By continuing to browse this site, you agree to our use of cookies. Read our privacy policy

Spring 2025: Immigration Intern (Unpaid)

San Diego CA

  • Organization: IRC - International Rescue Committee
  • Location: San Diego CA
  • Grade: Internship - Internship
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Migration
  • Closing Date:

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.
*Please note: this is an unpaid internship*

IRC BACKGROUND: Founded in 1933, the IRC is a leading organization providing relief, protection, and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression throughout the U.S. IRC in San Diego has resettled over 31,000 refugees to San Diego County over the past 48 years and provides numerous program services. In San Diego, the IRC opened its doors in 1975 and has grown to serve approximately 7,000 refugee and immigrant individuals from 115 countries of origin each year through 5 different departments.

SCOPE OF INTERN WORK: Intern will work with Immigration staff to assist with current and new client cases. Intern will provide support for Immigration Legal Staff.   
RESPONSIBILITIES:  
•Enter data into Case Management Software (LollyLaw) and other tracking systems
•Work directly with Immigration Staff to assist with case follow-ups 
•Conduct research projects to assist with cases 
•Conduct research to assist with community outreach and other program development goals
•Conduct administrative projects to support casework 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:  

•Intern will gain a deeper understanding of current U.S. Immigration systems 
•Intern will receive training and acquire knowledge of U.S. Immigration application 
processes procedures, as well as eligibility requirements for various applications etc.
•Intern will develop research skills and ability to concisely summarize findings for workplace use

Minimum Qualifications:REQUIREMENTS:  
•Currently enrolled in an accredited Law School or Graduate Program; recently earned undergraduate degree. Prior volunteer experience with the IRC Immigration Department preferred 
•Attention to detail
•Ability to take direction (written and oral) and to complete tasks independently
•Must be punctual and dependable (regular attendance required); Minimum 15 hrs per week 
•Prior customer service experience and/or the ability to work well with others of varied backgrounds
•Proficiency in a second language (especially Amharic, Arabic, Burmese, Cantonese, Dari, Farsi, French, Karen, Khmer, Mandarin, Pashto, Spanish, Somali, Swahili, Urdu, or Vietnamese)

This position reports to the Senior Legal Representative: 

Compensation: This is an unpaid internship opportunity.

Working Environment:

  • The Immigration Internship is in-person at the San Diego office.

  • Weekly Required Hours: 20 hours

  • Monday-Friday, 9:00am-12:00pm PST.

  • Possible Weekend Shifts


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.

Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.
We do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.