English Language Services for Adults (ELSA) provides English language training from beginner to advanced levels for adult newcomers to Canada. ELSA is government-funded and free for students.

To join an ELSA class, you must be a newcomer, 17 years old or older, and approved for one of the following: permanent residence, naturalized Canadian citizen, refugee,  refugee claimant, member of the Provincial Nominee Program, or member of the Live-in Caregiver Program. Classes are friendly, and focus on practical English and information about life in Canada. Childcare is available for preschool children of ELSA students. ELSA is funded through the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation.

If you are interested in joining an ELSA class, please come into the ICA main office at 930 Balmoral Road, or call us at 250-388-4728 to make an appointment to meet with a Settlement Worker who will help you apply for ELSA. Remember to bring your permanent resident card and other immigration documents with you to your appointment. The Settlement Worker will also set up an appointment for an assessment to see what your English level is.

Our ELSA class schedule is:

• 9:00 - 11:30am / Monday to Friday
• 12:30 - 3:00pm / Monday to Friday
• 3:00 - 6:00pm / Monday to Friday
• 6:00 - 9:00pm / Monday, Tuesday, Thursday

Get the brochure for further information in Arabic, Chinese, Dari, French, Karen, Korean, Persian, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Urdu or Vietnamese.

ELSA For the Workplace Level 4/5

This program is designed for newcomers to Canada who are eligible for ELSA, assessed at ELSA level 4 or 5, and want to get a job. The program includes English language instruction and content that focuses on the local and Canadian labour market, employment systems, and Canadian society in general.

Our ELSA For the Workplace Level 4/5 class schedule is:

• 12:30-3:30pm / Monday to Friday
• 6:00-9:00pm / Monday, Tuesday, Thursday

Seniors English Classes

The Newcomer Seniors English as a Second Language class is a multilevel class that provides immigrant and refugee seniors (55+) with English language training (Beginners to Low-Intermediate level) and information that will help them settle and adjust to life in Canada with guidance and support on adjustment issues. There is no charge for this class.

Content of the class focuses on English language skills, seniors' rights and responsibilities, health and well-being, settlement and adaptation, as well as community resources and services. Activities include guest speakers, art, music, dance and taking field trips to locations throughout the Victoria region.

Limited childcare is available for seniors who look after their grandchildren during the day.

Our Seniors ESL Class schedule is:

•   12:30-2:30pm / Monday, Wednesday and Friday
•   12:30-2:30 pm / Tuesday and Thursday

For more information, please call 250-388-4728 ext. 115 or english@icavictoria.org.