LINC is open to Permanent Residents, Convention Refugees, and Protected Persons aged 18 or older, who are living in Alberta.
The Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) Program at Keyano College offers free, part-time English language instruction to newcomers to Canada. Funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the program supports integration into Canadian life by focusing on English communication, essential life skills, and settlement knowledge.
Through practical language development, guest speakers, field trips, and digital literacy training, LINC helps participants gain confidence and independence in daily life, employment, and community engagement.
What You’ll Learn
The LINC curriculum focuses on real-world communication skills, enabling you to function effectively in Canadian society. Throughout the program, you will:
- Build essential English skills
- Improve your speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English
- Learn English relevant to everyday situations and life in Canada
- Strengthen life and work readiness
- Practice conversations for shopping, using public transit, medical visits, and workplace interactions
- Learn how to complete forms, write emails, and read public notices or instructions
- Understand Canadian systems and culture
- Gain knowledge of local laws, housing, education, healthcare, and banking
- Explore Canadian values, customs, and civic responsibilities
- Develop digital literacy
- Participate in weekly computer classes to boost comfort with technology
- Learn how to use email, navigate websites, and access digital resources
- Enhance your path to citizenship and employment
- Understand how to prepare for the Canadian citizenship test
- Begin preparing for future education or job training pathways
Potential Pathways
LINC 4 graduates may be eligible for:
- Community Adult Learning Programs (CALP)
- Academic Foundations or College Preparation at Keyano
- Entry into post-secondary programs or employment opportunities
Program Structure
The LINC program is designed to provide consistent, practical learning in a supportive classroom environment. Here's how it's organized:
Class Levels: LINC 1 to LINC 4
The LINC program offers English language instruction across four levels, starting from foundational literacy skills at LINC 1. Placement is based on your Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) assessment.
Schedule
- Classes run September to June (aligned with the school year)
- Weekly computer classes support digital skill development. (Please note: computer classes are not offered in literacy-level courses.)
Instruction Format
- In-person learning at Keyano College
- Part-time schedule: Monday – Thursday
- Online option available for CLB 4
- Monthly themes such as: Money & Banking, Education, Canadian Law, Employment, Health & Nutrition, Canada & Citizenship, Housing
Activities
- Guest speakers
- Field trips to community organizations
- Cultural celebrations
Certification
- Receive a Certificate of Completion after each level
- Completion of LINC 4 can be used as proof of English proficiency for Canadian citizenship
Admission Requirements
To join the LINC program at Keyano, you must be:
- A Permanent Resident, Convention Refugee, or Protected Person
- At least 18 years of age
- Assessed at an eligible language level (through CLB assessment)
- Living in Alberta
Tuition and Fees
Free for all eligible participants
Hear From Our Students
"This program is very helpful to learn English, and now I am able to talk to persons in shopping malls, clinics and offices."
— Tamseela Shahbaz, LINC 2
LINC improved my listening, speaking, reading and writing. It helped my confidence for job interviews, my driver’s license exam, and everyday communication."
— Saredo Ali Houssein, LINC 2
"LINC helped me meet good friends, and I use more English words. Now I can do everything without my husband's help."
— Jiyoung Song, LINC 2
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for LINC classes?
The program is completely free for eligible participants.
LINC is currently delivered in-person at Keyano College, with an online option available for CLB 4 students.
Can I use LINC to apply for Canadian citizenship?
Yes. Completion of Language Instruction for Newcomers (LINC) 4 may be accepted as proof of language proficiency for your citizenship application.
Do I need a language test to start?
Yes. A Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) assessment will determine your Language Instruction for Newcomers (LINC) level.
What happens after I finish LINC?
Graduates may continue to other educational opportunities such as Community Adult Learning Program (CALP), Academic Foundations, or begin post-secondary programs and job training.
Ready to Get Started?
Visit our LINC Office at Keyano College
Email us: english@keyano.ca
Call: 780-792-5706 or 780-598-7907
Text: 780-598-7907
Book an appointment or drop in to ask questions - no pressure, no fees.
Prefer to speak in person? Visit us on campus and we’ll guide you through the process from assessment to registration.