Immigration Services Intern
IMMIGRATION SERVICES:
In addition to integrating refugees into the U.S., Immigration Team provides comprehensive immigration services to assist refugees and asylees on their path to becoming permanent residents or U.S. citizens.
SCOPE OF INTERN WORK:
Immigration Interns work with Immigration Program Specialist to directly assist clients with the processing and filing of applications for lawful permanent residence, family reunification, affidavits of relationship, and other immigration petitions necessary to receive legal residency in the United States and reunite family members.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Set-up and conduct intake and immigration interviews with assistance from an interpreter and immigration staff.
- Prepare and complete immigration applications and petitions on behalf of refugees, asylees, and immigrants for submission to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Conduct follow-up, including written and telephone communication with USCIS and respond to requests for further evidence and inquiries.
- Maintain case files by copying, faxing, and inputting information in immigration case management database.
- Notify clients of USCIS interviews; ensure they have immunization records, photos, and other required documents complete and available for the interview.
- Assist the Director to complete Affidavits of Relationship for family reunification; manage case files and client communication.
- Conduct community outreach to refugee and immigrant population.
- Assist with projects and administrative duties as assigned by the Immigration Program Specialist.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- Interns will gain familiarity in cross-cultural training techniques
- Candidates will gain skills in the development and naturalization process.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding client information.
- Strong verbal and written skills in English; Punctual and reliable.
- Spanish and/or Russian speaker highly desirable.
- Strong intercultural communication skills; demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from other cultural backgrounds.
- Must have valid driver license and clean driving record.
This position reports to the Immigration Specialist.
- This is an unpaid internship.
- Work related driving is eligible for reimbursement at the IRS Charitable Rate.
- Internships are available for current college students starting in their second year, graduate students, and graduates less than 2 years post-graduation. Course credit is available if the student coordinates with their university and confirms the appropriate paperwork with the Volunteer Coordinator.
COMMITMENT:
Hours per week: 15-30 hours per week, during IRC's regular business hours of 9 am-5 pm, M - F
Duration: 4-6 months, or 240 hours
IRC is committed to working with student schedules. As such, we are flexible with accommodating time off for midterms and school holidays, and altering time availability with changing class schedules.