The Federal Internship for Newcomers Program (FIN) provides newcomers with valuable temporary Canadian work experience and training opportunities with federal government departments and other public and private sector organizations. Interested candidates must contact World Skills Employment Centre – or SITO (if residing in Quebec) – to register and learn how they can apply for FIN.
Prior to the FIN competition each year, World Skills, in partnership with other Immigrant Serving Organization (ISOs), delivers information sessions which are the first choice to learn about qualifying for, and applying to FIN. Following an informative presentation, newcomers have the opportunity to have questions answered. The sessions are delivered in English and French. Click here to learn more.
Internships are offered in fields such as policy, administration, project management, and computer science. A mentor will be provided for the duration of the internship.
In addition to gaining work experience, successful candidates will:
Learn more by visiting the Federal Internship for Newcomers Program web page or by contacting us.
Testimonials from FINP Interns
The Federal Internships for Newcomers Program opened a world of opportunities
When I arrived as a permanent resident in Canada in May, 2014, I had already read about the Federal Internship for Newcomers Program (FINP) and thought it was a great chance to gain Canadian work experience with a reputable employer so I decided to apply immediately.
After passing through the screening process, I was offered a position and started working in October 2014.
My new team was waiting for me! I was introduced by the Acting Manager to each one of the members of the department. I appreciated the time taken by her because the process took a long time and she was very busy; everyone was very polite.
My learning about the Canadian workplace culture in the government started immediately. I quickly realized how important it is to do things for yourself, to take initiative. Also, there was a large lunch area where the staff took a break to enjoy their lunches and interact with team members. I was amazed to see how people started a phrase in English, continued in French, and ended in English. After my two placements, I was able to do it too!
For me, FINP meant “opportunities”.
FINP brought wonderful opportunities for me: an opportunity to begin my professional career in Canada, to provide for my family, to learn about the Canadian workplace culture in the government, and also an opportunity to meet wonderful people that were always generous, welcoming, and ready and happy to help.
In addition, FINP allowed me to work in a field that brings passion to my life. I was able to contribute, to exchange ideas, to participate, and to work in a team environment. I also had the opportunity to expand my network and to interact in a bilingual setting. FINP gave me the opportunity to learn and to update my skills.
Although my placement came to an end, it was through the FINP network that I found a new job the day after my contract ended and I moved on with new skills and updated knowledge.
Even though it was sad to say goodbye, I still keep in touch with many good friends and colleagues that I met during the internship. FINP gave me the opportunity to identify my professional goal in Canada: I want to have a career in the federal government to contribute my experience and skills for causes that are important to all Canadians.
Nery Munoz, World Skills Client
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The Federal Internship for Newcomers Program helped me enhance and update my skills
When I started my job as a FINP intern at Citizen and Immigration Canada (now Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) I was very excited, and yet very nervous, I wanted to meet expectations! I must admit I lacked confidence; however, the team around me was very supportive.
My colleagues provided many opportunities for me to learn and fine-tune my skills, they were my mentors while working and were always available to answer my questions and teach me new things related to my work.
Also very helpful were the training sessions and the meetings we had with the FINP team which included topics such as communication skills, conflict resolution, how to apply for jobs in the federal government, and resume writing. The sessions were focused on sharing each other’s experiences and learning from them, as well as a chance to explore new jobs opportunities.
As a FINP intern I also got to participate in workshops needed for my job such as project management.
I wish that every Internationally Trained Professional could have the opportunity to participate in the FIN program. It is difficult to talk about all benefits of FINP, I am certain that it would take too many pages!
Rabab Al-Haj Ghaban, World Skills Client
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The Federal Internship for Newcomers Program boosted my morale as a job seeker
The Federal Internship for Newcomers Program (FINP) is a wonderful initiative that helps new Canadians achieve their career goals. As a FINP participant, I am pleased to share my experience of how the program helped me succeed in finding a job in Canada.
Like for many other internationally trained professionals, getting a job in my field was a tough mission. Given the lack of clear information about Canadian labour market and my limited social network, finding my dream job was a struggle.
I heard about FINP while participating in Job Search Workshops (JSW) at World Skills and OCISO. Once I learned about the program I attended FINP orientation workshops as well. After passing through the necessary screening process, my application was successful and I was offered a casual contract with Citizenship and Immigration Canada (now Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) as a Research Officer.
The FINP helped me break the barrier of not having Canadian work experience. It enabled me to get work experience in the public sector, boosted my morale as a job seeker and helped me grow my professional network. During the internship I got the chance to learn about Canadian workplace culture and to enhance my soft and hard skills. Among many other benefits, the FINP helped me improve my communication skills and other technical skills including research and analysis.
I strongly recommend internationally trained professionals to participate in the FIN Program as it is one of the best ways to enter the Canadian labour market, especially for those who are interested in working in the public sector.
I am really thankful to all staff members at OCISO, World Skills, and the FINP team and my amazing mentors who helped me throughout my participation in the program.
Dagy Yehuala, World Skills Client
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