, which are offered for different levels and purposes, based on your language proficiency and need.

The Canadian government funds language classes. You can find information about language training programs at the following websites:

https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/services/index.asp

https://settlement.org/ontario/education/#ESL

Some of the main programs available to improve basic English skills are the following:

LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada):

This is a free language program funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This program is offered to permanent residents and convention refugees over the age of 18. Classes range from level 1 (low beginner) to level 8 (high intermediate). There is also a pre-beginner level. 

Participants have the option of attending full-time classes or part-time classes as well. Some centres might offer free child-minding while you attend the class. If you are eligible, you might qualify for the LINC Home Study program as well, in which eligible newcomers can take LINC classes from home.

ESL Classes:

For immigrants and refugees looking to improve their English, some school boards located across Ontario provide language-training classes for adults. These are offered at the beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. 

ESL classes are free of cost. Sometimes, some service providers might charge a small fee for materials. These are offered part-time or full-time and can also be taken during the evenings as well as daytime. 

This program is helpful if you are planning to improve English skills for better communication in everyday life, but also helps you to prepare for an English test, for instance, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Enhanced Language Training (ELT):

This is a program that helps Internationally Trained Professionals obtain advanced-level English proficiency, in order to be fluent in the job-specific language in their profession. 

Benefits:

-  ELT provides training to find jobs in your field using the sector-specific language

-  ELT helps you keep employment that matches your skills and qualifications.

-  Many ELT programs also offer work-related experiences, such as bridge-to-work assistance, mentoring, placements etc.

For more information or to enrol, contact one of the following sources:

-  Community Information Centres

-  Settlement Agencies

-  School Boards

-  Public Libraries

-  Universities and Colleges

-  Professional and regulatory bodies

Occupation-Specific Language Training (OSLT):

This is a free program offered to newcomers to Ontario who are trained or experienced in a specific field, but need to improve their occupation-specific communication skills. In order to enrol in this program, the individual must be language-proficient at level 5 or higher in the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) assessment.

 Benefits:

-  OSLT helps you understand the workplace culture within your occupational field

-  OSLT teaches you skills for effective interaction with co-workers, supervisors and service users for your profession

-  OSLT provides opportunities for networking and interview skills

-  OSLT may also provide career-related services including job-search and career-planning workshops, mentoring programs, industry-related guest speakers etc.

For more information or to enrol:

-  Check the OSLT website: www.co-oslt.org

-  Contact any of the colleges on the following website: https://co-oslt.org/contact/

-  Newcomer Information Centres

-  Settlement agencies

An important skill for newcomers is to learn English conversational skills. This helps them improve their communication for everyday living. 

English Conversation Circles:

English Conversation Circles are informal discussion groups where people come together to practice speaking and listening skills in English. These circles are led by English-speaking facilitators and are free of cost. Sometimes, registration is required, but at other times, they are offered as ‘walk-in’ programs, which means you can simply show up to the program as and when you are available.

Benefits:

-  Practice English in a safe and supportive environment

-  Learn conversational strategies to interact in English

-  Network with new people and learn about resources within the community

-  Learn new phrases, expressions and words that useful in everyday conversations

-  Find more ideas about how to improve your English on an ongoing basis

-  Gain confidence in starting conversations and in public speaking

-  Learn about appropriate and inappropriate forms of communication in Ontario

Where are English Conversation Circles offered:

-  Many public libraries

-  Some schools

-  Some Community centres

-  Some non-profit organizations