OCISO offers free Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC). For many newcomers, learning English is the largest hurdle to overcome in their settlement process. OCISO views English language instruction as an essential element in helping newcomers to feel at home and be fully productive in their new land. OCISO offers LINC classes at all levels (Literacy through Advanced LINC 7) at two locations. Landed Immigrants and Convention Refugees over the age of 17 are eligible to attend.
Students gain confidence through a program with themes relevant to newcomers, such as health and education, career planning and resume preparation. There is ample of opportunity for real listening and speaking practice - our classes have frequent guest speakers and field trips. Students benefit from regular feedback from teachers and classmates. Some classes have a workplace or academic focus.
OCISO LINC continues to work on broadening the experiences of our students above and beyond pure language training. We have developed partnerships with corporate partners and experts who assist the students develop resumes, hone their interview skills, and in some cases, take advantage of mentor relationships and short term co-op job placements.
We provide free child-care for pre-school children of parents studying with us. Our daytime quality childcare is available for children from 6 months to 6 years while our evening childcare is available for ages 6 months to 12 years.
To Register for LINC
Visit or call any of our schools during their office hours to register. An assessment to determine a student's level of skill in English must be done by the YMCA/YWCA Language Assessment and Resource Centre before placement at OCISO LINC. We can set up appointments for you with the YMCA if needed.
Both LINC schools are located on primary transportation routes, have free parking, and have free bus tickets for qualifying students.
Students gain confidence through a program with themes relevant to newcomers, such as health and education, career planning and resume preparation. There is ample of opportunity for real listening and speaking practice - our classes have frequent guest speakers and field trips. Students benefit from regular feedback from teachers and classmates. Some classes have a workplace or academic focus.
OCISO LINC continues to work on broadening the experiences of our students above and beyond pure language training. We have developed partnerships with corporate partners and experts who assist the students develop resumes, hone their interview skills, and in some cases, take advantage of mentor relationships and short term co-op job placements.
We provide free child-care for pre-school children of parents studying with us. Our daytime quality childcare is available for children from 6 months to 6 years while our evening childcare is available for ages 6 months to 12 years. To Register for LINC
Visit or call any of our schools during their office hours to register. An assessment to determine a student's level of skill in English must be done by the YMCA/YWCA Language Assessment and Resource Centre before placement at OCISO LINC. We can set up appointments for you with the YMCA if needed.
For your assessment, go to:
Language Assessment and Resource Centre,
Suite 308, 240 Catherine St.,
Phone: 613-238-5462.
Documents to have: Bring Immigration documents and proof of address. Be sure to mention OCISO!
Bring the results of the Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment from the YMCA and your immigration document to any of our OCISO LINC locations to register.
Language Assessment and Resource Centre,
Suite 308, 240 Catherine St.,
Phone: 613-238-5462.
Documents to have: Bring Immigration documents and proof of address. Be sure to mention OCISO!
Bring the results of the Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment from the YMCA and your immigration document to any of our OCISO LINC locations to register.
Both LINC schools are located on primary transportation routes, have free parking, and have free bus tickets for qualifying students.
Our LINC locations are:
OCISO LINC East (see details, maps, and directions)
940 Belfast Road. Suite 202.
K1G 4A2O. ttawa. Ontario
Tel: (613) 741-1368
Fax: (613) 741-0909
OCISO LINC South (see: details, maps, and directions)
1800 Bank Street. 3rd Floor
K1V 0W3. Ottawa, Ontario
Telephone: 613-249-9634
Fax: 613-249-9642
OC Transpo buses 1, 8, 140, and 97
1800 Bank Street. 3rd Floor
K1V 0W3. Ottawa, Ontario
Telephone: 613-249-9634
Fax: 613-249-9642
OC Transpo buses 1, 8, 140, and 97
For more information contact:
Ron Lavoie, LINC Program Manager
Phone: 613-249-9634
Fax: 613-249-9642
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
More information about the Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment is available at the YMCA Language Assessment & Resource Centre. Call 613-238-5462, or visit their website.
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