The process of immigration comes with new experiences, social adaptation, and the need to acquire new knowledge. Entering a new linguistic environment can be challenging, especially in Canada, where the official languages are English and French. All laws are enacted, and government services are provided in both languages. Ottawa One will help you choose the right resource to enhance your English proficiency. For instance, Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) offers free courses through local agencies.
Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO)
OCISO offers free English courses for newcomers to Canada. Learning English is crucial for adapting to a new environment, integrating into society, and feeling at home. These classes are available to:
- Immigrants
- Permanent residents of Ottawa
- Convention refugees over the age of 18 (those who, according to the 1951 Geneva Convention, were forced to flee their home country due to racial, religious, national, or political persecution or membership in a specific social group).
Classes take place Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM and are available for all levels. Beginners start with topics like preparing for Canadian citizenship, career planning, job search skills, and employment opportunities. Guest speakers and field trips provide additional opportunities for practicing listening and speaking skills.
Free childcare services are provided for parents attending courses, for children aged 6 months to 5 years.
To register, call 613-238-5462 during business hours. OCISO LINC is located at 1800 Bank Street, 3rd Floor, K1V 0W3.
Ottawa Chinese Community Service Centre (OCCSC)
The OCCSC offers paid English and French language courses through Zoom. Learners choose their language proficiency level (intermediate or advanced) and study in a supportive environment under the guidance of highly qualified teachers.
English class schedule (intermediate level):
- Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Location: 400 Cooper Street, Suite 2000
Contact: (613) 235-4875.
Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB)
OCDSB is part of Ontario’s public school system, serving over 70,000 students in Ottawa. The English language program is one of the most popular offerings. They provide three international paid English course programs:
- Six-week intensive English program
- Seven-week intensive English program
- Eight-week intensive English program
For pricing and registration details, contact an OCDSB specialist for the latest course fees.
Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB)
The OCSB helps newcomers adapt faster to Canadian society through English language education while providing valuable information on life, work, social, and cultural issues. The program includes excursions, cultural and digital events.
The Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) assessments are also available for free evaluation of English or French proficiency.
To register, call 613-228-3338.
Location: 570 West Hunt Club Road, Nepean, Ontario, K2G 3R4.
Specialized English classes for the hearing-impaired and deaf newcomers are available at St. Joseph’s Adult School (contact: 613-741-6808). Family members of hearing-impaired students can also take sign language courses.
The Ottawa Catholic School Board offers daytime and evening English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for adults, immigrants, refugees, and newcomers. Pre-registration is required.
English Language Tutoring for the Ottawa Community (ELTOC)
ELTOC is a community of volunteer tutors helping newcomers learn English. Sessions take place 2-3 hours per week and focus on reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. For those who cannot attend regular classes, this free program offers personalized learning.
To register, contact:
- Heartwood House, 108-404 McArthur Ave, Ottawa, ON K1K 1G8
- Phone: 613-232-8566 or 613-796-8566.
Support for Newcomers: Connecting Volunteers and New Arrivals
A volunteer mentor provides one-on-one support to help newcomers integrate into Canadian society. There is no fixed schedule, as the volunteer and newcomer decide on their own meeting times.
For assistance, contact the Ottawa Community Services Centre at 613-744-2892.
Additional Resources – Answering Common Questions
Settlement.org is a comprehensive resource provided by the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants, offering information on:
- Immigration and citizenship
- Housing and healthcare
- Children’s education, adult courses, and school support
- Resumes, job searching, employment services
- Legal services and daily life in Canada
The platform offers webinars, online and offline events, and informational articles to assist immigrants in finding relevant answers.
Paid Online English Courses
Online courses are a convenient and flexible way to study while managing work and family. Here are some popular paid online English courses:
- Step-by-Step Mastery – A 12-session per week conversation course.
- CNN News Class – A 6-session per week course focusing on listening, pronunciation, and speaking. Students watch and analyze news with their instructor.
- Grammar and Pronunciation Course – A 15-session per week structured program by the Ottawa School of English.
- Pronunciation and Speaking Course – Designed to reduce foreign accents, improve intonation and rhythm, and includes 18 weekly sessions.
- Interlangues English Academy Intensive – A 30-session per week course focusing on communication and exam preparation.
- Semi-Intensive Morning Program – A flexible online practice course for improving reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
- Grammar and Step-by-Step Mastery Course – A 10-session per week online program.
No matter which course you choose, improving your English skills is a great way to explore Canada’s bilingual culture, learn about Ottawa’s history, and integrate into local life. Learning English will help you find friends, expand your social network, and fully embrace the Canadian experience.
