Welcoming newcomers to Canada isn’t just about arrival—it’s about feeling at home. One of the best ways to settle, find work, and connect with your community is by improving your English or French skills. Luckily, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) fully funds two renowned programs:
- LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) — English training
- CLIC (Cours de langue pour les immigrants au Canada) — French training Canada.ca
Both programs are completely free for eligible newcomers and are offered in flexible formats (in-person, online, full-time, part-time).
Who Is Eligible?
- Permanent residents, protected persons (refugees), and some in-Canada temporary residents under specific IRCC streams
- Not eligible: Canadian citizens, most international students, and work-permit holders outside IRCC’s newcomer categories Canada.ca
Before beginning classes, you’ll need a free language assessment to determine your Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level.
1. Timmins & District Multicultural Centre (TDMC)
Location: 330 2nd Avenue, Timmins, ON P4N 8A4
Contact: 705-269-8622 | info@timminsmulticultural.ca
Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM Timmins Multicultural Centre
What’s Offered:
- LINC & CLIC assessments & referrals: Get tested and placed in the right class level.
- Conversation Circles: Drop-in practice sessions to build speaking confidence over tea and snacks.
- Hybrid classes: Some sessions available virtually for those with childcare or transportation challenges.
2. College Boreal – Timmins Campus
Address: 395 Thériault Boulevard, Timmins, ON P4N 0A7
Info & Registration: infotimmins@collegeboreal.ca | 705-267-5850 College Boreal
Features:
- Structured LINC & CLIC courses, aligned with CLB levels 1–8.
- Day, evening & weekend classes (subject to demand).
- Career-focused modules: Industry-specific vocabulary for healthcare, trades, or business.
- One-on-one coaching: Personalized support for resume writing, interview prep, and credential recognition.
“The adapted LINC courses at Boréal boosted my confidence and helped me land a job in healthcare.” — Anastasiia, newcomer New Canadians
3. Achev LINC Home Study Ontario
Format: 100% online, self-paced
Register: achev.ca/linc-home-study-canada-ontario Achev
Why Choose Home-Study?
- Learn at your own pace: Perfect for shift workers or parents.
- CLB levels 1–8: Interactive modules for listening, speaking, reading, writing.
- No in-person attendance needed: Just an internet connection and a computer/smartphone.
How to Get Started
1. Book Your Assessment:
At TDMC (in-person) or via Achev (online).
2. Receive Your CLB Level:
Assessment results guide your placement.
3. Enroll & Attend:
Classes are fully funded—simply register and show up (or log in).
Tip: Bring supporting ID (PR card, immigration documents) to your assessment.
Beyond Language Classes
- Childcare & Transportation Support: Some providers offer subsidies.
- Enhanced Language Training (ELT): Job-specific courses in finance, customer service, hospitality.
- Settlement Workshops: Learn about banking, housing, healthcare, and Canadian workplace culture.
Invest in your language skills today – they’re the key to unlocking employment, education, and community in Timmins. Reach out to TDMC, College Boreal, or Achev and take the first step toward fluency!