English is the main language in Saskatchewan and you will use it to communicate with your employer, doctor, and neighbours. You will also need it in your day to day activities, such as shopping. The more you are able to understand and speak English the greater the chances of your success in living and working in Saskatchewan.
Canadian Language Benchmarks
Many language programs in Canada use a system called the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLBs) to describe and test how well you speak and understand English.
You can learn more about the CLBs at the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks website or take an online self-assessment.
Finding English Classes in Saskatchewan
When you arrive in Saskatchewan, you can contact your nearest Regional Newcomer Gateway for information about opportunities to learn English. Many of the English classes offered are free.
Registering for an English Class
Before you register for an English class, you need a language assessment. The language assessment or language test will tell you what your CLB level is and which language classes can help you improve. The Regional Newcomer Gateway or your local Regional College will help you get an appointment for a language test.
Keep your assessment score with you and show it when you are registering for English classes. You also need your assessment results to register for employment services.
Language Classes
There are many free language classes provided by the Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan to assist immigrants living in Saskatchewan to learn English to help them settle and find and keep jobs. You can take the classes in a classroom or online. Contact the Regional Newcomer Gateway near you for more information about language classes, or find out about language classes near you by visiting Find Programs and Services to Help You Settle in Saskatchewan.
These classes don't prepare you for entrance into university or for professional licensing. Also, you can't use the results from your language assessment for your immigration application.
- To study at a post-secondary institution, contact the institution you want to attend directly. The University of Regina, University of Saskatchewan, and Saskatchewan Polytechnic may offer more advanced classes for those who need to learn English well enough to study at a post-secondary level.
- To find about the language requirements for immigration, see language requirements for SINP. To learn about the language requirements for citizenship, visit Acceptable documents for language requirements on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.