Finding work through the introduction programme

You can participate in activities suited to you

In the introduction programme, you will participate in activities to help you learn Swedish and find work. For example, you can attend Swedish for Immigrants (SFI), an introduction to Swedish society or other training or education. You can also gain experience in a workplace or have your professional skills and training assessed.

You and the Swedish Public Employment Service will prepare an individual plan detailing the support you need and the activities you should participate in.

Participation in the programme is usually full-time (40 hours per week). Under certain circumstances, you may be able to participate part-time, such as if you:

• are on parental leave;
• have a part-time job; or
• have an illness or disability that prevents you from participating full-time.

Register with the Swedish Public Employment Service

To participate in the introduction programme, you need to register as a jobseeker with the Swedish Public Employment Service. Register with the Swedish Public Employment Service and inform them that you want to participate in the introduction programme in one of the following ways:

• If you have e-ID, register on the Swedish Public Employment Service website.
• Visit a service office.

Register with the Swedish Public Employment Service as soon as possible after you receive a decision granting you a residence permit. You can find contact details on the Swedish Public Employment Service website.

Your first conversation with the Swedish Public Employment Service

Your first conversation with the Swedish Public Employment Service may be by telephone, or you may meet a case officer. Tell them about your education, what jobs you have done before, your interests and what kind of job you would like to have in the future. You will also discuss whether there is anything that may affect your ability to work or participate in activities in the introduction programme, such as your health. You and your case officer will then prepare a plan with various activities.

Apply for compensation from Försäkringskassan

When you participate in the introduction programme, you can apply for financial support from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan). This is called introduction benefit.

When you participate in the introduction programme, you may also be entitled to:

• supplementary introduction benefit if you have children living with you;
• housing benefit if you live alone in your own accommodation.

The Swedish Public Employment Service can help you to validate your existing knowledge and skills

You will need certification to prove your education, training and previous work experience. If you do not have these documents, the Swedish Public Employment Service can help you to have your knowledge and competence assessed. This is called validation. You may have acquired knowledge and competence that can be validated through studies, or in your working or everyday life.

If you want to start your own business

The Swedish Public Employment Service can offer help and advice if you want to start your own business. If you are a jobseeker, you may be eligible for a programme the Swedish Public Employment Service calls “Support to start a business”. Contact the Swedish Public Employment Service if you are interested in the programme.