English as a Second Language/Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada

About LINC and ESL

The Continuing Education Department offers Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for adults in Ottawa. Classes are available from beginner to advanced levels, focusing on building skills in reading, writing, grammar, listening, speaking, pronunciation, and more.

• LINC and ESL Classes: Online LINC and ESL classes start at CLB Level 3. Check current classes.
• Childcare: Available for some classes. More information.
• Eligibility: We do not offer classes for visitors, individuals on work or study permits, or residents of the province of Quebec. Please see our section on Visitors/Residents of Quebec for more details.

Language Assessment for Classes

To register for classes, you must have a valid language assessment from the YMCA or have attended LINC or ESL classes in the past two years. If you do not have a current language assessment, please click here to schedule one.

In-Person Registration

Registration is now closed for our current school year. Information about Fall classes will be added to the website in August.

• Ottawa Central Location: 
  • Albert Street Education Centre, 440 Albert St., Room 210
  • Monday to Thursday -  9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (closed from 12:00 to 12:30 p.m.)
  • Friday - Closed

Please bring:

• Proof of address
• Permanent Resident (PR) card or other immigration documents
• A copy of your most recent YMCA Language Assessment or your latest assessment from another school, if available

Child Care Programs for LINC

Funding from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada allow us to provide on-site child care so that families can attend Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) classes. Child care is available for children aged six months to six years. The program prepares children for Junior and Senior Kindergarten and provides all the early learning activities in a quality early childhood education setting (i.e., enhancing the physical, cognitive, linguistic, social and emotional development of the child.).