Intern Jobs at International Rescue Committee with Visa Sponsorship
Intern jobs at International Rescue Committee span humanitarian response, policy, research, and operations functions. The organization works with candidates on a range of visa types, making it a realistic target for international students and early-career professionals seeking hands-on experience in the nonprofit sector.
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INTRODUCTION
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 worldwide 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 26 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home.
SCOPE OF INTERN WORK
The Front Desk Volunteer will provide coverage for the reception desk, greet and direct client walk-ins, and schedule client appointments with appropriate staff. The role will answer the IRC in New York or New Jersey's main telephone line, direct incoming calls as appropriate and assess documentation of clients to determine program eligibility. The Front Desk Volunteer will provide additional clerical assistance and support to IRC staff in the New York or New Jersey regional office.
Responsibilities
- Perform reception duties such as greeting visitors to the office and connecting them to appropriate staff
- Assess documentation of visitors to determine eligibility of services
- Schedule appointments for all programs depending on eligibility of client
- Answer and direct incoming phone calls
- Assist staff with clerical and administrative duties
- Display sensitivity to cultural and personality differences of refugee clients. Respect their beliefs and values.
- Adhere to IRC policies, particularly those related to confidentiality and client privacy.
- Communicate effectively in person and by telephone.
- Other related duties as assigned.
Learning Objectives
- Understand scope of IRC services and programs available for a variety of immigrant and refugee groups in New York City.
- Improve communication and customer service skills in a linguistic and cultural environment.
- Learn about refugee resettlement issues and processes.
Requirements
- Previous administrative experience preferred
- Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Cultural sensitivity and detail oriented with the proven ability to meet deadlines
- Ability to effectively communicate and work as a team member in a cross-cultural environment
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English; additional fluency in Arabic, Spanish, Dari, Pashto, French, Ukrainian, Russian, or Kiswahili preferred.
- Willing to learn about IRC history, philosophy, global work, and local efforts.
- Willing to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies.
This position reports to the Operations Manager.
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.
Compensation
Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.
US Benefits
We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $163 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.
Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Intern Jobs at International Rescue Committee
Align your credentials with IRC's mission
IRC internships favor candidates with demonstrated experience in humanitarian aid, refugee services, or international development. Frame your academic work, volunteer history, or fieldwork in terms of the populations IRC serves, not just your technical skills.
Clarify your OPT or CPT timing early
If you're on an F-1 visa, confirm with your DSO whether CPT or OPT covers your internship dates before applying. IRC's internship cycles, especially in policy and advocacy, often have fixed start dates that leave little room to adjust authorization timing.
Target IRC's program-specific internship tracks
IRC posts internships tied to specific programs, such as economic empowerment, health, or legal protection. Applying to a program aligned with your background strengthens your case and signals to hiring managers that you understand the operational context.
Ask about J-1 designation during the offer stage
IRC sponsors J-1 visas for qualifying internships. If you're pursuing this route, ask your recruiter early whether the role qualifies under an approved Exchange Visitor Program and which sponsor organization administers it, since this affects your DS-2019 timeline.
Search verified IRC Intern openings on Migrate Mate
Use Migrate Mate to filter International Rescue Committee's active Intern postings by visa type and location. This surfaces roles where sponsorship has been confirmed, saving you time on applications where your visa situation may not be supported.
Prepare your work authorization documents before an offer
IRC is an E-Verify employer, so your work authorization must be verifiable from day one. Have your EAD card, I-20 with CPT authorization, or DS-2019 ready before your start date. Gaps in documentation can delay onboarding even after an offer is extended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does International Rescue Committee sponsor H-1B visas for Interns?
IRC does sponsor H-1B visas, but this pathway is uncommon for Intern-level roles. H-1B sponsorship is typically reserved for professional or specialty occupation positions requiring a bachelor's degree in a specific field. Most Interns at IRC work under F-1 OPT, F-1 CPT, or J-1 visa Exchange Visitor status rather than through an H-1B visa petition.
How do I apply for Intern jobs at International Rescue Committee?
Applications go through IRC's careers portal, where internships are listed by program area and location. Read each posting carefully for visa eligibility notes before applying. You can also browse verified IRC Intern openings on Migrate Mate, which filters roles by sponsorship type so you can focus on positions that match your visa situation from the start.
Which visa types are commonly used for Intern roles at International Rescue Committee?
F-1 CPT and F-1 OPT are the most common pathways for Interns at IRC, particularly for students completing academic programs in social work, public policy, international relations, or public health. J-1 Exchange Visitor status is also supported for qualifying internship roles. TN visa status may apply for Canadian or Mexican nationals in eligible occupational categories.
What qualifications or experience does International Rescue Committee expect from Intern applicants?
IRC looks for candidates enrolled in or recently graduated from programs in international development, humanitarian affairs, public health, law, social work, or related fields. Language skills, particularly in French, Arabic, or Spanish, strengthen applications for field-facing roles. Experience with vulnerable populations, research, or program coordination is frequently listed as preferred across internship postings.
How do I time my internship application around my visa authorization?
If you're on F-1 status, your DSO must authorize CPT before your internship start date, which can take one to four weeks depending on your school. For OPT, your EAD must be valid on day one since IRC participates in E-Verify. Apply to IRC internships at least six to eight weeks before your intended start date to leave room for both hiring and authorization processing.