Undocumented and DACA students

You bring a range of valuable strengths to the workforce: Resiliency, adaptability, resourcefulness, initiative, community engagement, and cultural sensitivity

 These strengths, developed through your unique life experiences, can contribute positively to your career and the industries you choose to join.

At the same time, you may have specific concerns based on your legal status.

If you have DACA, you are legally authorized to work in the United States. For more information, visit the National Immigration Law Center's webpage on DACA and Employment.

If you do not have a legal status or work authorization, you may face some unique and complicated challenges in the career exploration and job search process. Below are some recommendations to help you identify support and opportunities:

Explore your career interests and develop your career readiness skills in other ways

  • Conduct unpaid undergraduate research, or research supported by a scholarship or fellowship
  • Volunteer on campus or in the community
  • Participate in registered student organizations
  • Shadow alumni or professionals in an area of interest

Consider becoming an entrepreneur

  1. Become an independent contractor or business owner through sole proprietorship, partnership, or worker cooperatives.
  2. Obtain an ITIN or EIN (instead of social security number) to earn a living in the United States legally.
  3. When attending employer and alumni events on campus, such as career fairs, ask about options to work with the company as an independent contractor instead of as an employee hired by the company.

Resources to learn more about these options:

Resources at Illinois to build your entrepreneurship knowledge and skills at Illinois:

 

 

Consider Graduate School

Consider if graduate school may be a good option for you through the use of fellowships.

Consult our Graduate School Guidance for more information.

Does your desired career need a professional license? Do your research!

For careers that require a professional license, it is important to research your state’s laws to determine your eligibility to receive a license. Although the state of Illinois provides professional licensure regardless of immigration status, many states prohibit those without work authorization or legal status to obtain professional licensure. You can use the below resource to study specific states’ policies or concerns.

Resources:

Higher Education Immigration Portal

Consider international remote work

Working remotely for a business located in another country where you can be authorized to work might be an option. See our Guide to Global Job Searching for help finding jobs outside the United States.

Seek supportive organizations

Connect with organizations that specialize in supporting undocumented students and DACA students. These resources often keep you informed of your rights and often provide career exploration, job searching, and professional development advice.

Resources:

TheDream.US  

Immigrants Rising

United We Dream

Body

Please consider making an individual career appointment at The Career Center to discuss your interests and identify academic and professional paths that work for you. Although we may not have all of the answers, we would like to support you.

The university also provides a website with additional campus resources for undocumented and daca students.