Why is it important to learn English?
English is the main language in Saskatchewan. You will speak English with your doctor, your boss, your neighbours, and at the store. Everywhere in Saskatchewan, people speak English. Your chances of success in Saskatchewan will improve if you can understand and speak English.
In Canada, a system called the “Canadian Language Benchmarks” (also called CLBs) is used to describe how well you speak and understand English. There are 12 benchmarks, with 12 being the highest (strongest English skills) and 1 being the lowest. To do most jobs well, a minimum of a benchmark 4 is recommended. It is possible for someone with lower benchmarks to work and talk with others. But without a minimum of a benchmark 4 you will find that it is not easy to talk to your boss or co-workers, go to the store or the bank, talk to your children’s teachers, or talk to the doctor.
Because you will need to understand and speak English to do most things in Saskatchewan, you may want to begin learning English before you come. You can take classes and find websites that can help you.
One way to improve your English language skills is to access websites for learning English. Search the internet for terms like "English as a Second Language," "Learn English" or "English Vocabulary".
Once you arrive in Saskatchewan, you may want to continue building on your English skills.
How do I find English classes in Saskatchewan?
When you arrive in Saskatchewan, contact your Regional Newcomer Gateway for more information about opportunities to learn English.
If you qualify, the Regional Newcomer Gateway will schedule an appointment for a language test. This language test, also called a “language assessment", will tell you how good your English is and which language classes can help you improve your English.
After your language assessment, you will receive a Results Card. This card is very important. It will show how well you speak, listen, read and write in English. You will need to show this card to get into a language class.
The Results Card will also be useful if you want to use career and employment services.
What language classes can I take?
At the end of your assessment, you will be told about language classes in your area. Some of the classes, called Stage 1 English, are available to both permanent and temporary residents. Other classes, called LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada), are available only to permanent residents. Most of these classes will help learners up to benchmark 4 (basic English).
If you have completed post-secondary training outside of Canada and are looking for work in business, finance and administrative services; natural or applied sciences; health professions; social, education and government services; or a trade, you may qualify for the Enhanced Language Training (ELT) program. The ELT program is available to both permanent and temporary residents with intermediate language skills (CLB 5-8).
Classes are offered at different times, and in different places. In big cities like Regina and Saskatoon, there will be many classes to choose from. Some classes will be in the morning, while others will be in the afternoon or evening. There may be full-time or part-time classes as well. In smaller cities and towns, there may be a class near you, or you may learn English with the help of a tutor.
Most classes will help you learn English for day-to-day life in your community. Other classes may help you learn the English you will need to prepare for and find a job.
These classes are not intended to prepare you for entrance into university or for professional licensing. The Universities of Regina and Saskatchewan, and the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology may offer more advanced classes for those who need to learn English well enough to study at the post-secondary level.
How do I find information about English language classes in my community?
To find information about classes in your community, find the Regional Newcomer Gateway closest to you. Then, click here, to go to a list of classes available for each Regional Newcomer Gateway area.
Your language assessor (the person who gave you the language assessment) can also tell you about language classes near you.
Public libraries and community colleges may also be able to help you identify language classes in your area.
How soon can I start English language classes?
You will need to be living in Saskatchewan and have your language assessment results before you can start English classes.
Stage 1 English classes usually take in new students every two weeks. LINC classes usually take new students on an ongoing basis. The ELT program accepts application forms every four months or so.
There may be a waiting list of people who want to start specific classes. Please contact us if you have been waiting more than four weeks to start an English language class and we will try to help you.
How much do language classes cost?
There is no cost to attend Stage 1 English, LINC or ELT classes.
The information above is also available in PDF format.
