The Federal Internship for Newcomers Program (FIN) was launched in 2010. It was designed for “Newcomers” willing to work within Canada’s federal, provincial, and municipal organizations. FIN allows this group to gain access to training opportunities that provide valuable temporary work experience within Canada.
The key focus of the FIN program in Canada is to:
- Look into the lack of work experience among newcomers in Canada.
- Support labor market integration and participation.
- Provide a leverage system for the newcomers to help them succeed in the labor market.
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) manages Canada’s Federal Internship for Newcomers Program. IRCC is responsible for engaging volunteers and coordinating government departments to help with application screening and interview processes. It also provides mentors to candidates who have successfully received a placement.
Since its success over the years, the program has increased from the 71 interns it registered in the first year to providing internship opportunities to 830 registered members in over 50 government departments.
In the FIN Program, candidates get hired by employers (mostly government departments into public service) as temporary employees. In performing their duties, they gain practical experience that enables them to understand the job application and hiring process, Canadian work culture, and the privilege of networking with top professionals in the field. They also gain access to training sessions that otherwise cost a fortune.
The FIN Program will provide every resident with the skills and experience necessary to succeed in the labor market. However, these privileges are not for all to enjoy. It is only reserved for those who are eligible.
Who is Eligible for the Federal Internship for Newcomers Program in Canada?
As with other Canadian programs aimed at skilled workers, especially immigrants, one of the objectives of this program is to enable you to have a longer stay in the country, contributing to the development and progress of the region in which you reside. If this is your aim, it will also present you as an ideal candidate. However, there is more to this.
To be eligible for this program, you must have achieved the following;
1. A permanent resident history of up to 10 years or less or a Canadian citizen
Your permanent resident history begins from the day you attain the status of a Permanent Resident of the country.
As a Canadian citizen, your history begins when you attain the legally recognized working age and work in a recognized organization.
2. Live in any of these designated cities/provinces in Canada
- Ottawa or Toronto in Ontario or within a 125-kilometre radius.
- Moncton or Fredericton in New Brunswick or within a 75-kilometre radius.
- Halifax in Nova Scotia or within a 100-kilometre radius.
- St. John’s is in Newfoundland and Labrador or is within a 150-kilometre radius.
- Victoria in British Columbia or within a 75-kilometre radius.
If you graduated from the World University Service of Canada’s (WUSC) Program for Refugee Students, you can apply from anywhere in Canada.
3. Language Proficiency Test
You need to have shown proficiency in the writing, listening, reading, and speaking skills of the English or French language, which are accepted in Canada.
You need to pass the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) General test and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) General training and reach a Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) level of at least 7 in each ability.
This is also the same for French too. After undergoing examinations in d’évaluation de français and de connaissance du français, it is expected to reach an average of Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) level 7 in each ability.
4. Educational Requirements
To apply for the Federal Internship for Newcomers program in Canada, you need to have obtained a post-secondary degree from a recognized educational institution in Canada or a degree of equivalent standards to the country’s that is recognized in the nation’s administration system.
5. Registration with FIN partners
Canada’s Federal Internship for Newcomers Program partners with the Immigrant-Serving Organisation (ISO). They help applicants assess their chances of success in applying for the opening, providing you with every necessary information.
Registering with the Immigrant-Serving Organisation (ISO) before or not long after applying is very important. The FIN Program runs a background check to confirm this registration.
Note: You are not eligible for this program if you have a permanent resident history of more than 10 years or a work history of more than 10 years as a Canadian.
How do I apply for the Federal Internship for Newcomers Program in Canada?
After fulfilling the eligibility eligibility requirements, you can apply for the program on the government’s website.
Step-by-Step Process of Application:
1. Reach out to the Immigrant-Serving Organisation (ISO) you applied with and let them assess your job readiness for the role you are about to take.
2. After being screened and found to meet the requirements of the FIN Program, you can apply online.
3. Visit the official government website, www.jobs.gc.ca.
Here, you will be mandated to provide the following information;
Related Articles:
- Immigrant-Serving Organisation’s (ISO) name and contact information.
- Proof of Skill, Education, and Work Experience.
- A formal statement indicating how you meet the asset criteria.
- A copy of your Resume and Cover Letter.
Once you have provided this information, you can submit your application and await an invitation for an interview from the office, provided that your application is screened and found to be credible.
All of these exercises should be carried out with the awareness of your ISO.
After a successful interview, your Resume and Cover Letter will be matched with jobs that match your skill sets and shared with organizations that need interns based on this.
Conclusion
The Federal Internship for Newcomers Program in Canada is an opportunity you can leverage, either as an immigrant or a citizen of Canada, to gain exposure to the affairs of the public sector in the country. Beyond that, it can open you to new opportunities, valuable insights, and a conducive environment to take your professional career into the next phase.
Utilizing this opportunity would help your career grow and provide solutions to the needs of the residing province and your working Organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Federal Internship for Newcomers Program selection process in Canada can take several months. This depends on the Volume of applications received and the specific requirements for the wanted position.
The application fee and process is free of charge for all eligible Newcomers. However, your ISO may attach a fee to their service.
Successful applicants who become Interns get to be offered 90 days to run through their internship. Sometimes, a second 90 days is offered to help interns maximize their learning opportunities.
It is possible, provided the serving organization is pleased with your activities and learning abilities during your first 90 days.
An increase in your language proficiency in both English and French can enhance your chances of being selected.
