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 is currently accepting applications to the Certified Welcoming Foundation Cohort. The Foundation Cohort is a national technical assistance program for local governments seeking a 1-, 2-, or 3-star Certified Welcoming designation.
The cohort provides peer learning opportunities and support from Welcoming America staff. Over the course of the program, participants will complete their self-assessment, prepare for an audit, receive their report, and celebrate their success. The application deadline is October 23, 2025.
If your community is interested in Certified Welcoming, but isn’t ready to get started, sign up to be notified when applications are open for the Leadership Cohort for 3-, 4-, or 5-star certification (applications opening fall 2026) or for the next Foundation Cohort (applications opening fall 2027).
Want to learn more?
Join us for an informational webinar on Wednesday, October 8, 1:00pm - 1:45pm ET about the upcoming Foundation Cohort, including learning topics, program details, and the application process.
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
The full certification fee is $12,000.
Welcoming Network members receive the following discount:
- Fees waived for members seeking the 1-star designation.
- 30% discount for members seeking the 2-, 3-, 4-, or 5-star designation.
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.