Language Assessment and Referral Services

Interested in improving your English or French language skills? You’ve come to the right place!

We provide immigrants in Canada with English and French online and in-person language assessments for government-funded programs at no cost.

Book an Appointment

or call us 416-925-5462

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The YMCA of Greater Toronto does not offer any language training, just the assessment that is needed to join language training programs.
Our language assessments are based on the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLBs) (PDF) and the Niveaux de Competence Linguistique Canadiens (BTC-NCLC), the nationally recognized standard that measures speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
A certified language assessor will refer you to government-funded English and/or French programs offered by community partners.

Newcomer learns to embrace change and discovers new-found confidence through YMCA Immigrant Services

A newcomer’s journey: Adjusting to life in Canada through YMCA Immigrant Services

French Language Training: Beginner to Advanced

Higher-Level Language Training (HLLT) programs

* YMCA Language Assessment reports are also required for many government-funded Ontario Bridge Training Programs offered by colleges and universities and community organizations

What Documents Do I Need?

Immigration Status	Required Documentation (original or certified copy must be presented)
Canadian Citizen born outside of Canada	Canadian Passport Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (Citizenship card)
Permanent Resident	Record of Landing (IMM 1000) Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5509) Permanent Resident Card (you must also bring the initial immigration document with your card)
Convention Refugee/Protected Person	Record of Landing (IMM 1000) Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5509) Letter of Notice of Decision from the IRB confirming that the client has been determined to be a Convention Refugee. Protection Persons: Letters issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada indicating that a client’s application for protection has been allowed (successful Pre-Removal Risk Assessment PRRA). Protected Persons Status Document (IMM5520)
Persons in Canada whose applications for Permanent Resident status are being processed in Canada and who have been informed by a letter from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada of the initial approval of their application subject to an admissibility assessment:	Approved in Principle letter (pending verifications) Work or Study Permits that include a notation indicating initial approval of a concurrent Application for Permanent Residence. The Work or Study Permit must have words like “Initial Approval of PR” written on it.
Refugee Claimant	Refugee Protection Claimant Document
Temporary Worker or Student who has obtained initial approval for a concurrent Application for Permanent Residence.	Work or Study Permits that include a notation indicating initial approval of a concurrent Application for Permanent Residence. The Work or Study Permit must have words like “Initial Approval of PR” written on it.
Foreign domestic worker admitted under the Live-In Caregiver program.	Live-In Caregiver Work Permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

Note:All documents must be accompanied by photo identification such as a passport, driver's license, etc.

Am I Eligible?

How the Assessment Process Works?

Important Things to Keep in Mind

Locations

When he came to Canada from Sri Lanka, Moses wanted to fit in, feel accepted, and help support his family financially.

Joining the YMCA Newcomer Youth Leadership Development program opened a paid internship opportunity for Moses, where he gained real work experience. He then put his freshly honed skills to use in the YMCA Youth Job Connection Program, completing pre-employment workshops and a job placement.

“The Y has made me the person I am today and it’s a second home to me,” says Moses.

When you give to the Y, you help young newcomers like Moses ignite their true potential.

Learn More About Our Charitable Impact

Funded by: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada / Financé par : Immigration, Réfugiés et Citoyenneté Canada