Immigration Legal Services Intern (Spring 2027)

Location: Baltimore, MD USA

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.

Learn basic policies and procedures of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Learn practical methods to fill out USCIS immigration forms, to organize and provide supporting documents, and to help clients write financial affidavits for fee waivers, affidavits of birth, and affidavits in response to USCIS requests for additional evidence. Practice and apply basic interviewing techniques to conduct client intake forms, including methods to develop trust with clients, ensure complete disclosure, and identify red flags while gathering information.

Responsibilities

• Under the guidance of IRC immigration staff, meet with clients to assist with specific applications and forms.
• Track, file and mail relevant documents, applications and notices of action; maintain immigration databases.
• Ensure that translation services for immigration processes and procedures are provided in a language that is accessible to clients during intakes and application completions.
• Assist with special research or other projects.
• Other tasks and related duties 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 hybrid. This includes a combination of standard office environment, remote work, and field time within the greater Baltimore area.

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

This is an unpaid position and is not eligible for benefits.

Professional Standards: All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation.

IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.