Immigration Intern

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.

LOCATION: US Programs, Salt Lake City UT

START DATE: August/September 2026

DURATION: One year, 10 hours per week

BACKGROUND: Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee is a leading, non-sectarian, non-profit organization providing emergency relief, protection, rehabilitation assistance, resettlement services, and advocacy for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. Domestically, our 26 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency.

The IRC in Utah’s Immigration Legal Services program serves more than 800 individuals each year, providing accessible, affordable and critical legal representation and advice to immigrants and their families in order to acquire and maintain legal status in the U.S., keep families together, access their full rights, and successfully integrate in the U.S.

SCOPE OF INTERN WORK: Under the supervision of a Department of Justice Accredited Legal Representative, the Immigration Intern will play a crucial role in working with clients at all stages of their immigration process. The Intern will assist with case filing and documentation, communication with clients, researching immigration case law, and conducting community outreach. The Intern will also work with the Immigration Intern Supervisor to develop goals based on personal areas of interest within the Immigration Team.

COMMITMENT: Minimum of 1 year starting September 2025, 10 hours minimum per week

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage Immigration Case Files and Documentation.

• Assist with completing case file intake with clients.

• Compile case notes and enter data into tracking systems.

• Perform administrative duties for the immigration program, including receiving, screening and responding to phone calls, text messages, emails and in-person inquiries.

• Assist Legal Representative with preparation and drafting of applications, cover letters, legal briefs and other documents related to immigration cases.

• Contacting clients to inform them of notices, appointments, documents or information needed, and communicating with clients about their case.

• Conduct research on various legal topics and precedent to assist the Legal Representative with developing legal arguments.

• Other tasks and research projects based on Intern areas of interest developed with supervisor.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• The Intern will gain a broad understanding of the U.S. Immigration system, Immigration law and its interaction with and effect on New Americans

• The Intern will utilize and improve both written and verbal communication skills and increase cultural understanding as they interact with New Americans of all languages and cultural backgrounds

REQUIREMENTS:

• This internship is fully in-person – it is required for the intern to be in the office for the majority of the internship hours.

• Interest in immigration, law or international studies is a plus (not required)

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

This is an unpaid internship position. No financial compensation, including compensation for relocation, is available.

Interested applicants should email a resume, cover letter, and two letters of recommendation to VolunteerSLC@rescue.org with the subject line Immigration & Citizenship Intern.

IRC leading the way from harm to home.

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 or disability.

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.

Cookies: https://careers.rescue.org/us/en/cookiesettings

US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $163 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

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.