Immigration Legal Services Intern (Spring 2027)

About the role

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster.

Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions.

If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

The IRC is recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice to provide immigration legal services. Some of our services include filing applications for adjustment of status (i.e. green cards), naturalization, and family reunification for refugees, asylees and immigrants. Interns will gain experience working at an internationally recognized non-profit organization and a first-hand look at the basics of immigration processes and procedures.

• Reports To
• Immigration Legal Assistant or Legal Representative
• Learning Objectives
• Gain exposure to the challenges and opportunities for providing nonprofit immigration legal services, while working with clients from divers, cultural and
• Learn basic policies and procedures of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
• Gain hands-on experience through extensive shadowing opportunities and close collaboration with immigration legal staff. Learn how to support client services by assisting with case management tasks, mail processing, data entry, document collection, and file organization.
• Develop an understanding of immigration case workflows, client engagement practices, and the administrative processes that support the delivery of high-quality legal services.

Responsibilities

• Under the guidance of IRC immigration staff, assist with case management activities that support the delivery of immigration legal services, including document collection, data entry, and case tracking.
• Process incoming and outgoing USCIS correspondence, including scanning, filing, mailing, and updating case records to ensure timely follow-up on client matters.
• Communicate with clients regarding upcoming appointments, document requests, case updates, and other case-related needs, under staff supervision.
• Coordinate with interpreters and staff to help facilitate effective communication with clients and support access to immigration services and benefits.
• Maintain accurate records in immigration case management databases and assist with quality control and data verification efforts.
• Support outreach events, workshops, clinics, and other program activities as needed.
• Assist with special projects, research assignments, and administrative tasks that contribute to the success of the immigration legal services program.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• Prior experience and/or interest working with refugees and immigrants.
• Prior experience and/or interest in law or providing nonprofit legal services.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member in a fast-paced, global environment.
• Ability to learn new immigration processes quickly.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong writing skills: ability to keep clear and accurate case notes and records.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and web-based applications (databases, Box).
• Fluency in English required. Bilingual ability in one of the predominant languages of the local client base is desired.

Position Details

• IN-PERSON: Spring 2027 internships will be IN-PERSON ONLY. This means you must be available to come into the IRC Baltimore office at least 3 days a week for the IRC Legal Services
• DATES: Internships start with a required orientation on Wednesday, Jan 27th (approx. 9:30 AM – 3 PM). Regular weekly hours start the week of Jan 27th, 2027, and will continue through May 16th, 2027 (14 total weeks).
• HOURS: Internships require a minimum of 15 hours per week for 14 weeks. Interns should be able to come to the office at least 3 days per week.
• LAPTOP: Interns will be issued an IRC laptop for the duration of the internship to perform both remote and in-office responsibilities.
• REIMBURSEMENT: Internships with the IRC in Baltimore are unpaid. University credit may be arranged. Spring 2027 interns are eligible for per diem reimbursement at the rate of $15 per day (defined as 7.5 hours) to offset the costs of food and travel of the internship. Interns may also be reimbursed for mileage driven for any approved activities (based on round-trip mileage from the IRC office).

Application Process

• DUE DATE: apply online at careers.rescue.org by 11:59 PM ET on Monday January 4th.
• INTERVIEWS: Applicants selected for interviews will be contacted to schedule interviews beginning January 2026. Due to the volume of applications, only applicants who are selected for interviews will be contacted. Interviews will be conducted approximately January 4th through January 20th, 2027.
• OFFERS: Applicants who have interviewed for positions can expect to receive a decision no later than 20th, 2027. Confirmations will be due at the latest by January 22nd, 2027.