LOCATION
Oakland, CA / Hybrid / Virtual

COMMITMENT
Volunteers: Minimum 4 hours per week 
Interns: Minimum 15 hours per week for at least 4 full months, or 240 hours total 

 

Scope of Work

The Immigration Volunteer / Intern will work closely with IRC Immigration staff to provide legal services to clients seeking assistance with various immigration forms, along with support in case management.
 

BACKGROUND

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in over 45 countries and 29 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home. Domestically, our 29 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency.
 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  • Understand the pipeline to citizenship (includes screening for eligibility, completing applications, preparing and explaining the IRC and USCIS immigration processes to legal permanent residents)
  • Understand basic immigration law
  • Contact appropriate government agencies such as USCIS or National Visa Center when needed
  • Keep track of client information by utilizing data tracking software
  • Master the day to day operations of a non-profit immigration department (includes mailing, filing, fielding phone calls and inquiries)
     

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Assist clients with filling applications for citizenship, travel documents, family reunification, etc.
  • Serve refugees and asylees in reuniting them with family, obtaining green cards, and obtaining naturalization
  • Assist DOJ accredited representative with following up on applications, such as contacting National Visa Center and USCIS
  • Maintain clients’ applications and ensure they received important documents that require follow-up from USCIS
  • Provide referrals, file maintenance, data entry, mailing, and other miscellaneous office duties
  • Set up and conduct intake and immigration intakes virtually
  • Provide support in virtual workshops across the region
  • Join immigration team in-office to work on file management, if applicable 
     

REQUIREMENTS

  • Relevance to career development and/or higher educational goals (life or work experience may be substituted for higher education)
  • Strong communication skills (both interpersonal and with supervisors)
  • Great attention to detail and organizational skills
  • Strong sense of personal initiative and be able to work independently in a fastpaced office
  • Computer literacy with PC systems and software
  • Experience working with multi-cultural populations
  • Ability to adjust as needed to changing circumstances
  • Fluency in Dari/Farsi, Spanish, Amharic, Tigrinya, or Vietnamese preferred but not required
     

This position reports to the Senior Legal Representative.

  • This is an unpaid volunteer / intern opportunity
  • Acceptance is contingent upon clearing a $40 background check
  • Internships are available for current college students starting their second year, graduate students, and graduates within 2 years of graduation.
  • Course credit is available if the student coordinates with their university and confirms the appropriate paperwork with the IRC Volunteer Coordinator. 
     

STANDARD OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.
 

Application Process

Fill out an application online and include your resume and cover letter. If you are a good fit for this opportunity, someone will be in touch with you. 

Please note we have three onboarding cohorts throughout the year. We recommend you apply 1-2 months before the start of your desired cohort.

  • Fall: Starts in September
  • Spring: Starts in February
  • Summer: Starts in May-June