LINC and ESL Registration Information

Whether you're a newcomer to the country or would like to better develop your English language skills, our English as a Second Language (ESL) and Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) programs enable students at varying levels to develop skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing. 

These programs are FREE for Eligible Newcomers to Canada, and designed to help adult learners improve their English skills for daily life, work, and academic purposes.

There have been many changes implemented for September 2026, so please read the information carefully before you complete a registration form.

  • LINC classes will only be available for Literacy/Foundation Literacy students up to CLB 4. 
  • Specialty classes for Seniors will no longer be offered.
  • Childcare at the Whitby location is no longer available.

For information about these courses, who is eligible and how to REGISTER, please click on one of the boxes below:

Man at a computer

LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada)
Teacher with adult learners

ESL (English as a Second Language)

Language Assessment Needed (ACHEV)

Credit ESL Classes (CLB 4/4/4/4+)

Questions about Language Classes

To qualify for free government-funded Adult ESL (English as a Second Language) programs in Ontario, you must be 18 or older, an Ontario resident, and hold one of the following immigration statuses: 

  • Permanent Resident 

  • Convention Refugee or Protected Person 

  • Refugee Claimant 

  • Naturalized Canadian citizen 

  • Provincial Nominee 

  • Federal Caregiver program participant 

 

Funded by

To qualify for free government-funded Adult LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers) programs in Canada, you must be 18 or older, an Ontario resident, and hold one of the following immigration statuses: 

  • At least 18 years old

  • The following Immigration Status  

    • Permanent Resident 

    • Convention Refugee 

    • Protected Person 

Settlement Services

For Settlement Services available to Newcomers in Durham Region contact:

For Information on Immigration in Durham Region contact:

Francophone Services 

Pour des services d’établissement en français veuillez contacter :

Pour la formation linguistique en français, veuillez contacter:

 

High School Credit/Pathways to Credit for Newcomers

CLB 4+ Students: If you have CLB 4 or higher in all 4 skills (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing) you are eligible to take our credit high school ESL courses. The class will be offered at the Ajax Continuing Education Centre ONLY.  If you would like to sign-up for courses, please register at the following link and the main office will contact you to set up an appointment with a Guidance/PLAR Assessor: https://forms.dcdsb.ca/Con-Ed-Registration-form-Ajax

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