This study explores the perceptions of the teachers working with language courses for immigrants (Swedish For Immigrants; SFI) on switching to online teaching during COVID19 pandemic. Changes in the learning environment challenge teachers in need of new skills, concepts and languages, as well as didactic tools. Based on questionnaire and interviews of 60 SFI-teachers enrolled in a municipal adult education, the online teaching was perceived as effective and enhancing digital skills, requiring new pedagogy and infrastructure, and experiences of lack of social interaction by teachers and students. The case study demonstrates the challenge of organizing online teaching in general that requires time and testing of technology onsite, development in infrastructure and professional space for competence development. Particularly the missing social interaction proves online education in SFI-course not that optimal as for many immigrants it is a crucial step in the integration process.