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. 

 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 40 countries and 28 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home. The IRC in Atlanta office was established in 1979 and has resettled over 30,000 refugees from over 65 countries into the Greater Atlanta area. As the largest refugee resettlement agency in Georgia, the IRC in Atlanta resettles an average of 1,000 refugees into Georgia annually and provides additional services and assistance to another 2,500 refugees and asylees.

 

SCOPE OF IMMIGRATION CASEWORK INTERN WORK: The International Rescue Committee’s Resettlement office in Atlanta provides its clients with assistance in filing immigration applications, which will allow refugees and newly-approved asylees to travel, become permanent residents and then citizens of the United States. Please note that all internship positions are unpaid.  

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:  

Conduct comprehensive intake and needs assessment  

Assist clients to complete applications for various immigration benefits (I-131, I-485, I-765, N-400, I-134) and prepare these for review by the Community Integration Manager, and/or Senior Legal Representative 

Maintain accurate and up-to-date files and detailed case notes on Immigration services to clients, enter required data in a timely manner into databases, and meet all case reporting requirements within established deadlines and standards for final review by a legal staff   

Make service requests and refer case follow ups to caseworkers for complicated cases 

Prepare response for I-485 RFE’s  

Assist clients in drafting response on missed USCIS interviews or those who need rescheduling  

Assist clients in making NVC payment 

Conduct File review monthly and address any matter with Managing Attorney  

Assist legal staff in making copies and creating new files  

Assist in Citizenship Workshops  

Complete change of address forms with CIS 

Help maintain the filing system for immigration petitions filed with IRC in Atlanta 

Submit intern hours on volunteer dashboard 

Other duties as needed and assigned by immigration legal staff 

 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:  

Students will develop an enhanced professional skill set, interact with other interns, clients and supervisors remotely and contribute to projects while in the comfort of their own space 

Students will learn data collection and data management methods for program development and reporting 

Students will gain knowledge of USCIS administrative procedures by processing receipts and correspondence from USCIS 

Students will have hands own experience in filling out applications  

Student will gain knowledge of the types of immigration benefits available to refugees and asylees and the steps involved in applying for these benefits 

Apply academic learning to real-world projects and assignments 

Develop workplace skills and acquire specific experience needed to pursue professional goals Minimum Qualifications:

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Prefer students or recent graduates with interest and experience with USCIS forms   

Must have reliable work hours and able to commit 3 days a week (9-5)  

Able to work independently and under pressure with multiple tasks and competing deadlines 

The ideal candidates are independent, detail-oriented, and highly organized 

Attention to detail and procedure 

Work or volunteer experience with foreign populations, especially African or Middle and Near Eastern 

Bilingual in client languages including Spanish, Arabic, Farsi, or French is beneficial, but not required 

Computer literacy, preferably with PC systems 

Knowledge of immigration forms beneficial, but not required 

Applicants must be open to evolving responsibilities

REQUIREMENTS: 

Must submit intern hours on volunteer portal.  

Must pass a background check.  

Commitment of 15 hours per week for a minimum of 3 consecutive months.  

Must be at least 18 years old. 

Must be authorized to work in the United States. Please note that we are unable to provide sponsorship for a US work authorization.   

This is an in-person role. This role will report to Legal Assistant for Children's Legal Services. 

 

The internship will be filled on a rolling basis. We will continue to accept applications until August 8th, 2025, or until the position is filled, whichever occurs first. Internship will begin the week of September 8th, 2025.

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.