Immigrant Justice Corps 2026 Community Fellowship: Fully Funded Opportunity for Grads

Are you passionate about helping immigrants access justice? The Immigrant Justice Corps 2026 Community Fellowship offers a fully funded, three-year chance for recent graduates to dive into immigration advocacy. This program places you in top legal service groups across the U.S., where you gain real-world skills and credentials. Applications are open now for the twelfth group of fellows.

What is the IJC Community Fellowship?

The Immigrant Justice Corps Community Fellowship trains young people to fight for immigrant rights. It targets college grads who want to work directly with low-income immigrants. Fellows join respected legal aid groups and handle cases that make a real difference.

This program stands out as the first one focused only on immigration law. Over 130 fellows serve in more than 30 states right now. The 2026 group gets three-year spots, which helps build deep skills and connections.

Fellowship Structure and Professional Development

The fellowship mixes hands-on work with clear training steps. You start with real cases under expert guidance. The program pushes you toward official credentials from the U.S. Department of Justice.

First, you aim for partial accreditation in six to twelve months. This lets you represent clients at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Next, full accreditation comes in twelve to eighteen months, so you can appear in Immigration Courts. By the end, you leave with strong legal know-how and papers to prove it.

Key Responsibilities of Community Fellows

Fellows handle important daily tasks that help immigrants. You manage your own cases with supervision from lawyers. This includes giving direct legal help and speaking for clients.

You also explain tough immigration rules in simple terms. Work involves community outreach that respects different cultures. You connect with people facing legal hurdles and bigger system problems. These roles build both legal chops and people skills.

Fellowship Benefits

This program pays well and supports your growth. You get a full-time salary plus standard employee perks like health coverage. Training and mentors guide you every step.

The hands-on experience counts toward a career in law or policy. You earn accreditation that opens doors. It’s a full package for anyone starting in immigration work. Check details at the official program page.

Placement Locations

Placements for 2026 focus on New York areas. You could work in New York City, Long Island, or Upstate New York. Relocation is required, though some spots might allow hybrid setups.

No fully remote options exist, so plan to move. This setup lets you immerse in active immigrant communities.

Eligibility Criteria

You need to fit basic rules to apply. Current undergrads graduating by spring 2026 qualify, along with grads from spring 2024 or later. An associate or bachelor’s degree is required.

You must have U.S. work permission for all three years. Speak English well, plus another language. Spanish, even dialects, is a big plus. People with DACA or TPS are welcome to join.

Application Components

Put together a strong packet to stand out. Fill out the online form. Add a resume or CV, no more than two pages.

Include unofficial transcripts. Write a 500-word statement of interest. Submit a 500-word essay on immigration policy. Get at least one recommendation letter, but two are better.

These parts show your drive and understanding of the issues.

Selection Process

The process moves fast in spring 2026. Applications get reviewed in early May. Virtual interviews happen mid-May.

Then, matching with host groups occurs in late May. Offers go out in June. They pair you based on your skills and group needs.

Application Deadline

Submit everything by Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET. This includes letters from recommenders. Start early and check in with your contacts.

APPLY HERE

Frequently Asked Questions