STEP is for adult newcomers to Canada who want to improve their English for work, daily life, and community participation. Eligibility depends on your immigration status and available space.

STEP is designed for learners at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 - 8. Your specific levels will be determined through an assessment before you start.

LINC uses PBLA (Portfolio-Based Language Assessment as an approach to assessing language skills through the collection of work samples called artefacts. Upon completing a portfolio in a skill, learners are eligible to receive a LINC Certificate. As of September 2026, IRCC is no longer funding Stage 2 LINC (CLB 5 – 8) anywhere in Canada.STEP focuses on practical English for work and daily life, with flexible modules and ongoing progress tracking rather than formal testing. Your progress will still be assessed throughout the course. If you are ready to progress at the end of the term, you will receive a STEP Progress Certificate which may be used for personal records, resumes, or to show progress to employers. Unfortunately, STEP Certificates cannot be used to show proof of language for the Canadian Citizenship application.

There are two terms (September – January and February to June) each year that are divided into modules.  Each module takes approximately five weeks to complete and includes both live classes and independent activities. Most students attend 6-9 hours per week. You can start at the beginning of a module or join partway through, depending on space available.

There are daytime and evening schedules.  Each class has two live lessons (2-3 hours each), either in person or on Zoom, and one online self-study lesson that can be completed any time during the week.  There is also an option to only participate in the self-study lessons.

There are two types of certificates: Certificate of Participation and Certificate of Progress.  If you complete a module, you will be eligible for a Certificate of Participation.  If you progress to the next CLB, you will also receive a STEP Certificate of Progress.  Certificates are issued at the end of each term and may be used for personal records or to show progress to employers.

Simple answer – no.  Your progress is tracked by the effort you put into participating in classes and completing activities.  At the end of each term, if you are consistently performing at the next Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB), you will receive a certificate acknowledging your progress (STEP Certificate of Progress). Progress decisions are based on consistent performance over time, not on one test or activity.

Yes, of course!  While this class will help prepare you for working in Canada or improving your employment opportunities, there are many other skills you will learn that will help you with daily life in Canada such as:  Canadian social and workplace culture;  Health, Safety & BC Medical Services;  Financial Literacy and Taxes, and more!

Yes!  While priority is given to residents of Vernon and surrounding areas, we accept students from all across BC if there is space available.  Students may attend fully online via Zoom, fully in person, or a combination of the two, depending on their location and availability.

Course Fees:Permanent Residents (PRs) - STEP Language Program is free for most Permanent Residents.  For more details on PRs, please see the VIS Service Eligibility. Temporary Residents who have already been accepted in a program for Permanent Residence, such as RCIP, PNP, Sponsorship – Free (limited space available)Naturalized Canadian Citizens – Specific eligibility can be determined by meeting with a settlement worker (limited space available) All other clients (including visitors and international students) – fees apply – Please contact the office for further information. (limited space available)  If you are unsure about your eligibility or fees, please contact our office and we will be happy to help.  Material Fees:Optional – STEP Language Program Binders with section dividers are available for purchase for a fee of $10 (payable by e-transfer only).  These binders will help you keep your work organized and make it easier when it is time for progress reviews.  You are welcome to use your own folder or supplies to keep your papers organized.Included at no cost: All papers, handouts and other class materials

To register, contact our office to book a language assessment and discuss eligibility, start dates, and availability.  You can also fill out the form on this page and someone will contact you.

You should make your best effort to attend all classes and complete all the activities for the best result.  That said, if you must miss a class (for example, if you are sick), you must let your teacher know before the class starts.

Support for Permanent Residents such as free childcare (ages 3 – 5) for daytime classes or transportation assistance may be available depending on funding and availability. If you are not eligible for free support, you may still be able to access daycare for daytime classes for a fee if there is space.  Please contact the office for details.    Digital Supports – If you need help using a computer to access the classes, we are here to help.  You can book an appointment to get help with Zoom, Avenue, or just general computer use.  Appointments can be done in person or via Zoom.

Online Assessments can only be completed on a Windows computer with a working camera, microphone and speakers/headset. In-person assessments are available in our office and all equipment is provided for you.Lessons via Zoom are best viewed on a laptop but a tablet or smart phone may also be possible, but due to the size of the screen, it may be difficult to see everything.  Participating in breakout rooms and working on assignments will be much more challenging than working from a laptop.Self-Directed online lessons (Avenue) are also best completed on a laptop. Completing the lessons on a tablet is possible, but not on smartphones. Activities often produce error messages or are difficult to see/navigate from a smartphone. We offer drop-in sessions most Fridays when you can come to the office to borrow a laptop, use the WIFI, or get extra help with Avenue lessons.