From Arriving to Thriving

At the International Institute of Minnesota, we help immigrants and refugees make Minnesota their home.

 

Know Your Rights and Family Safety

Due to increased ICE activity in the Twin Cities, we encourage all immigrants and refugees understand your constitutional rights and how to exercise them. We also recommend making family safety plans to ensure your family is prepared for an immigration emergency.

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Programs for You

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  • Teacher teaching immigrants english
    English Classes

    We offer free classes online and in-person for adult refugees, immigrants and asylees.

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  • Portrait of immigrant family enjoying the snow
    Citizenship and Immigration Help

    We help with filing for U.S. citizenship and offer other immigration services.

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  • two people working on class work
    Classes and Job Trainings

    Learn about our many free classes and job trainings that support your journey as a New American.

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Did You Know?

Our clients, students and staff come from all over the world, contributing to Minnesota’s culture, labor market and economy.

  • 100,000 +

    Hours

    of English instruction provided last year.

  • 110

    Countries

    Last year, we worked with 5,709 clients from all over the world.

  • 28

    Languages

    We’re proud to have a diverse staff that supports our clients.

  • 100 +

    Years

    years serving New Americans since our founding in 1919.

Four women of different ethnicities wear bright colors and smile.

Welcome to the International Institute of Minnesota

We empower New Americans as they begin new lives and achieve their full potential. Our comprehensive services range from refugee resettlement and citizenship and immigration support to English education, college preparation, and workforce and leadership development. Since our founding in 1919, the Institute has been a pillar of support for New Americans as they journey to safety, stability and success.

  • Compassion

    We lead with compassion, listen with patience, and respond with sensitivity and discretion to every unique situation, individual and family we meet.

  • Connection

    We serve as a bridge between families, individuals and the greater Minnesota community as well as donors, policymakers and volunteers alike.

  • Respect

    We believe in fostering the potential of every New American to learn, grow, thrive and enrich our Minnesota community.

What Our Clients Are Saying

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  • I always remember people in my heart. I never forget this place.

    Thuan

    Read Her Story

  • I found a place that really cares about people. Not only just cares, but they’re seeing the future of this generation.

    Ahmed

    Read His Story

  • I can say I have a good start of my life in USA (because of IIMN).”

    Yolande

    Read Her Story

What’s New?

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  • Stories

    Volunteer Spotlight: John

    Learn about volunteering for the International Institute of Minnesota in this question and answer series with our dedicated volunteers. Today, meet John, a business lawyer who volunteers as a guest speaker in Business Pathway classes, workshops and at our Small Business resource fair. He also offers consultations to students to help them understand legal implications of different aspects of their businesses.

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  • Media Coverage

    Spectrum Noticias: Padre de niño de 5 años detenido por agentes de inmigración niega haberlo abandonado

    Spectrum Noticias | El padre de un niño de cinco años detenido por agentes de inmigración en Minnesota niega haber abandonado a su hijo, como asegura el gobierno federal.

    Read the Story

  • Stories

    Mimi’s Story

    One tourism commercial convinced Mimi that Minnesota was where she belonged, so at age 20 with an infant less than one-year-old, she packed her things to head north. Mimi now works as a director at an assisted living facility and has eight children, most of whom are young adults working in the healthcare field or studying to enter it soon.

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Make an Impact

With your support, we can provide New Americans with a strong start to a new life. Whether it’s the gift of financial support, your time or resources, we are most grateful for your generosity; it is essential to the success of our community.

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A man writing in class looks up and smiles at the camera.