About LARC
Are you interested in taking English language classes?
Our language assessment team will help you schedule an appointment for your language assessment. During your visit, you will meet with one of our assessors to take the assessment. Following the assessment, you will receive your placement results and referral to a LINC class immediately.
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Take your free Assessment
At Options Language Assessment and Referral Centre, we provide no-cost assessment for eligible clients to determine your language proficiency level. This assessment is essential for joining language training programs in your community, also known as LINC classes. Our Centre does not provide LINC language classes. Instead, we focus on offering the assessment needed for eligible clients to access language training programs in the community. -
Schedule your Appointment
Once our intake staff confirms your eligibility, we will schedule your appointment. You will receive a date, time and testing location for your assessment. During your visit, you will meet with one of our assessors to take the language assessment. Following the assessment, you will receive your placement results immediately. -
Improve your English
Our language assessment team will provide you with information on English language programs offered in your community. You can choose which LINC classes you would like to attend. LINC programs are designed to help you improve your English language learning goals.
Eligibility
Am I eligible?
Located in Surrey and serving the Metro Vancouver region at satellite offices, we administer assessments for clients over the age of 17 and with one of the following immigration documents as specified by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC):
- Permanent Resident Card (PR)
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence (form IMM5292)
- Record of Landing (form IMM1000 – issued prior to June 2002)
- Notice of Decision from the Refugee Protection Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) confirming convention refugee status
- Letter from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) giving approval to remain in Canada while application for permanent residence is being finalized (approval in principle)
- Temporary Resident Visa under Canadian-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET-until March 31, 2025)
The Assessment Process
How does the assessment process work?
All language assessment appointments must be scheduled in advance by faxing or dropping off in person the LINC Application form and a photocopy of your immigration document.
- All language assessment appointments must be scheduled in advance by faxing or dropping off in person the LINC Application form and a photocopy of eligible status documents.
- We administer the Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Assessment (CLBPA) and Canadian Language Benchmarks Literacy Placement Test (CLB-LPT) assessments tools to guide placement of learners into government funded language programs.
- The Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLBs) are the nationally recognized standard that measures speaking, listening, reading and writing.
- An assessment is valid for 24 months. If you have a previous valid language assessment within the last 12 months, a re-assessment is not required.
- All government-funded language programs (LINC, ESL, FSL) are offered at no cost.
- Once the assessment is finished you will receive your results right away. These results will assist you in enrolling in the right language class in your community with a service provider that supports your English language learning goals.
Easy Steps
Get started today!
Then contact one of our offices in the Lower Mainland to get an application form and book your language assessment appointment. Take your assessment and receive a referral to a LINC Service Provider!
about linc
Questions & Answers
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) and the assessment:
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How does the LINC program work?
LINC goes from Level 1 (low beginner) to Level 8 (high intermediate). There is also a pre-beginner level (literacy). At levels 5-8, Workplace English classes are available. There are also classes to help you use a computer for LINC 1-3 students called Digital Literacy.
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Do I need to make an appointment for a language assessment?
Yes, please contact us at 604.547.3322. You can also send us an email at linc.assessment@options.bc.ca or come to 13520 78th Avenue, Surrey, BC to make an appointment.
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How long will the assessment take?
The assessment can take 30 minutes to 3 hours. Different clients take different amounts of time because they do different parts of the assessment based on their level.
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Does the assessment or referral cost money? Are LINC classes free?
No, our assessments and referrals are FREE. Yes, LINC classes are free because they are funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
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Who is eligible for an assessment at the Centre?
Permanent Residents, Convention Refugees and CUAET Visa holders over the age of 17.
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What documents can I use to show my eligibility?
Any of the following documents can be used to show proof of eligibility:
• Permanent Resident Card (PR)
• Confirmation of Permanent Residence (form IMM5292)
• Record of Landing (form IMM1000 – issued prior to June 2002)
• Notice of Decision from the Refugee Protection Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) confirming convention refugee status
• Letter from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) giving approval to remain in Canada while application for permanent residence is being finalized (approval in principle)
• Temporary Resident Visa under Canadian-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET-until March 31, 2025) -
What do I need to bring with me to my appointment?
Please bring the ORIGINAL immigration document, issued by IRCC, to show your status in Canada. These include:
• Permanent Resident Card (PR)
• Confirmation of Permanent Residence (form IMM5292)
• Record of Landing (form IMM1000 – issued prior to June 2002)
• Notice of Decision from the Refugee Protection Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) confirming convention refugee status
• Letter from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) giving approval to remain in Canada while application for permanent residence is being finalized (approval in principle)
• Temporary Resident Visa under Canadian-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET-until March 31, 2025) -
Can I use my Assessment Report to apply for Citizenship?
No, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires other documentation for Citizenship applications.
For more details, please visit http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/guides/CIT0002ETOC.asp#language -
When should I arrive for my appointment?
You should arrive at least 10 minutes before your appointment.
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How long can my assessment results be used?
Assessment results are valid for 2 years.
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I need to cancel/reschedule my appointment. What should I do?
Please contact our Assessment Centre 24 hours before your appointment to cancel or reschedule. If you are sick, don’t have childcare, or have an emergency it is a good idea to change the appointment.
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I have children. Can I bring my children to my appointment?
At this time, we do not have childcare for you.
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I missed my appointment. What should I do?
Please contact our Assessment Centre to make a new appointment. Our intake staff will schedule a new appointment for you.
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Who is not eligible for an assessment at the LARC Centre?
Canadian Citizens, Work Permit Holders, Visitors, Refugee Claimants, Children and Youth under 17 years of age.
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Are my results only good in B.C.?
No, you can use your Assessment Report to enroll in LINC classes all across Canada.
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I do not want to go to English class, can I still get an assessment?
No, you need to register for a LINC class following your assessment. Please contact the Centre to inquire about other options like informal English classes or conversation circles if you are not ready to take a LINC class.
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Can I fail the assessment?
No, an assessment is the process of listening, gathering and interpreting information about your English proficiency. An accurate assessment will allow you to enroll in the right level class, so that you can improve your English. There is no passing or failing.
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How do I prepare for the assessment?
You don’t need to prepare. The CLBPA assesses your current language skills so you can be placed in the correct LINC class.
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