Font Size
New to Canada? Learn English for Life and Work
I learned a lot from them (teachers), and the experience of creating presentations and projects was especially valuable. It helped me organize my thoughts, share information with my classmates, and improve my public speaking skills.
Alice, Student
The OCSB offers free English language classes for adults through two main programs: Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) and English as a Second Language (ESL). These programs are designed to help adult learners improve their English skills for daily life, work, and academic purposes.
Classes are throughout the city of Ottawa at Ottawa Catholic School Board Adult Schools and community locations.
Find Out About Our Programs
1. ESL – English as a Second Language ›
2. LINC – Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada ›
1. ESL – English as a Second Language
Flexible In-Person, Online & Hybrid Options for All Levels
The Continuing and Community Education Department offers Adult English as a Second Language (ESL) classes in Ottawa to help you improve your English communication skills for everyday life, work, or further education. Our ESL program is available in in-person, online, and hybrid formats, making it easy to learn at your own pace and convenience.
Courses are available for all skill levels—from complete beginners to advanced English learners.
Our ESL classes focus on:
- Reading, writing, and grammar.
- Speaking, listening, and pronunciation.
- Workplace communication and computer skills.
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test preparation.
Whether you’re new to Canada or looking to improve your professional English, our experienced instructors are here to support your language journey.
This class has significantly improved my prospects of securing a job in Canada. It equipped me with in-demand skills, enhanced my English communication abilities, and provided practical knowledge tailored to the Canadian job market.
Bertrand, Student
2. LINC – Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada
English, Employment & Everyday Life
The Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) Program helps newcomers adjust to life in Canada and participate in Canadian society as quickly as possible. Offered through our English, Employment & Everyday Life programs, LINC provides free English language training alongside essential skills to help you settle and find work.
Through the LINC program, you will gain:
- English language skills for speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
- Settlement and pre-employment training, including job search strategies and workplace communication.
- Practical information about living in Canada, including social norms, cultural values, and community services.
- Engaging activities like field trips, guest speakers, cultural events, and digital learning to help you connect with your community.
Whether you are preparing for your first job in Canada or looking to improve your English for daily life, the LINC program offers the tools and support you need to succeed.
Know Before You Register for ESL or LINC Courses
* LINC CLB levels 5-7 classes will end on March 31, 2026, across Canada and at OCSB.
| Classes | Days & Times | Format |
|---|---|---|
| CLB 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 LINC Weekdays Locations: -St. Patrick -St. Joseph -St. Nicholas | Monday to Friday Mornings or/and Afternoons | In Person |
| CLB 1-4 LINC Weekdays Classes for the Deaf LINC American Sign Language Classes for the Deaf › Location: -St. Joseph | Monday to Friday Mornings | In Person (Monday to Friday) Online (Monday to Thursday) |
* LINC CLB levels 5-7 classes will end on March 31, 2026, across Canada and at OCSB.
* Learners are required to attend each class and participate in class activities. Failure to do this may mean removal from the program.
The Government of Canada funds the LINC program through Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
Generally, newcomers to Canada are eligible for language training at no cost. Eligibility must be verified when registering for a class.
To register for the LINC program, you must:
- Be an adult, 18 years of age or older (if younger, with proof of high school completion from the country of origin).
- Permanent Residents.
- Convention Refugees.
- Be able to show proof of Ontario address.
- Have your language ability evaluated by a Language Assessment Centre. YMCA’s Language Assessment and Referral Centre (Y-LARC) provides immigrants with English or French language assessments for government-funded programs.
NOT eligible for LINC training:
- Canadian Citizens.
- Refugee Claimants.
- Temporary Residents (such as foreign students, foreign workers or visitors).
| Classes & Locations | Days & Times | Format |
|---|---|---|
| CLB 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 ESL & Literacy Locations: -St. Patrick -St. Joseph -St. Nicholas | Monday to Friday. Mornings and/or Afternoons | In Person & Online |
| CLB 1-8 - ESL Virtual Night School Location: -Online Classes | Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday Evenings Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Evenings | Online |
| CLB 5-8 ESL Child Care Worker › Locations: -St. Joseph -Online Classes | Weekdays Afternoons | In Person (Afternoons) Online (Evenings) |
| ESL Computer Basics Locations: -St. Patrick -St. Joseph | Monday to Friday, Afternoons Monday to Thursday, Mornings | In Person |
| CLB 5-8 ESL Office & Accounting Basics Location: -St. Patrick. | Monday to Friday, Mornings | In Person |
| ESL Computer Skills for Office Location: - St. Patrick | Monday to Friday, Afternoons | In Person |
| ESL Sewing Locations: -St. Patrick -St. Joseph -St. Nicholas | Monday to Friday, Mornings and/or Afternoons | In Person |
| English for Academic Purposes Location: -St. Patrick | Monday to Friday, Afternoons | Online |
| IELTs Test Preparation Location: -St. Patrick | Monday to Friday, Afternoons | Online |
| Workplace/Business Communications Location: -St. Patrick | Monday to Friday, Afternoons | In Person |
| Flex English Location: Online | Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday Mornings | Online |
| CLB 5-7 Home Support Worker › Locations: -St. Nicholas -Online Classes | Morning In Person (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) Evening Online(Tuesday and Thursday) | In Person (Mornings) Online (Evenings) |
| CLB 3-4 ESL Newcomer Entrepreneur Basics Location: - St. Patrick | Monday to Friday Afternoons | Online with occasional days In Person |
| ESL Basics for Hospitality Career Location: -St. Joseph | Monday to Friday Mornings | In Person |
| CLB 1-4 American Sign Language Classes for the Deaf › Location: -St. Joseph | Monday to Friday Afternoons | In Person |
| Community ESL Locations: -Rochester Senior -Foster Farm | Monday to Friday Mornings | In Person |
* 2025-26 School Year Schedule .
* Learners are required to attend each class and participate in class activities. Failure to do this may mean removal from the program.
Generally, newcomers to Canada are eligible for language training at no cost. Eligibility must be verified when registering for a class.
Day and night adult classes are available for New Canadians, Landed Immigrants, Refugees, Refugee Claimants, Visa Holders, Visitors and Diplomats. Classes are throughout the city of Ottawa at the Ottawa Catholic School Board Adult Schools and community locations.
To register for the ESL Program, you must:
- Be an adult, 18 years of age or older (if younger, with proof of high school completion from the country of origin).
- Be able to show proof of Ontario address.
- Have your language ability evaluated by a Language Assessment Centre. YMCA’s Language Assessment and Referral Centre (Y-LARC) provides immigrants with English or French language assessments for government-funded programs.
Eligible for FREE English As A Second Language (ESL) Training:
- Canadian Citizens (those born outside Canada who do not speak English as a first language).
- Permanent Residents.
- Convention Refugees/Protected Persons.
- Persons in Canada whose applications for Permanent Resident status are being processed in Canada, and who have been informed by a letter from the Citizenship and Immigration Canada of the initial approval of their application subject to an admissibility assessment.
- Refugee Claimants.
- Temporary residents with CUAET.
- Temporary Workers or Students who have obtained initial approval for a concurrent Application for Permanent Residence.
- Foreign Domestic Worker admitted under the Live-In Caregiver program.
- Provincial Nominee (or Dependant) approved through Opportunities Ontario.
- Temporary Foreign Worker (or Dependant) approved through Canadian Experience Class.
NOT eligible for the FREE ESL training:
- Diplomats.
- Visitors.
- International Students.
- Language Instruction For Newcomers To Canada (LINC).
- Government Assisted Refugees (GARs).
All ESL learners pay the following materials fee (nonrefundable):
- Part-Time (15 hrs/week) $30 per school year.
- Full-Time (30 hrs/week) $40 per school year.
- Night School (8 hrs/week) $20 per school year.
- Part-Time (10 hrs/week) $20 per school year.
- Part-Time (6 or 3 hrs/week) $10 per school year.
American Sign Language classes for Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Deafened Adult Newcomers.
- St. Joseph’s Adult School, 330 Lajoie St., Ottawa East.
- Call: 613-741-6808 or TTY: 613-741-1218
Our classes for the Deaf are also offered to Deaf, Deafened and Hard-of-Hearing Ontario immigrants outside of Ottawa.
We also accept immigrant adult family members who are hearing and want to learn American Sign Language.
Learn More by Watching the Language Training for Canada Videos from Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
Due to high demand, some courses are at capacity and students may be put on a waiting list. You can email* us any time of the year to register, as some classes may have a few spots
We will contact students on our waitlist when a spot is available. Do not come to school unless you receive a “Welcome email” or phone call from us.
All new students need a Language Level Assessment with YMCA. Please book your assessment before registering for the ESL and LINC programs.
* Contact us: (LINC) Continuing.Education@ocsb.ca and (ESL) ESLRegistration@ocsb.ca.
LINC & ESL Locations
| Format | Locations, Times | Address | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| In Person or Online | St. Patrick’s Adult School | 290 Nepean St., Ottawa, ON | 613 594-5773 patrick.adult@ocsb.ca |
| In Person or Online | St. Joseph’s Adult School | 330 Lajoe St., Ottawa East | 613 741-6808 joseph.adult@ocsb.ca |
| In Person or Online | St. Nicholas Adult High School | 893 Admiral Ave., Ottawa | 613 228-9060 esl.admiral@ocsb.ca |
| Online Weekdays | Online Evening Classes | N/A | 613 594-5773 patrick.adult@ocsb.ca |
| St. Joseph’s High School | 3333 Greenbank Rd., Barrhaven | ||
| In Person Weekdays | Community Location: Rochester Seniors | 289 Rochester St. Ottawa | 613 741-6808 joseph.adult@ocsb.ca |
| Community Location: Foster Farm | 1065 Ramsey Crescent, Ottawa |
Assessments are required, and we encourage learners to book an appointment.
All new learners MUST have a language assessment completed at the Ottawa Y-Language Assessment and Referral Centre (Y-LARC). Learners may then select the school location of their choice and register in person.
Please bring proof of status in Canada and proof of Ontario address to Y-LARC.
- Central Location: 308-240 Catherine St. | Tel: 613-238-5462
- West Location: 1642 Merivale Rd. | Tel: 613-688-2150
- Email: larc.celo@ymcaottawa.ca
Note: Visitors, diplomats, and international students can also be assessed at Y-LARC for $150. Please call the school for more information or make an assessment appointment.
View the following videos for a more detailed explanation:
ENGLISH Play Video ›
FRANÇAIS Play Video ›
普通话 Play Video ›
العربية Play Video ›
ESPAÑOL Play Video ›
If you need more information about our courses, please call us at 613-228 3338 or email us at (LINC) Continuing.Education@ocsb.ca and (ESL) ESLRegistration@ocsb.ca.
Are You a New Student? Contact the School for Availability
Due to high demand, some courses are at capacity, and students may be put on a waiting list.
We encourage you to contact your local school or email our team for guidance on registration and availability. Once your spot is confirmed, you will receive a “Welcome email” or a phone call with the next steps.
Please call the school that offers your course option, or email us at (LINC) Continuing.Education@ocsb.ca and (ESL) ESLRegistration@ocsb.ca.
Please Note
- All courses are subject to availability and enrollment and may have waiting lists. The proposed schedule and locations are subject to change based on funding and other government directions.
- Classes will include online components, and learners should be prepared to participate in online sessions or complete online assignments.
- Learners are required to attend each class and participate in class activities. Failure to do this may mean removal from the program.
Need More Information?
If you need more information about our courses, please call us at 613-228 3338 or email us at (LINC) Continuing.Education@ocsb.ca and (ESL) ESLRegistration@ocsb.ca.
