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Language Instruction

A man standing in front of a classroom

Canada has many free English and French language classes for newcomers. Language classes help you learn or improve your official language skills, and provide opportunities for learning about Canadian culture and connecting with the community. There are classes for all language levels, from basic literacy to advanced and occupation-specific. 

  • LINC classes are funded by the Federal Government, and only permanent residents, who are not citizens yet, are eligible for these classes. To sign up for LINC classes, a language assessment is required. To book an appointment, contact the English Language Assessment & Referral Services at YMCA Immigrant Services.
  • ESL classes are funded by the Provincial Government and  have no resident status requirements, but you may need to be at a certain English proficiency level to be able to enroll in these classes. There may be a small fee for enrolment.

Language Instruction Programs

Canadian Hearing Services Education Programs

Canadian Hearing Services
1-866-518-0000, 1-877-215-9530, info@chs.ca
50 Dundurn St S, Hamilton, ON L8P, Canada

Offers a range of education programs and services to help Deaf and hard of hearing individuals and their families.

Programs include:

  • American Sign Language (ASL) classes – beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes available
  • Literacy and Basic Skills
  • Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada
  • ASL Classes for Family Communication

Circle of Friends for Newcomers English as a Second Language Services

Circle of Friends for Newcomers Hamilton
905-529-1840
155 Queen St N, Hamilton, ON L8R 2V6, Canada

Offers English classes and conversation circles for newcomers to Canada.

LINC classes provide language training from Literacy to CLB 5 for permanent residents, including Convention refugees.

Also helps students find ESL credit programs, provides information about how to obtain their high school diploma, and other bridging programs in the city, makes referrals to other local newcomer services.

English Conversation Circles

Hamilton Public Library
905-527-6611 (Trinity Lutheran Church), 905-529-1840 (Circle of Friends), 905-546-3444 (Hamilton Public Library)
55 York Blvd, Hamilton, ON L8R 3K1, Canada
155 Queen St N, Hamilton, ON L8R 2V6, Canada

Offers newcomers to Canada an opportunity to practice their spoken English in conversation with peers.

English Language Assessment and Referral Centre

YMCA of Hamilton Burlington and Brantford
905-526-8452 (YMCA Main Street Location), 905-662-9400 (YMCA Stoney Creek Location), immigrant.settlement@ymcahbb.ca
25 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8P 1H6, Canada
211 Centennial Pkwy N, Hamilton, ON L8E 1H8, Canada

Eligibility screening, language skills assessment and referral to government-funded English language programs including:

  • Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)
  • LINC Home Study
  • English as a Second Language (ESL) 
  • Enhanced Language Training (ELT)
  • Occupation-Specific Language Training (OSLT)
  • Specialized Language Training (SLT)

ESL and LINC Classes

Hamilton Wentworth District School Board
110 King St W, Suite 601, Plaza Level, Hamilton, ON L8P 4V3, Canada
140 Centennial Pkwy N, Hamilton, ON L8E, Canada
135 Fennell Ave W, Hamilton, ON L9C 7V7, Canada
770 Main St E, Hamilton, ON L8M 1L1, Canada
150 E 5th St, Hamilton, ON L9A 2Z8, Canada
60 Barlake Ave, Hamilton, ON L8E 1G7, Canada
45 Young St, Hamilton, ON L8N 1V1, Canada
182 Rebecca St, Hamilton, ON L8R 1C1, Canada
55 York Blvd, Hamilton, ON L8R 3K1, Canada
1967 Rymal Rd E, Stoney Creek, ON L8J 2R7, Canada
155 Queen St N, Hamilton, ON L8R 2V6, Canada

English as a Second Language (ESL) and Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC). Classes offer a variety of programs to allow students to pursue and achieve their English language proficiency and educational goals. Class levels are from basic to advanced with a focus on listening, speaking, reading and writing. Day and evening classes available.

Hamilton Wentworth District School Board Welcome Centre Services

Hamilton Wentworth District School Board
905-521-2550, 905-521-2554, hmoffat@hwdsb.on.ca
465 E 16th St, Hamilton, ON L9A 4K6, Canada

Supports students and their families with their transition to attending school in Hamilton.  Provides English as a Second Language (ESL) assessment services to mature students, newcomers, and children.  Also supports adult students with initial assessments as they resume their studies toward achieving their Ontario High School Diploma.

Services include:

  • Admissions for International and Exchange Students
  • Adult Student Credit Assessments
  • English as a Second Language Assessments for Newcomers
  • Prior Learning Equivalent Credits

Mohawk College Workplace Preparation Program

Mohawk College
575-1212 ext. 3092, learnenglish@mohawkcollege.ca
135 Fennell Ave W, Hamilton, ON L9C 7V7, Canada

A free program designed for Internationally Trained Professionals. Offered to qualified newcomers that have considerable background and experience from their country but have not yet worked in their field in Canada.  The Workplace Preparation Program (ELT) prepares individuals to work in their field through 12 weeks of language training related to:

  • networking
  • resume, cover letter and interview preparation
  • workplace communication and cultural practices

Newcomer Learning Centre

Hamilton Public Library
905-546-3444, nlc@hpl.ca
55 York Blvd, Hamilton, ON L8R 3K1, Canada

Newcomer Learning Centre at Hamilton Public Library serves people who are new to Canada.  

Services include:

  • English language tutoring
  • Conversation circles
  • English programming for seniors
  • Print and non-print material for learners and teachers
  • Volunteer opportunities in partnership with Newcomers to Canada

Occupation-Specific Language Training

Mohawk College
905-526-8452 (YMCA Language Assessment Centre), 905-5575-1212 ext. 3092 (Mohawk College), learnEnglish@mohawkcollege.ca
135 Fennell Ave W, Hamilton, ON L9C 7V7, Canada

Online courses to qualified individuals whose first language is not English and who have previous education or work experience from outside Canada in Business, Health Sciences, or Technology. Courses are designed to develop workplace communication skills specific to one’s field. All participants need to have a language assessment conducted at an Assessment Centre at the YMCA.

St. Charles Adult and Continuing Education Elementary International Languages Programs

St. Charles Adult and Continuing Education
905-577-0555 ext. Press 5, info@stcharles.ca
150 E 5th St, Hamilton, ON L9A 2Z8, Canada

Provides elementary school children with the opportunity to experience culture, traditions and languages of other countries. Classes are free and are offered outside regular school hours at various locations throughout Hamilton. See website for details.

Programs operated through the Hamilton Wentworth Catholic District School Board (HWCDSB) and funded through the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.

St. Charles Adult and Continuing Education International Languages Instruction

St. Charles Adult and Continuing Education
905-577-0555, info@stcharles.ca
150 E 5th St, Hamilton, ON L9A 2Z8, Canada

Instructional classes teach international languages in either a non-credit conversational or for-credit format. Credits are earned towards secondary education.  Languages available include: French, Spanish, Chinese, Polish, and Urdu.

Programs operated through the Hamilton Wentworth Catholic District School Board (HWCDSB) and funded through the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.

WorkLINK

Immigrants Working Centre
905-529-5209 ext. 223, jswcounsellor@iwchamilton.ca
8 Main St E, Suite 101, Hamilton, ON L8N 1E8, Canada

A 6 to 8-week program to help newcomers improve their English and prepare for the workplace.  Services include:

  • Step-by-step training from qualified and professional staff
  • Industry-specific terminology to help navigate the workforce
  • Certifications and workplace preparation for specific industries