Free Language Classes for Newcomers

Permanent residents and protected persons, outside Québec. Since April 1, 2026, permanent residents who came through an economic program can use newcomer services, including language classes, for up to 6 years after becoming a permanent resident, dropping to 5 years on April 1, 2027. Protected persons, resettled refugees and other non-economic permanent residents have no time limit. Canadian citizens aren't eligible.

Yes. IRCC says that if you complete Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 or higher in speaking and listening, you can use that certificate as proof for the citizenship language requirement, which applies if you're 18 to 54 when you sign your application.

Yes. The Government of Québec offers free French courses to everyone 16 and older who lives in Québec and isn't subject to compulsory school attendance, and to people planning to settle there. IRCC's newcomer-services search doesn't list Québec providers.

Not federal LINC classes, unless you're in one of the few temporary-resident programs IRCC names. Some provinces fill the gap: Alberta's drop-in EAL classes take work permit holders when there's space, and British Columbia's BC Newcomer Services Program offers English practice to work permit holders and some international students. In Québec, temporary workers and students can apply for the government's French courses.

Not LINC, but some provinces offer them: Ontario's adult ESL and FSL classes are open to naturalized citizens, most of B.C.'s public post-secondary schools don't charge citizens tuition for English courses, and Québec's French courses are open to all residents 16 and older. British Columbia's BC Newcomer Services Program also offers English language practice to naturalized citizens.