Language Training and Assessment
Newcomers may face challenges finding a job in Canada. Statistics Canada identifies four labour market challenges faced by newcomers to Canada. One challenge is communication skills.
Canada has two official languages: English and French. Depending on where you decide to live, you might be required to work in English, French, or in both languages.
Tip: Termium is a set of tools provided by the Translation Bureau of Canada to help with language usage, translation, writing styles and grammar. It has more than 3,900,000 terms in English, French and Spanish.
Getting Your Language Skills Tested
If you don't know what your English or French language level is, visit one of the Definition ofLanguage Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) centers. The LINC centers will test your language level and direct you to the appropriate language training program.
Improving Your Language Skills
The Definition offederal government provides free Definition oflanguage training programs for adult newcomers to Canada in cooperation with provinces, territories and non-governmental organizations:
- The Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program provides basic English language and literacy classes.
- The Enhanced Language Training (ELT) program provides advanced level and job-specific language training.
Tip: If you would like to practice your English, the guide "Practice English on your Own" developed by the Metropolitan Immigrant Settlement Association (MISA) has some great ideas and resources for English Language Learners.
Some provinces have language training programs that are different from LINC and Definition ofELT:
- In British Columbia, the government provides the English Language Services for Adults (ELSA) program,
- In Manitoba basic English language training is provided through the ENTRY program.
- In Québec, to improve your French language skills, contact the Ministère de l'Immigration et des Communautés culturelles (MICC).
- Visit the Language assessment and training section of the Citizenship and Immigration Web site for a list of English and French language programs across Canada.