FAQs: Community Fellowships
Application Timeline
- May– Applications open for the next class of Community Fellows.
- June – Applications close.
- Mid-June – A diverse selection committee of stakeholders gathers to review all Community Fellow applications.
- Late June – IJC Staff reviews applications recommended by the selection committee and schedules interviews with prospective Fellows.
- July – IJC will select a group of finalist Community Fellow applicants and host organizations and seek input from both parties on their matching preferences.
- August – Offer letters, which include the proposed host organization placement, are sent.
- September – The new class of Community Fellows begin their fellowship.
Does it matter what language other than English I speak?
We require Community Fellow applicants to speak a language in addition to English. The languages that are in highest demand are Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Haitian Creole, and French.
How does the application process work for Community Fellows?
There is an online application for Community Fellows. Applicants must submit a resume, transcript, two letters of recommendation, write a Statement of Interest, and answer an essay question. Selected applicants will be interviewed and selected in the summer.
Am I an employee of IJC or of the host organization?
Some of our Community Fellows are “in-placed” which means that they are employees of IJC. Other Community Fellows are “out-placed” which means they become employees of their host organizations and receive supervision directly from legal staff at their host organizations. For the Class of 2023 Community Fellows, we anticipate the majority of offerings to be out-placed.
What are Community Fellow salaries?
First and Second Year Community Fellows (host placement outside NY): $45,000
First Year Community Fellows (host placement in NY): $47,000
Second Year Community Fellows (host placement in NY): $49,000
Third Year Community Fellows (host placement in NY): $49,500
Will Immigrant Justice Corps sponsor me for a green card or skilled worker visa?
No. All Fellows must be eligible for work authorization in the U.S. for the full two years of the fellowship. Applicants with DACA are welcome to apply.
If chosen, may I defer?
No. Fellows who are selected must be ready to start the program in September.
Do I need to submit an official transcript?
No. Please upload a pdf of a school-issued transcript.
Can my resume be more than one page?
Yes, though please limit yourself to two pages.
Will I be placed outside New York City?
Possibly, but the majority of our Community Fellows are placed within New York City.
What kinds of things do Community Fellows do after the Fellowship?
Many of our Community Fellows become Fellows because they want to go to law school and gain practical experience before doing so. The fellowship is also an excellent way to decide whether a career in law is really your passion. In addition to law school, Community Fellows have gone on to attend other graduate schools and continue working as legal advocates in immigration and other areas of law.
