MyNotebook

Guidance for Immigrants

on Dealing with Authorities

in Helsinki

Name:Date:

My social worker: ______Tel: ______

My social instructor:______

Tel: ______

Contents

Welcome to the Immigration Unit of Helsinki!

Tips on Notebook Usage......

SOCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND IMMIGRATION UNIT

BANK

LOCAL REGISTER OFFICE

MEDICAL EXAMINATION UPON ENTRY

KELA

EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

FINNISH IMMIGRATION SERVICE

FINNISH POLICE

ACCOMMODATION

HEALTH CARE

CHILD DAY CARE

COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

LÄHTEITÄ

1

Welcome to the Immigration Unit of Helsinki!

This notebook has been made for you, to support your memory. Its purpose is to make your first steps in Finland easier.

This notebook includes the most important authorities with whom you will have to be in contact.In addition, this booklet includes information on various benefits and permits and who is entitled to them.

Once you have got your first residence permit, you will have to fill in various forms and visit several authorities. At first this may feel difficult. With the help of your notebook, you can keep track ofyour progress.

With kind regards,

Ruth Tegene, a socionom student,

and the Immigration Unit of Helsinki staff.

Tips on Notebook Usage

Tick the boxafter completing an application.

Next to the box you can mark the dateon which you submitted the application. Write down when and what kind of a decision you received.

Example:

The Housing Allowance application was submitted to Kela on 1 January 2009, and the housing allowance decision was made on 1 February 2009 comprising of EUR 200 per month.

Submitted: 1 January 2009Decision: 1 February 2009€200/month

______

SOCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENTAND IMMIGRATION UNIT

Principles of the Social Services Department

The Social Services Department ensuresgood conditions for the growth of children and young people, strengthens the capacity and responsibility of adults and ensures a safe and dignified life for the elderly.

Immigration Unit

The Immigration Unit is subordinate to the Social Services Department of Helsinki. The unit organises integration services for immigrants permanently settled in Helsinki.

Customers of the unit are immigrants with a permanent residence permit.The length of thecustomership is generally about three years, starting from the first entry to the population register.

Immigration Unit

Opening hours: Mon-Fri, 9.00-15.00

Address: Dagmarinkatu 6, 00100 Helsinki
In acute cases contact the Immigration Unit emergency service line.

Tel: 09 31037577

In the Immigration Unit you have two or three workers who will support you during your integration.

Social Worker

Tasks of the social worker include:

  • making the customer familiar with the Finnish society
  • integration planning
  • family mapping
  • securing livelihood
  • services for under aged immigrants without the guardian present

Social Instructor

Tasks of the social instructor include:

  • making the customer familiar with the Finnish society
  • entry arrangements
  • passport, travel documents and residence permit matters
  • school and day care places
  • group activities

Psychologist

A psychologist is a mental health expert.

Tasks of the psychologist include:

  • family mapping
  • consultancy and guidance
  • referrals and statements

Benefits Officer

Benefits officer makes written decisions on your social assistance.

The Immigration Unit has also other professional social and healthcare workers who can help you.

The Immigration Unit staff organise information sessions to help your integration.

Participation in the Information Sessions

Date / Topic of theinformation session

Social Assistance

If your work or other sources do not provide you with the appropriate income, you have the right for social assistance. Social assistance is a last resort form of income security.

Submit the application two weeks prior to your estimated need for social assistance.

If you receive social assistance, its amount depends on your other income.Earned income and Kela benefits, for instance, affect the amount of your

social assistance.

Appendices:

  • Payslip
  • Benefit decisions made by Kela
  • Rental agreement
  • Account statements
  • Other requested information

If you are granted social assistance, it will be transferred to your bank account.If you do not own a bank account, social assistance will be given via a money orderat the Finance Office.

Finance Office

Opening hours: Mon-Fri,8.00- 16.15

Address: Toinen linja 4A,

00530 Hakaniemi, Helsinki

Financial Obligation

Financial obligation is a document, whereby the Immigration Unit guarantees to pay your certain, predetermined expenses;for example a financial obligation for a pharmacy.

BANK

A bank account can be opened if you have official identity papers such as a passport or identity card. Your money will be safe on the bank account.

A bank card can be attached to your bank account. With the card you can withdraw cash from the cash machines and pay your bills.

LOCAL REGISTER OFFICE

Local Register Offices carry out registrations of foreigners

Local Register Office of Helsinki

Opening hours: Mon-Fri,08:00-16:15

Address: Albertinkatu 25, 00181 Helsinki

Registration of Foreigners

You need to register immediately after arriving to Finland, after which you receive your identity number.

The identity number is given to you at the Local Register Office.

In Finland the identity number consists of your birthday and a series of 4 or 5 numbers or letters. Do not let other people know your identity number.

Fill in the form “Registration Information on a Foreigner”.

Appendices:

  • Laissez passer, passport or other travel document
  • Residence permit decisions

Submitted:Decision:

______

MEDICAL EXAMINATION UPON ENTRY

The health consultant of the Immigration Unit makes an appointment for a medical examination for those who have arrived to Finland.

The appointment can be made once you have received your identity number.

Your children are allowed to go to school or day care only after their medical examination.

Medical Examination Appointments

Name / Laboratory appt. / X-ray
appt. / Examination by a nurse / (Exam. by a Doctor)

KELA

Kela, the Social Insurance Institution of Finland, provides security in different

life circumstances. Social security comprises of various benefits which are paid from the public funds.

The Social Services Department has the right to reclaimsome of the benefits granted retroactively by Kela if you previously received social allowance as a benefit form.

Your nearest Kela local office:

______

Address:______

Social Security

First you will have to apply forcoverage under the residence-based social security system,after which you will also have rights to other Kela benefits.

Once a positive decision has been made, a Kela card will be mailed to you.

The validity of your Kela card equals the validity of your residence permit.When you get a new residence permit, remember to renew your Kela card.

Fill in the application: Y77

Appendix:

  • Residence permit decisions of each person

Submitted: Decision:

______

Child Benefit

For one guardian, a child benefit is paid of every child under 17 years. Its amount depends on the number of children. If you are a single parent, you can apply for a supplement.

Fill in the application for Child Benefit: LL1

Submitted: Decision:

______

Child Home Care Allowance

Kela pays Child Home Care Allowance to families that have a child under the age of three who is not in municipal day care. The allowance is also paid for any other children under the age of seven staying at home. The Child Home Care Allowance payments are subject to tax.

Fill in the application for Child Home Care Allowance: WH1

Appendix:

  • Tax card

Submitted: Decision:

______

Some of the Kela benefits are taxable income like the Child Home Care Allowance. Remember to order a tax card from the Local Tax Office nearest to you.If you do not get a tax card, 60% of your benefit will be withheld.

Housing Allowance

Low-income households can apply for Housing Allowance. A household consists of people who share a living place. Kela revises the Housing Allowance every year because the life circumstances, for example, could have altered.

Fill in the application for Housing Allowance: AT1

Submitted:Decision:

______

Appendices:

  • Rental agreement
  • Extract from the house register
  • Statement of incomes
  • Receipt of the rent

Sickness Allowance

You can receive Sickness Allowance if you are unable to work due to an illness. Sickness Allowance can be granted if you have been a full-time student or at work at least three months before your illness.

If the three-month requirement is not fulfilled, you can receive Sickness Allowance only after your incapacity for work has continued for 55 days uninterrupted.

Fill in the application for Sickness Allowance:SV8

Appendix:

  • Doctor’s certificate of incapacity for work

Disability Allowance for Children Under 16 Years

The Disability Allowance for a child under 16 is meant for a child with a long-term illness or disability.

The Disability Allowance can be granted if the care of the sick or disabled childtakes at least 6 monthsand requires a greater commitmentof the family.

Appendix:

  • Doctor’s certificate of illness or disability

Integration Plan

You will make an integration plan together with an employment planner of the Employment and Economic Development Office and a social worker. In some cases, the integration plan can be made in the Immigration Unit.

The integration plan can include arrangements on your Finnish studies, adult education and other activities that support your integration. You will receive Integration Assistance when you are carrying out your plan.

Your integration plan

Done: ________

Integration Assistance

You are entitled to Integration Assistance paid by Kela. In order to receive Integration Assistance, the integration plan must have been made. Integration Assistance is claimed with the Labour Market Subsidy form.

Fill in the Integration Assistance/Labour Market Subsidy/Basic Unemployment Allowance application: TT1

Submitted:Decision:

______

Forms are available at Kela local offices and on the Internet. Check up on current information on the website:

EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

The Employment and Economic Development Office assists with education, vocational guidance and jobseeking.

Together with your social worker you can make an appointment to the Employment and Economic Development Office for drawing up your integration plan. There you can discuss about your Finnish studies or other activities that support your integration.

Employment and Economic Development Office of Helsinki,

Immigrant Services

Opening hours: Mon- Fri,09:00- 15.45

Address: Haapaniemenkatu 4 A, 00530 Helsinki

Tel:010 194434

FINNISH IMMIGRATION SERVICE

The Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) is a government agency and subordinate to the Ministry of the Interior. It processes and decides on matters related to immigration, residence, refugee issues, and Finnish nationality.

The Finnish Immigration Service

  • grants residence permits to foreigners who come to Finland,
  • processes applications for asylum, interviews and makes decisions,
  • grants aliens' passports and travel documents for refugees,
  • decides on refusals of entry and deportation and
  • is in charge of naturalisation applications.

POLIISI

FINNISH POLICE

The function of the police is to secure judicial and social order, to maintain public order and security, to prevent and investigate crimes, and to submit cases to prosecutors for decision.

When you need help urgently, call the emergency number.

THE EMERGENCY NUMBER IS
112

Immigration Police

According to the decisions made by the Finnish Immigration Service, the Immigration Police issues extended fixed-term residence permits and permanent residence permits to foreigners residing in Finland.

The Immigration Police also handles matters regarding identity card, alien's passport and travel document as well as citizenship matters.

Permit applications must be personally submitted to the police station.Abroad the permit applications are to be submitted to Finnish missions.

The Immigration Police at Malmi

Opening hours: Mon-Fri,08:00 - 16.15

Address:Viljatie 2, 00700 Helsinki

Residence Permit Extension

An immigrant must possess a valid residence permit. You can apply for a new fixed-term residence permit at the Immigration Police.

The extended permit can be granted on the basis of asylum or a refugee status for a person residing in Finland.

Fill in the Extension Application; separate applications for your spouse and children.

Appendices to Extension Application:

Passport photo complying with the passport photo guidelines issued by the police

  • Previous travel document, if applicable
  • Preceding residence permit decisions

Submitted:Decision:

______

Permanent Residence Permit

The Permanent Residence Permit can be granted if the applicant has been continuously resident in Finland for four years on a fixed-term residence permit.

The Permanent Residence Permit is never granted as the first residence permit. The first residence permit is always a fixed-term permit.

Fill in the application for Permanent Residence Permit; separateapplications for your spouse and children.

Appendices:

Passport photo complying with the passport photo guidelines issued by the police

Previous travel document, if applicable

Residence Permit decisions

Submitted:Decision:

______

Family Reunification

A refugee or person who has been granted a residence permit on the basis of asylum or protection can apply for family reunification. A spouse or cohabiting partner and minor, unmarried children are regarded as family members.

Fill in the Residence Permit Application; separate applications for your spouse and children

Appendices:

Applicant’s passport photo

Applicant’s birth certificate

Marriage certificate (if the applicant is your spouse)

With foster children a certificate on child custody is needed

Copy of applicant’s passport

Tax certificate

Certificate of other income

You need to make a clarification of every missing Appendix. The clarification must state why you were not able to obtain the missing appendices.

Submitted: Decision:

______

A foreigner must have a passport. You can apply for a national passport at the embassy of your home country. If you cannot receive a national passport, you can apply for an alien's passport or a refugee’s travel document.

Alien’s Passport

The Alien’s Passport is valid up to a maximum of five years. Submit the application to your local police. The Application is then forwarded to the Finnish Immigration Service. Fill in separate applications for your spouse and children.

Appendices to Alien’s Passport application:

Passport photo complying with the passport photo guidelines issued by the police

Previous travel document, if applicable

Clarification of reasons for applyingAlien’s Passport

If required, evidence from authorities in the applicant’s home country that a national passport cannot be issued

Submitted:Decision:

______

Refugee’s Travel Document

The Refugee’s Travel Document can beissued to a foreigner who has been granted asylum or to quota refugees whose refugee status has not been subsequently withdrawn or cancelled.

Refugee’s Travel Document is valid up to a maximum of five years.

Fill in separate applications for your spouse and children.

Appendices:

Passport photo complying with the passport photo guidelines issued by the police

Previous travel document, if applicable

Clarification of reasons for applying Refugee’s Travel Document

If required, evidence from authorities in the applicant’s home country that a national passport cannot be issued

Submitted:Decision:

Forms are available at the Immigrant Police and on the Internet. Check up on current information on the Finnish Immigration Service website:

ACCOMMODATION

Finding an Apartment

In Finland apartments for rent are provided by towns and municipalities, apartment developers, foundations, insurance companies, banks and private house owners.

There are apartment announcements on the Internet, in newspapers and on noticeboards. It is important to be active when searching for an apartment. There is a housing shortage in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area. Therefore, it is good to be prepared for a possible wait on getting an apartment.

The application can be filled in on the Internet:

Rental apartments on the Internet:

Moving to an Apartment

There are many official matters you have to deal with when you move.It is also recommendable to proof the condition of the apartment before you move in.

You, as the tenant, have the responsibility to make sure that the apartment stays in good condition.

Rental Agreement

The tenant and lessor make a rental agreement for the apartment.The agreement is made after you have received the apartment.

Various matters concerning the apartment are settled in the rental agreement. The rental agreement states, for instance, whether the duration of the agreement is fixed-term or non-fixed.

For example, if the rental agreement is non-fixed, it means that the apartment has been rented for a permanent use, until further notice.

Tenant’s Responsibilities

  • Paying the rent every month, latest on the date of rent payment
  • Abiding the rules of the house
  • Upkeep of the apartment
  • Responsible for any damage caused by you or your visitors

On the website of the Finnish Refugee Council you can watch videos about housing made by VertaisKoto Project:

Terminating a Rental Agreement

You can terminate your rental agreement by giving notice to your lessor, in writing most preferably. The notice period is mostly one month. You are obliged to pay the rent of this period. For example, if you terminate your rental agreement 10 July 2010, your liability to pay ends 31 August 2010.

Electricity Contract/Gas Contract