Free English and French classes for newcomers (LINC and CLIC), with the free YMCA language assessment in Toronto
Free English and French classes for newcomers (LINC and CLIC), with the free YMCA language assessment in Toronto is a training program run by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. You likely qualify if: Classes: permanent residents, protected persons; Assessment: 18+, or younger with a diploma; Assessment: PR, refugee or other listed status (checked on the official page on October 4, 2026).
You likely qualify if: Classes: permanent residents, protected persons; Assessment: 18+, or younger with a diploma; Assessment: PR, refugee or other listed status.
Classes run all year, during the day, evening or on weekends. An in-person assessment takes 2.5 to 3 hours. Assessment results are temporarily valid for 24 months.
Call 416-925-5462Send to someone who needs thisChecked on October 4, 2026 on the official page
We last read this on October 4, 2026. That was a while ago, so please check their own website before you rely on it, and tell us below if something changed.
Language classes in English (LINC) and French (CLIC) funded by the Government of Canada, online or in a classroom, full time or part time, at no cost. Before you start, you need a free language assessment. In Toronto, the YMCA Language Assessment and Referral Centres test you and refer you to a free class near you.
Who qualifies
LINC and CLIC classes are for permanent residents and protected persons. The free YMCA assessment is for people 18 or older (or younger with a high school diploma) who are a Canadian citizen born outside Canada, a permanent resident, a convention refugee or protected person, a refugee claimant, a live-in caregiver, a person whose permanent residence application has initial approval, or a CUAET holder from Ukraine; the assessor can also refer you to other free government-funded English or French programs.
You likely qualify if:
- Classes: permanent residents, protected persons
- Assessment: 18+, or younger with a diploma
- Assessment: PR, refugee or other listed status
How to apply
- Apply on their website.
- Questions? [email protected]
- Come back here and tell us if it worked.
Other ways, if that one is quiet
Where else they are
Their website is canada.ca/.../classes.html. You can also find them on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X.
Good to know
- CostFree
- LanguagesEnglish, French
- Their stepsBook your free language assessment with the YMCA: use the Book an Appointment form on the YMCA page, call 416-925-5462 or email [email protected]
Go to one of the 5 Toronto centres (North York at 4580 Dufferin Street, Etobicoke at 1530 Albion Road, Lansing Square in North York, the Barrett Centre at 365 Bloor Street East, or Scarborough Milner). Bring photo ID and the original or a certified copy of your status document, such as a PR card or Confirmation of Permanent Residence. The assessor tests your speaking, listening, reading and writing and refers you to a free English or French program that fits you. Register and start your classes. If you complete CLB level 4 or higher in speaking and listening, your certificate can be used as proof of language for Canadian citizenship.
Did this way in answer?
Talk to a person: call 2-1-1, any time
Something wrong? Tell us
What to bring
- A free YMCA language assessment first
- Photo ID and your status document
Dates
Classes run all year, during the day, evening or on weekends. An in-person assessment takes 2.5 to 3 hours. Assessment results are temporarily valid for 24 months.
Something wrong? Tell us
We read all of this on their own website. If something has changed, tell us here. It takes 20 seconds, needs no account, and nothing is deleted: the old fact stays until a person checks yours.