Become Certified Welcoming
The certification process formally evaluates and assesses your community’s efforts to provide an inclusive place for all. Candidates submit an application; complete a self-assessment; and receive an evaluative audit and a detailed final report that identifies local strengths and provides a roadmap for areas of growth.
If you’re interested in becoming Certified Welcoming, but aren’t sure which star designation is right for your local government, take a pre-assessment to receive a recommendation on which star designation is the best fit for your community and the steps to take on getting started.
Take the First Step
Welcoming America accepts applications to Certified Welcoming through two distinct cohorts.
In 2025, we will run the Leadership Cohort for local governments seeking a 3-, 4-, or 5-star Certified Welcoming designation. In 2026, communities will have an opportunity to participate in the Foundation Cohort for those seeking a 1-, 2-, or 3-star designation.
These cohorts provide peer learning opportunities and support from Certified Welcoming staff. Over the course of the program, participants will complete their self-assessment, prepare for an audit, receive their report, and celebrate their success.
Applications for the cohorts are currently closed. Sign up to be notified when applications are open for the next Leadership Cohort (fall 2024) or for the Foundation Cohort (fall 2025).
In the News
The Welcoming Standard
Through the Welcoming Standard, we have captured the core of what it means to be welcoming. Developed in collaboration with diverse experts including Welcoming Network members, and with input from the public at large, the Standard provides a comprehensive roadmap for immigrant inclusion.
The Welcoming Standard addresses a range of essential components, from language access to hiring practices and more. Beyond traditional immigrant integration strategies, the Welcoming Standard also includes practices for fostering greater unity between immigrants and U.S. born residents.
The Welcoming Standard is organized according to our seven framework categories:
Government and Community Leadership
Civic Leadership
Equitable Access
Connected Communities
Education
Economic Development
Safe Communitites
Process & Timeline
Local governments are required to be the lead applicant for Certified Welcoming. Partners, such as nonprofits, can contribute to the process at any stage, including completing the application, contributing to the self-assessment, and being consultants during the site visit.
From start to finish, the certification process typically takes about one year.
Certificates are valid for four years. To maintain certification, local governments must continue to meet the indicators in the Welcoming Standard, address any observations in their Certification Report, and update their self-assessment before their certificate expires.
- Complete onboarding, sign contract
- Complete self-assessment
- Complete 2-3 day audit
- Receive final report
- Address any non-compliances
- Receive certificate
Certification Costs
Welcoming Network members can receive a free one-star assessment.
2-5 star assessments are available at a discounted rate of $9,000 for members.
Scholarships
To support certification in communities where the fee may be a barrier to accessing the full benefits of becoming Certified Welcoming, Welcoming America created a scholarship program for local governments. For additional information about applying for a scholarship, please contact certified@welcomingamerica.org.
Strong communities intentionally connect and include people of all backgrounds. As places look to harness the wealth and vibrancy that comes from diverse talents and a global workforce, truly welcoming places can set themselves apart.
What makes Certified Welcoming so great is that it is very rigorous. It involves a broad range of different aspects and takes a long time to bring new and different people into the work.