FAQs: Community Fellowships

Application Timeline

March– Applications open for the incoming class of Community Fellows.
May – Applications close.
Early May – A selection committee reviews Community Fellow applications.
Mid May – IJC schedules interviews with selected applicants.

Late May – IJC selects a group of finalist Community Fellow applicants and host organizations and seeks input from both parties on their matching preferences.
June – Fellowship Agreements are sent to successfully matched Fellows.
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, Haitian Creole, Arabic, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, and French. Spanish (including indigenous dialects) is preferred for the Class of 2026.

How does the application process work for Community Fellows?

There is an online application for Community Fellows. Applicants must submit a resume, unofficial transcript, one letter of recommendation (two valued), write a Statement of Interest, and answer an essay question. Selected applicants will be interviewed and selected in the spring.

What are Community Fellow salaries?

First Year Community Fellows: $49,500 annually

Second Year Community Fellows: $51,500 annually

Third Year Community Fellows: $53,000 annually

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 three years of the fellowship. Applicants with DACA or TPS are welcome to apply.

Where will I be placed?

Finalists for the Community Fellowship will participate in a matching process with our selected host organizations. IJC anticipates that 2026 Community Fellow placements will be in New York State, including New York City, Long Island, and Upstate New York. Those selected as Community Fellows must be located or willing to relocate to the geography of their host organization (placements may be hybrid or fully in-person, but no fully remote options will be offered).