Language Assessment & Referral Centre (LARC)
FREE
English Language
Testing & Referrals
The Language Assessment and Referral Centre (LARC) Saskatchewan program provides free language assessments and referrals to federally funded language programs (LINC). Language assessments are currently available in Saskatoon, Regina and Prince Albert.
Program Components
- Assessment of language skills using the Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLB-PT) and the Canadian Language Benchmarks Literacy Placement Test (CLB-LPT)
- Language Needs Assessment and Consultations
- Referrals to Federally Funded language programs in Saskatoon (LINC)
- Care for Newcomer Children (CNC); short term care is available to clients and their children
Who Can Participate?
- Clients must be Permanent Residents.
*Proof of Permanent Residence is required - Must be 18 years of age or older
- Must be ready to start attending classes at the time of assessment
- Ukrainian clients with a CUAET visa are also eligible for the program for up to one year from the arrival date
- Note: The LARC does not provide free assessments for the purpose of academic enrollment and citizenship application
About the LARC Saskatchewan Program
LARC Assessment Tools
The LARC utilizes the following assessment tools in order to determine the client’s placement into one of many free federally funded English Language Classes also known as Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)
For more information on these testing tools, please visit the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks www.language.ca
Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT)
A standardized test using the Canadian Language Benchmarks to assess ESL learners for English proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing
Canadian Language Benchmarks Literacy Placement Tool (CLBLPT)
A standardized assessment tool that determines proficiency in Reading and Writing for clients who are illiterate or semi-literate in their first language
Language Class Directory
Following an assessment, we provide referrals to free LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) classes in Saskatoon, Regina and Prince Albert offered by the following organizations:
Global Gathering Place
Saskatchewan Intercultural Association
Saskatchewan Polytechnic
Saskatoon Open Door Society
Regina Open Door Society
Saskatchewan Polytechnic
University of Regina
Regina Immigrant Women Centre
YWCA-Prince Albert
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, please contact LARC Saskatoon at 306-651-5272 or email [email protected] and LARC Regina at 306-525-5272 or email [email protected] to schedule an appointment. During the booking, a staff member will ask you some questions in order to determine your service needs. Appointments are available Monday – Saturday.
Please contact the LARC at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment in order to cancel.
Please contact the LARC to reschedule your appointment.
Permanent Residents 18 years and over and Convention Refugees
Permanent Resident Card AND Confirmation of Permanent Residence (landing paper)
*Official Letter of Decision from the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, determining that the claimant is a Convention Refugee
*For Convention Refugees only
Canadian Citizens, Work Permit Holders, Visitors, Refugee Claimants, Children and Youth under 18 years of age are not eligible for the LARC program.
* If you are not eligible for an assessment at the LARC, you may contact the Newcomer Information Centre in Saskatoon OR the Newcomer Welcome Centre in Regina for other options.
Yes, the Assessment Report expires one year after the date of the assessment.
After the Assessment Report expires (after one year) AND one year after exiting the LINC Program (if applicable).
*If it has been less than one year and you wish to study English, you may contact the LARC for a referral to a federally funded language class. You will not have to write another test.
No, you must register for a LINC class following your assessment. Please contact the LARC office to inquire about other options.
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
No, our assessments and referrals are FREE of charge.
No, the LINC classes are free because they are funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
You should arrive for registration at least 15 minutes before your scheduled test time.
The assessment/test process could take up to 2 hours.
The LARC offers childminding services for children ages 6 months to 12 years. Please contact the LARC for more details on the available times.
We require documentation on Proof of Permanent Residence. This is a Government of Canada issued document. You must bring your landing papers and your Permanent Residence card.
