Learn a skill and meet new friends for life
Grow your knowledge
Learning doesn't stop when you settle in Canada. Whether you want to improve your English, learn a new skill, or meet new people, there's a place for you here. Most of what we offer is free, and everything is designed for newcomers.
Get in touch
English courses inquiries
Learn English at your level
Step 1. Determine your English Level
Take a free Canadian Langugage Benchmarks Test to see where your English skills rank.
Step 2. Select Free or Affordable classes to take your English skills to the next level
Free Classes
For Permanent Residents
Learn English (LINC)
Our Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) offers free, friendly courses focused on practical English and information about life in Canada. Offerings include:
- Beginner to intermediate English language training for eligible newcomers (permanent residents or refugees) adults, age 17 years and older
- Available childcare for preschool children of LINC students
LINC is funded by the Government of Canada, through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Course Schedule
Mon. to Fri., 9 – 11:30 am: Five in-person courses + one online course
Mon. to Fri., 12:30 – 3 pm: Three in-person courses
Mon. & Wed., 6 – 9 pm: Two in-person courses + one online course
Tues. & Thurs., 6 – 9 pm: Three in-person courses
For work permit holders and refugee claimants
BC Newcomer Services
Our English language training program funded by the BC government offers free, friendly classes focused on practical English and information about life in Canada at the beginners levels, employment readiness at the high-intermediate levels and both areas are taught at the middle levels.
Course Schedule
Mon. & Wed., 6 – 9 pm: Three in-person courses
Tues. & Thurs. 6 – 9 pm: One in-person courses, and two in-person/online courses
Affordable english courses
(This section is a WIP)
ICA offers fun and low-cost English courses for adults and youth. Our courses are great for anyone (no Immigration status required) who wants to improve their real-life English skills faster. You’ll learn with friendly and experienced teachers who will help you feel more confident speaking English at work and in everyday conversations.
Steps to register
1. Create your Moodle account and log-in
Already have a Moodle account? Log-in
2. Browse courses and register
Cultural sharing & storytelling
Share stories and share your culture with others. Learn from other cultures and communities in this community storytelling circle.
Every Thursday, July 9 – Aug 20
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Open space, ICA 5th floor
Photography & walking group
Learn the basics of photography while exploring downtown victoria and nearby neighborhoods. Practice english, learn about your community, and make friends!
Every Thursday, July 16 – Aug 20
2 – 4 pm
Open space, ICA 5th floor
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Intermediate sewing class
Are you a newcomer to canada, living in victoria bc? Join us for this free 12 week summer sewing program. Learn from a professional sewing instructor every wednesday!
Wednesdays, July 8 – Sept 23
5 – 8:30 pm
Open space, ICA 5th floor
Real stories:
Bob and Lathika move for a better life
When Lathika arrived in 2016, it was a stressful time. One of the first things she did that made a difference was attend English courses at ICA. Through courses and other ICA programs, both Lathika and Bob made new friends from around the world which helped them feel more connected to the community…
