Purpose – This descriptive-informative study aims to examine the consciousness of SMEs in regard to immigrants as resources in the internationalization processes of companies´.Methodology/approach – Four General Managers of SMEs in the county ofVästernorrland in mid Sweden were interviewed. An internationalization operation model was modified to a synapses model including three parts for examination of areas of internationalization at the companies: market entry mode, nodes and resources.Findings – The findings in the study did indicate that the awareness of immigrants as resources has not reached the participating SMEs. But one of the companies had hired repatriates, who have been residing in distant foreign countries and after relocation to Sweden are now working towards their former countries of residence. That company also showed a higher degree of commitment and faster pace of internationalization on distantmarkets than the other companies in the studyOriginality – Most recent research of immigrant and trade has been conducted as quantitative studies, concentrating on cost-effects and underlying reasons for that effect. This qualitative study is directed towards assessment of companies´ operations and operationalization resources and is conducted to detect the internationalization strategies through the stages of internationalization, experienced psychic distance and utilized personnel resources at the SMEs. The studied SMEs are manufacturing companies inheavy industry, which is representative for the area of mid Sweden where the companies are located and the findings are therefore indicative and informative of the awareness of immigrants as resources at the SMEs in mid Sweden.