• Education
• English as a Second Language (ESL)
• ESL for Adults

Can I take the LINC program in French?

In Ontario, the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program is generally offered in English. A few organizations offer the French option.

The French program is Cours de Langue pour les Immigrants au Canada (CLIC). Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) funds LINC and CLIC, which means they are free if you meet the eligibility requirements.

Am I eligible?

To be eligible for the CLIC, you must:

• Be a Permanent Resident, a Protected Person, a Convention Refugee, or a Ukrainian national in Canada under CUAET-AVUCU
• Be at least 18 years old
• Not be registered in a LINC program

It is important to understand that you cannot take a CLIC and LINC class at the same time.

How can I register for a CLIC program?

To take the French CLIC program, you can visit a settlement agency to learn more about this program; and if it’s right for you. If you decide to take the CLIC or LINC program, you can book a formal language assessment.

After your test, you can register for language classes in your area. Some locations offer online classes. To take CLIC online, you must have a level 3 in French.

The following organizations offer CLIC:

• La Cité
• Collège Boréal
• L'École des adultes Le Carrefour

You can contact 211 Ontario to find free French classes near you.

Other French Classes

• Occupation-specific Language Training program (OSLT) has a French equivalent called la formation linguistique axée sur les professions (FLAP).
• Enhanced Learning Training program (ELT) also has a French equivalent called Cours de Langue de Niveau Avancé (CLNA).
• French as a second language funded by the Ontario Government.
• Other French classes are also available, but they are not free.

For More Information

• Improve your English and French - General information on language training options available in Ontario. From the Ontario Government.
• Online French Self-Assessment Tool - This online test will help you assess your French level in reading and listening according to the Canadian Language Benchmarks for French. Your test results are for your information only – they are not official results.
• Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks - The centre that establishes the national standards in English and French used to measure the second language proficiency of adult immigrants and prospective immigrants living and working in Canada.