Language Services
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)
The Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program is a formal language education initiative funded by the federal government. Designed for adult immigrants and refugees, the LINC program helps develop essential language and life skills necessary for active participation in Canadian society.
Who Can Apply?
LINC is available to:
- Permanent residents
- Newcomers with CUAET status (please note that candidates are not eligible for the program.)
Program Details
- Class Schedule: Classes are held from Monday to Friday, with each session lasting 2.5 hours.
- Attendance: Clients must maintain at least 80% attendance to retain their spot in the program.
- Levels Offered:
- Online Classes: Cover levels CLB 1 through CLB 4 and are conducted in the evenings.
- In-Person/ Hybrid Classes: Available in New Glasgow, Antigonish, and Pictou, with sessions held either in the morning or afternoon.
Learning Outcomes
The program focuses on the development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills based on Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB), using real-world tasks. Learners are assessed through Portfolio-Based Language Assessment (PBLA) and other formal assessments.
Certification
Upon successful completion of the required assessments, clients can acquire a certificate. This certificate serves as evidence of language proficiency for various purposes, including citizenship applications and more.
Locations
LINC is offered in three locations outside of the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM):
- New Glasgow
- Antigonish
- Kentville
Barbara Thompson
YMCA Language Coordinator
LINC ( Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada)
YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth I Centre for Immigrant Programs
104-7071 Bayer’s Road
Halifax.NS B3L 2C2
Email: Barbara.thompson@halifax.ymca.ca
Cell : (902) 222-4222
YMCA Centre (902) 457-9622
YREACH Language
YREACH Language Programs are offered in multiple locations outside of HRM across the province. The YREACH Language program is for adult immigrants and refugees who need to develop the necessary language and communication skills to actively participate in Canadian society. YREACH is available to a broad range of participants with varying immigration statuses. Classes are flexible with times and days agreed upon between the instructor and participant (within capacity). These classes are usually an hour and a half to 2 hours, a couple of times per week. A language assessment is needed before being placed in a class.
The program offers the development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills based on Canadian Language Benchmarks, using real world tasks and learners are assessed through PENS (Proficiency in English Nova Scotia), a portfolio based language program. After attending for a minimum of 3 months, and having achieved a CLB 4 in listening and speaking, a participant can obtain a certificate that can be used to apply for Canadian citizenship.
Lisa Stewart-Arsenault
YREACH (Recognizing Enhancing Aligning Community Horizons) Language Coordinator
YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth, Centre for Immigrant Programs
104-7071 Bayer’s Road
Halifax, NS B3L 2C2
Email: lisa.stewart@halifax.ymca.ca
Cell : (902) 499-5580
YMCA Centre (902) 457-9622
SPELL (Sector Partnerships for Enhanced Language Learning)
Discover an enriched online learning experience tailored to enhance English workplace communication, available province-wide through partnerships with organizations and companies. Our diverse clientele spans long-term care, food processing, manufacturing, construction, hospitality sectors, home care, and security services with a primary focus on elevating communication skills within the Canadian context. There is no cost for these classes thanks to the generous funding from Labour, Skills and Immigration from the Nova Scotia Government.
In June 2025, Customer Service Communication classes were launched for those working in public facing roles. A general workplace English communication curriculum is available for beginners to advanced levels. Specialty curriculum is provided for students in long-term care and home care. And Leadership Communication classes are offered for those in leadership roles or working towards a management position.
This comprehensive online 20-week program hones speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills that are specifically geared towards the workplace, aligning with the Canadian Language Benchmarks. Through dynamic elements such as role-play, class discussions, breakout room interactions, and individual assignments, participants sharpen their essential communication abilities. The program aims to instill confidence, fluency, and an acute awareness of both verbal and non-verbal Canadian communication practices.
In addition, students are provided with extra support for grammar, writing, pronunciation, speaking, and preparing for IELTS and CELPIP exams.
Who can apply?
2. Individuals awaiting statutory checks: Individuals from all immigration categories except Nova Scotia Nominees, who have been selected, in Canada or overseas, to become permanent residents and intend to settle in Nova Scotia, pending completion of medical, security and criminal verifications, and who have been informed by a letter from Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
3. Nova Scotia Nominees: foreign nationals and their dependents who have been nominated under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program but have not yet received Permanent Resident status.
4. Permanent Residents of Canada other than:
a) Permanent Residents of Canada – Nova Scotia Nominees
b) Permanent Residents of Canada – Refugees
5. Permanent Residents of Canada – Nova Scotia Nominees: foreign nationals and their dependents who have been nominated under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program and have become Permanent Residents.
6. Permanent Residents of Canada – Refugees: Convention refugees and protected persons overseas who have been selected for resettlement in Canada by Citizenship and Immigration Canada and have obtained Permanent Resident status
7. PR Applicants with Work Permit: individuals (and their dependents) who have submitted an application for Permanent Resident status to the Nova Scotia Nominee Program or to Citizenship and Immigration Canada and intend to settle in Nova Scotia.
Refugee claimants and off-campus work permit holders (i.e. full-time international students enrolled in post-secondary studies with a valid off-campus work permit) are excluded and hence, ineligible.
8. International post-secondary graduates (and their dependents) who have graduated from university or college in Canada and who are living in Nova Scotia and intend to settle in this province.
9. Protected Persons: as defined in Section 95 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).
10. Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) Applicants and their immediate dependents who have been designated by IPG.
Inquire about the next cohort start date.
Study Groups
Students can also take advantage of study groups focusing on grammar, writing, pronunciation, conversation, CELPIP & IELTS exam preparation, and LPN and NCLEX exam preparation.
Barbara Thompson
SPELL Program Coordinator
YMCA Centre for Immigrant Programs of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth
104-7071 Bayers Rd, Halifax, NS B3L 2C2
Tel: 902-222-4222
Our SPELL partnerships continue to expand, currently encompassing sectors in long-term care, home care, food processing, hospitality, construction, security, and manufacturing.
Join us in transforming workplace communication skills and fostering professional growth.
Informal Language Learning
Through the YREACH Settlement program, newcomers can also access informal language programming. Certificates for the purpose of applying for Canadian citizenship are not offered in informal language training, nor is a language assessment needed. It may, however, provide that perfect opportunity to practice and improve language skills while waiting for a formal language class and/or just build social networks, get connected and learn new things in English. You can check out the local YREACH Settlement Program for days and times of offerings.
Madhulika Handoo
Active Living Coordinator
YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth I Centre for Immigrant Programs
104-7071 Bayer’s Road
Halifax.NS B3L 2C2
Email: madhulika.handoo@halifax.ymca.ca
Cell : (902) 222-7645
YMCA Centre (902) 457-9622
