Swedish for Immigrants, SFI
Swedish for Immigrants, SFI, is an education that provides fundamental knowledge of Swedish. If you are registered with Arbetsförmedlingen, we may in some cases decide that you need to study at SFI to increase your chances of finding a job or continuing your studies.
The municipality where you are registered is responsible for SFI and decides whether you can be offered a place on the course.
SFI when you are registered with Arbetsförmedlingen
If you are registered with Arbetsförmedlingen, we may decide that you need to study at SFI to increase your chances of finding a job or continuing your studies. You will then get an activity in your action plan where you will be instructed to apply to SFI.
Apply to SFI when we instruct you to do so
When we instruct you to apply to SFI, we will add it as an activity in your action plan. On My Pages, you can see what you need to do and the deadline.
Contact your municipality to start SFI. Contact details can be found on the municipality’s website. Once you have registered, please state the following in your activity report:
- that you have applied
- the date you applied
If you are offered a place, you must inform Arbetsförmedlingen immediately.
What happens if you don’t apply to SFI
If you do not apply to SFI, even though we have assessed that you need it, it may take you longer to find a job.
We can specify whether applying to SFI is a mandatory or recommended activity. You can see what applies to you in your action plan.
- If the activity is mandatory: if you do not apply on time, or do not start your studies once you have been offered a place, your compensation may be reduced (activity grant, development allowance or introduction benefit).
If you take part in the job and development guarantee without receiving any compensation, you may lose your place on the programme. - If the activity is recommended: if you do not apply or do not start studying, this will not affect your compensation.
Contact us when you have questions
If you are not sure what to do, please call 0771-416 416.
If you are taking part in the introduction programme and need information in another language, please call 0771-860 100.
How does SFI work for those who are new in Sweden?
SFI is a language course where you learn to speak, read and write in Swedish. You will also practise using the language in everyday life and working life.
The education is available at various levels. You can study full-time or part-time and often combine your studies with a job or other education. Once you have completed the education, you will receive a grade.
The municipality where you are registered is responsible for SFI. At informationsverige.se, you can read more about who can study SFI and how to apply.