Federal Internship for Newcomers Program (FINP) 

The FINP can be a means to fill short-term staffing requirements (for short-term projects using casual appointments only). It brings with it a wealth of highly qualified candidates with foreign-trained university or community college credentials who have been rigorously assessed through a selection process that mirrors public service hiring standards. The program provides the Department and managers with the unique opportunity to lead by example with respect to labour market integration of immigrants, which aligns with our department’s organizational mandate.

The objectives of the FINP are:

  • To improve newcomers' integration into the Canadian labour market by providing them with valuable Canadian work experience.
  • To support public service renewal and diversity objectives across the federal government.

How does the FINP work?

  • Managers access pools of pre-qualified candidates based on the defined requirements of the position that needs to be filled for a short-term period: replacement for temporary absence; short term initiative; special short projects.
  • There is no central funding for the FINP, managers must ensure to have approval for wages.
  • The majority of interns begin their placements in September each year however pools of qualified candidates may be accessed throughout the year.
  • Each intern is paired with a mentor for the duration of the internship and is provided with various training opportunities (e.g. cross-cultural training).

How are the FINP interns selected?

  • Applicants must be registered with one of FINP's partners: World Skills, SITO or WUSC.
  • Applicants are screened by the partners for job readiness (functional language capacity in English or French, minimum Canadian Language Benchmark of 7, referral to appropriate licensing/assessment body for credential assessment, and referral to additional training for résumé-writing and job-coaching courses if needed).
  • If deemed job ready, candidates apply online to the Program.
  • Applications are screened by IRCC against the posted statement of merit criteria.
  • Formal interviews are conducted with the screened candidates.
  • Pools of qualified candidates are created by IRCC and résumés are referred to hiring managers.

What types of placements are given to the interns?

  • Candidates with or without Canadian Citizenship are only eligible for Casual Employment
  • Placements are based on departmental requirements in a given year and the qualifications of candidates, and must be the result of a values-based staffing decision that respect the ESDC Code of Conduct and is consistent with the integrated human resources plan.

What do I need to do as a hiring manager?

  • Complete the automated FINP Request Form which includes contact information and a statement of merit criteria.
  • Conduct reference checks and informal interviews of one or more candidates referred for a position.
  • Send confirmation of chosen candidate to IRCC: cic.finp-pfsna.cic@cic.gc.ca and ESDC FINP mailboxes: na-recrutement-recruitment-gd@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca with the following information:
    • Name of the selected candidate;
    • Staffing mechanism used (casual only);
    • Placement start and end dates.
  • Submit a request to obtain a PRI.
  • Validate Security clearance. IRCC will send the Security Screening Form already completed with the candidate information. Complete the remaining sections accordingly and ensure to indicate on the form that hiring is done through the FINP. Submit the request to the Regional Security Office with the following information :
    • Copy of valid passport AND Permanent Resident card for a candidate without Canadian Citizenship;
    • Copy of valid Canadian passport OR copy of Citizenship card for a candidate with Canadian Citizenship.
  • Request a letter of offer by following the steps associated with the type of placement being offered. See the Type of Placement section above to access the relevant manager's guide.
    • In the comments section of the request, specify that the offer is the result of a FINP Candidate Referral.
  • If applicable, managers may decide to offer an extension to an initial placement.

General Information