Immigration Legal Services Intern (Spring 2027)

International Rescue Committee•Silver Spring, MD

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The International Rescue Committee’s Immigration Legal Services Department in Silver Spring, Maryland, provides high-quality, low-cost immigration services, including applications for adjustment of status, work authorization, naturalization, and family reunification. The intern supports the department by helping clients prepare for consultations and application sessions, assisting with documents and records, answering questions or referring clients to appropriate staff, and contributing to outreach, research, and local partnerships. This internship is for the Spring 2027 semester, requires a minimum four-month commitment, and is unpaid. Interns are expected to attend an in-person orientation on January 25, 2027, from 9:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The posting describes a commitment of 30 hours per week and also states that availability to work in person at the Silver Spring office for at least 15 hours per week is required; overall in-person availability is preferred. Spring 2027 interns may be eligible for a $15-per-day per diem reimbursement to offset food and travel costs. Candidates who are not enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program and are more than 12 months past graduation may apply as volunteers. Selected applicants must complete background checks, and the posting asks them to make a $30 donation toward the associated costs.

Requirements

Be working toward a college degree in a subject related to international relief, humanitarian work, or refugee law, and be a current student or within 12 months of schooling.
Have a passion for working with refugees with limited English proficiency.
Have excellent research, language, database management, and record-keeping skills.
Commit to at least four months and 30 hours per week.
Be able to work in person at the Silver Spring office for at least 15 hours per week.
Attend the in-person intern orientation on January 25, 2027, from 9:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Submit a resume, cover letter, and at least three references with the application.
Complete a background check if selected.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in a second language; Spanish is strongly preferred, and French, Dari, and Pashto are also sought.
Interest in or work experience with U.S. immigration law and outreach.
Prior immigration experience.
Overall ability to work in person.

Responsibilities

Review client immigration documents and help clients meet requirements for consultations and application sessions with legal staff.
Answer client questions about immigration services and refer them to the appropriate IRC staff member when necessary.
Provide general administrative support, including tracking, filing, and mailing documents, applications, and notices of action.
Under the guidance of the supervising Immigration Services Manager, enter client information updates in the Lolly Law database.
Assist clients with document translation, authentication, presentation, and completion.
Provide special assistance to clients with particular needs.
Promote the IRC’s immigration department through online and local networks.
Research immigration issues, policies, and programs.
Build partnerships with local agencies to improve systems for providing immigration services.