OCISO offers free Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC). English language instruction is essential for newcomers to feel at home and be fully productive in their new land.
OCISO offers LINC classes at various levels from Literacy to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7. Landed Immigrants, Permanent Residents and Convention Refugees ages 18 and over are eligible to attend.
Full-time classes are held Monday to Friday from 9:00 am – 2:30 pm for all levels.
Part-time classes are held Monday to Friday from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm for CLB levels 1 to 4.
Students gain confidence by studying themes relevant to newcomers such as health and education, citizenship preparation, career planning and employment search skills.
There is ample opportunity for real listening and speaking practice – our classes have frequent guest speakers and field trips. Classes are small, giving students plenty of access to their teacher. We have a computer lab and student lounge area.
OCISO LINC continues to broaden the student experience above and beyond pure language training with community partnerships, conversation circles with Canadian volunteers, and special events.
We provide free, quality childcare for children of parents studying with us. Our daytime childcare is available for children from 6 months to 5 years. Evening childcare is available for children ages 31 months to 13 years.
To Register for LINC
Visit or call our school during the 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
240 Catherine Street, Suite 308
613-238-5462
Bring immigration documents and proof of address.
Remember to mention OCISO!
Bring the results of the Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment from the YMCA and your immigration document to OCISO LINC to register.
Our location:
OCISO LINC (Bank Street South, near Alta Vista Dr.)
1800 Bank Street. 3rd Floor
K1V 0W3. Ottawa, Ontario
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada
FREE ENGLISH CLASSES FOR ADULTS
Funded By
Classes for landed immigrants and convention refugees
Free parking!
Close to transit (OC Transpo bus route #6 and Walkley Station)
Childcare available
Small class sizes
Bring Immigration documents and Proof of Address
Computer Lab
Student lunch room
Settlement Counseling
Guest Speakers
OCISO LINC
1800 Bank St. Ottawa ON
OC Transpo buses: 1, 8, 41, 43, 97, 98, 99, 146
Bring the results of the Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment
from the YMCA and your immigration document to OCISO LINC
613-249-0006
All LINC students must first be assessed at:
YMCA/YWCA
Language Assessment and Resource Centre
240 Catherine St. Suite 308
Bring Immigration documents and Proof of Address
613-238-5462
