Being able to understand and speak the language of a country
is very important to your success in living
and working in that country.
Knowledge of one of Canada's official languages helps open
the door to jobs, services, news and information.
The Government of Canada offers language classes to help you
improve your English or French.
You can also start working to improve
your language skills before you arrive.
Language helps you improve your education
and the education of your children.
Language helps you to meet new people and participate
in activities in your new community.
And it helps you to obtain citizenship.
To become a Canadian citizen, you must show that you have
adequate knowledge of one of Canada's official languages,
measured through the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB).
In Canada, our official languages
are English and French.
Many Canadians speak both languages.
If you have access to the Internet,
you can take a practice test in English or French
even before you arrive in Canada.
This will give you an idea of your strengths
and what you may need to work on to improve your skills.
It's easy to do, it takes about one hour, and there's no cost.
And it will better prepare you for your formal assessment.
When you arrive in Canada, organizations that provide
immigrant services can help you to get more information
about language classes that can best meet your needs.
To enrol in a class, you and your family will need to have
your English or French skills tested at an assessment centre.
Organizations exist across Canada to help newcomers
find those testing facilities.
We want you to succeed in your language studies,
so there are different training options available
to suit your needs.
Depending on where you choose to settle,
you can take English or French training.
There are training programs that are paid for
by the Government of Canada.
Programs such as Language Instruction
for Newcomers to Canada in English
and Cours de langue pour les immigrants au Canada in French
are available to adult permanent residents
or refugees for free.
Training is available at all levels:
from very basic classes for those who have
little or no English or French skills,
to advanced classes focused on workplace-specific skills.
For example, in advanced classes,
you can get language training to help you find a job
that matches your skills and qualifications.
These classes may offer work placements, mentoring,
cultural orientation to the workplace
and licensing exam preparation.
During language training, you'll also get information
to help you get settled in Canada.
You'll learn about housing, banking, citizenship,
rights and responsibilities, government services,
and how to get a job.
You can choose to take full-time or part-time classes,
in a classroom or online,
during the day, the evening or the weekend,
at all levels from basic to advanced,
at various locations such as community organizations,
schools and colleges,
at a time that is convenient for you
and at no charge to you.
Some programs offer child care and provide services
for students with special needs.
All classes are taught by qualified,
experienced instructors who want to help you succeed!
So remember, as soon as possible:
1) Take the CLB online practice language test
before you arrive in Canada.
2) Visit an organization that serves immigrants
as soon as possible once you arrive.
3) Get a formal language assessment
at an assessment centre.
4) Register in language classes.
5) Start taking language classes at no cost to you
and improve your skills right away!
Don't wait until you apply for Canadian citizenship
to improve your language skills.
We look forward to greeting you in both official languages.
Bienvenue au Canada!
Welcome to Canada!