Enhanced Language Training

The Enhanced Language Training (ELT) program started in 2003-2004 to provide newcomers with higher levels of language training in Canada’s two official languages.

Through job-specific language training, ELT helps newcomers to more easily and quickly find and keep jobs for which they are qualified.

What is Enhanced Language Training (ELT)?

ELT provides job-specific language training in English and French.

ELT also provides work-related experiences, such as mentoring, job placements and other ways to help newcomers find work.

What is the difference between ELT and the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program?

LINC provides basic language training for newcomers in English and French to help them function in, and contribute to, Canadian society.

ELT provides language training to help newcomers communicate in a work-related setting. ELT also offers activities and experiences to help newcomers prepare for the realities of the Canadian work environment.

ELT and LINC do have some services in common, such as childminding and transportation allowances.

Why is ELT important?

Newcomers generally have good conversational language skills when they arrive in Canada. However, many employers say that newcomers often have to improve their language skills specifically for the workplace.

Through job-specific language training, ELT helps newcomers to more easily and quickly find and keep jobs for which they are qualified.

When did ELT begin?

A number of pilot projects began in January 2004. Since then, ELT projects and services have expanded and ELT has become a standard settlement service offered to newcomers to Canada.

Who is eligible to deliver ELT?

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) works to deliver ELT services with a variety of partners, known as “service providers.” These providers include provinces, territories, employers, educational institutions, non-governmental organizations, communities, and organizations that help newcomers. CIC enters into contribution agreements with service providers that have been successful in our Call for Proposals process.

What services are provided under ELT?

Services provided to eligible newcomers under ELT include:

• language training to help newcomers more easily and quickly find and keep jobs for which they are qualified; and,
• work-related experiences such as job placements, mentoring, and cultural orientation to the workplace.

Where is ELT offered?

ELT is currently offered in almost all provinces and territories. CIC continues to work with the provinces and territories, and organizations that help newcomers, to make sure that ELT is available as widely as possible across Canada.

ELT is not offered in Quebec. The provincial government is responsible for all programs to help newcomers in Quebec.

How can organizations get involved?

Interested organizations should respond to CIC’s Call for Proposals, which is launched annually on the CIC website, usually in the Fall.

As funding arrangements may vary from year to year, interested organizations can send general inquiries by e-mail to ELT-CLNA@cic.gc.ca for information on how and when they should apply.

How can employers get involved?

Forward-thinking Canadian employers know that attracting and keeping newcomers who want to work in their fields and contribute to our society is key—whether they have businesses in smaller communities or large urban centres.

Employers have an important role to play in delivering ELT. They may choose to provide a job-placement opportunity, or give of their time by mentoring or volunteering to speak to newcomers.

Employers interested in helping to deliver ELT in their community should send general inquiries by e-mail to ELT-CLNA@cic.gc.ca for information on how they can get involved.