Frequently asked questions
 
Am I eligible to take adult ESL or LINC classes with the Peel District School Board?
 
Eligibility:
Generally, newcomers to Canada are eligible for language training at no cost. Eligibility must be verified when registering for a class. 
  
Age: 
Adults, 18 years of age or older or, if younger, with proof of high school completion from the country of origin.

 
Status in Canada:
  • Canadian Citizen (born outside Canada who doesn’t speak English as a first language) 
  • Permanent Resident 
  • Convention Newcomer/Protected Person 
  • Persons in Canada whose applications for Permanent Resident status are being processed in Canada, and who have been informed by a letter from the Citizenship and Immigration Canada of the initial approval of their application subject to an admissibility assessment 
  • Newcomer Claimant 
  • Temporary Worker or Student who has obtained initial approval for a concurrent Application for Permanent Residence 
  • Foreign Domestic Worker admitted under the Live-In Caregiver program 
  • Provincial Nominee (or Dependant) approved through Opportunities Ontario 
  • Temporary Foreign Worker (or Dependant) approved through Canadian Experience Class 
How do I register?
  1. You must start with a language assessment to determine your level of English so that you can be placed in a class where you will receive the most help. 
  2. Certified assessors conduct the assessments by appointment only at the Centre for Language Assessment & Referral Centre.  The assessment process can take 3 hours or more.  
  3. To book an appointment:
    1. ​Call 905.949.0049 OR
    2. Visit our Adult Education Centres, and we will be happy to book you an appointment.  
How much does it cost?
 
All classes and learning is free however learners pay a materials fee (if applicable) per session, per period depending on the language course, (i.e. Material fee for ESL class is up to $50.00)

 
Special Offer: ​Register for a second class in the same semester, pay half for 2nd class registered.  
All materials fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. 
Fees are collected using debit, credit card or money order. No cash or personal cheques will be accepted.

 
When are the classes?
 
September to June
Day Schedule: 
Period 1 - Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Period 2 – Monday to Friday 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
 
Night Schedule: 
Period 4 - Monday to Wednesday 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
 
Weekend Schedule: 
Period 5 - Saturdays - 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 
 
Summer
Day Schedule: Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Where are classes held?
 
Three Adult Centres are:
Do you offer ESL for specific situations/purposes?
 
We are a very learner-centric environment, so as a need for a program arises, we try to address it.  Learners needs have led to the development of several new classes, such as English for Internationally-Trained Teachers, and job preparation classes cover such topics as how to prepare a resumé, how to perform during a job interview, and cover letter writing. The need to prepare for professional English tests has been addressed with our TOEFL and IELTS preparation classes.​
 
What is the difference between ESL and LINC?
 
Both programs are based on the Canadian Language Benchmarks. 
  • ESL classes are funded by the provincial government through the School Board and are open to citizens and all legal residents over 18. 
  • LINC programs are funded by the federal government and are only available to Landed Immigrants and Convention Newcomers.
Can you receive secondary school credits for ESL courses?
 
No, there are no secondary school credits with adult ESL or adult LINC classes.

 
Are ESL classes offered to elementary and secondary school students enrolled in Peel schools?
 
Yes, ESL programs are offered in some Peel District School Board schools. Students or their parents should speak to the school principal or guidance counsellor for details about having a program offered at their school. 
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