Career Guidance & Professional Licensure (resource page)

As an undocumented student, you may be considering pursuing a career in medicine, business, law, academia, computer science, or another field. As you consider which field(s) to pursue, you may reflect on how your personality, interests, values, passions, and skills can be applied. You may also consider the process of starting a business or obtaining a professional license. We also want to acknowledge that this process may bring up excitement, worry, or stress. It may also be particularly difficult when trying to keep in mind the uncertainty surrounding DACA. As you explore potential careers and professional pathways, we encourage you to reach out to trusted mentors and friends around you for support, as well as to prioritize your own mental health in this journey. We have compiled a list of key information and resources to help you navigate the process.

Please keep in mind that this resource page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute or replace professional legal advice. It is important to consult with an experienced and trustworthy immigration representative or attorney to receive answers and support for specific legal questions. Additionally, the information provided is current to the publication of this resource page. Please be sure to verify any authenticity and trustworthiness of links prior to connecting with any resource.

In this page, you can find more information about the following:

1. Professional Licensure Requirements
2. Guides for Entrepreneurship and Starting Your Own Business
3. Success Stories and Testimonials
4. Recommended Resource Guides for Career Guidance
5. Making the Most of the Career Center at Your School
6. Featured Fellowship Opportunities
7. Organizations and Podcasts to Check Out

Professional Licensure Requirements

Undocumented individuals may be barred from various career possibilities because of their immigration status, even if they have employment authorization. These could include limitations on government employment, jobs requiring a security clearance, or positions requiring professional licensing. While some of these restrictions are governed by federal policy, others, such as access to professional and professional licenses, are determined by the state. States have passed their own laws regarding access to professional licensure and credential programs for undocumented individuals.

The Dream US, a national organization that works with undocumented college students, created a State Professional/Occupational Licensure Requirements for Immigrants guide with information about licensure laws for each state.

Professional and Occupational Licenses for Immigrants guided by the Catholic Legal Immigration Network offers an overview of state licensing regulations and highlights the need for state officials to eliminate barriers that prevent immigrants from practicing a profession.

The University of California, in partnership with Immigrants Rising, created an Income Generation Option for Undocumented Student toolkit that has more information about entrepreneurship and professional licensure.

“ […] if you want to be like a marriage and family counselor, there is like, California does have licenses that are open for undocumented people.”

Laura, a 33-year-old undocumented college student in California

Guides for Entrepreneurship and Starting Your Own Business

“[…] I have thought about opening up my own business. I really like coffee, and I would love to open a coffee shop. Or something along those lines. I think I really like food. So maybe even the restaurant […]”

Cecilia, 19-year-old undocumented college student in Washington

For undocumented students who do not have DACA or TPS, pursuing entrepreneurship, or starting your own business, could be a great way to pursue a career. Whether you are thinking about offering services in a particular area or becoming a contractor to perform specific tasks and activities, it is important to learn how to navigate the process of becoming an independent contractor. Several immigrant rights organizations offer information, resources, and advice about how to be an independent contractor and/or start your own business. 

The UCLA Income Generation Options for Undocumented Students toolkit discusses the legal options available for all immigrants, regardless of status, to utilize their skills and thrive in the U.S., especially in light of the uncertainty surrounding DACA recipients’ ability to work legally.

Immigrants Rising created the Independent Contractor Brainstorming Worksheet that provides information, resources, and advice on becoming an independent contractor. The worksheet invites you to reflect on your passions and skills, as well as prompts you to think about potential marketing strategies. Immigrants Rising also created “Spark,” an online hub for undocumented communities to learn about entrepreneurship. 

NYSYLC (New York State Youth Leadership Council), an undocumented youth-led organization in New York City, created the Non-Citizens Guide to Entrepreneurship where you will find resources on how to earn income regardless of immigration status. This includes information about working as an independent contractor, freelance worker, or intern. It also features insight into the steps associated with becoming an entrepreneur, such as setting up a bank account and obtaining an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number).

TheDream.US created the Career Pathways for Undocumented Students PowerPoint deck for employers and colleges to learn more about how to support undocumented students with and without work authorization, and effective practices to support undocumented students in their career development.

The following are a few additional resources that will help you strengthen your knowledge about becoming an entrepreneur!

Learn all about  What is an ITIN? With The Dream Us

Information about Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) by The Dream US

Basic Facts about Entrepreneurship by Immigrants Rising

A Guide To Working For Yourself by Immigrants Rising

Tips to Get Started as an Independent Contractor/ Freelancer by Immigrants Rising

Workers’ Rights by the National Law Immigration Center

Life after college: A guide for undocumented students by Immigrant Rising

Learn about Options for UndocuWorking with NYU Law and NYSYLC

FAQ on Experiential and Funding Opportunities for Undocumented Students

Success Stories and Testimonials

Step into the inspiring narratives of fellow undocumented students who have explored their career paths while navigating college and graduate school. Their testimonials offer invaluable insights, encouragement, and a glimpse into the triumphs and challenges they’ve faced along the way. You can read more testimonials at My Undocumented Life.

“I was introduced to LLC creation and independent contracting, which is a way for undocumented folks to have thriving businesses using their current skill sets, such as interpreting, translating, writing, graphic design, and much more. Through independent contracting, I am able to employ myself and make an income with many hustles such as affiliate marketing, social media branding, and recently becoming a consultant for a cooperative called Radiate Consulting.” Alejandra, an undocumented college graduate

Recommended Resource Guides for Career Guidance

While many organizations, colleges, and universities have created guides on how to start your own business or become an entrepreneur as an undocumented individual, there are additional resources that feature career guidance that is specifically tailored for undocumented students. 

The Higher Education Immigration Portal created this resource called Empowering Undocumented Students: A Guide for Career Services that provides strategies and resources to help undocumented students achieve their career aspirations.

UndocuProfessionals provides a mentorship program and recommendations to jobs at organizations that support undocumented professionals.

Pre-Health Dreamers promote the inclusion of undocumented individuals in the healthcare and health sciences fields.

In some cases, students may also want to identify immigrant-friendly businesses to explore. TheDream US Career Connections List provides the names of companies that have used their platforms to speak out in support of DACA and DACA recipients.

Northwestern University in Illinois created a webpage called Northwestern Career Resources for Undocumented Students which provides resources that help all students achieve career success, including those who are undocumented or have a DACA status.

California Community College Resources for Undocumented Students  The California Chancellor’s Office, along with the Foundation for California Community Colleges, created the “Resource for Undocumented Students” web page with resources related to career guidance.

Harvard Act on a Dream is a student-led, organization run by students of Harvard College, aiming to eliminate the obstacles encountered by immigrant students in achieving their goals and reaching their full potential. Their website provides resources for undocumented students and individuals seeking to learn more, including inspiring stories of students and a database of scholarships.

Making the Most of the Career Center at Your School

“So when I started college, I was studying biology just because I thought that that was going to be the faster route to dental school if the world was perfect, but the world isn’t perfect. And it was not getting any [better] as I continued college. So, I decided to switch your major to business management. That’s the reason why I did that. I just felt like there would have more overall benefits. If I ended up working as an independent contractor. Like I just felt like that major, like that degree was going to be more broad.”

Cristina, 22-year-old undocumented college student in Texas

Most colleges and universities have a career center where you can seek information, resources, and advice related to pursuing a career. Staff at these centers can help with guidance in finding a summer job, an internship, exploring career options, and securing a job after graduation. It is possible that you may encounter staff within career centers who are not as familiar with the unique set of needs and challenges encountered by undocumented students but there may still be resources they can offer that can be helpful to you. For example, staff at the career center may be able to guide you in some of the following steps typically associated with the job search process post-graduation:

1) How to build a strong resume

2) How to write a strong cover letter

3) How to ask for letters of recommendation

4) How to explore what you might be interested in for your career

5) How to network and meet people in a field you may be interested in

6) How to set up your LinkedIn or Handshake profile and the importance of having a profile

7) How to learn about entrepreneurship and how to start your own business

These are all steps that the career center can help college students with in general. As an undocumented student, you might have specific questions, fears, or concerns that pertain to the lack of legal status more specifically. For example, you might be wondering “can I start my own business if I am undocumented?” or “how do I network with fellow undocumented professionals?” We encourage you to check out the sections below for some answers to these questions. 

Featured Fellowship Opportunities

Dream Summer Fellowship – Deadline is typically around January of every year

The UCLA Dream Resource Center runs Dream Summer, a national fellowship that prepares young immigrants and allies to become social justice leaders. Participants in the fellowship can work with organizations focused on social justice and immigration issues while also developing their leadership abilities. Participants get a $7,000 reward and join a network of more than 900 immigrant rights leaders. The program is available to all young immigrants, and you do not need to be a UCLA student to apply. For additional information, visit the Dream Summer website.

CHCI Public Policy Fellowship Program – Deadline is typically around December of every year

Recent college grads can take advantage of this paid fellowship, which provides opportunities for brilliant young Latinos to get public policy experience and advance their careers. During your nine-month fellowship in Washington, D.C., you will have exposure to leaders in legislative offices, government agencies, national nonprofit advocacy organizations, and the private sector, allowing you to grow personally and professionally. This nine-month compensated program enables talented Latinos to receive public policy experience and advance their careers as emerging leaders. Applicants for the Public Policy Fellowship Program must have completed a bachelor’s degree in any discipline within three years of the program’s start date. For additional information, visit CHCI website.

CHCI Congressional Internship Program – Deadline is typically around December of every year

With CHCI’s paid internships available in the summer and fall, students can apply for the program that best suits their college timeline and schedule. CHCI interns will meet experienced leaders, including CHCI alumni, who are dedicated to strengthening the Latino community. These leaders have come from a variety of professional backgrounds, including Capitol Hill, Fortune 500 corporations, NGOs, nonprofits, and other groups that promote Latino education and leadership development. For additional information, visit the CHCI website.

DreamSF Fellowship – Deadline is typically around April of every year

The DreamSF Fellowship is a paid leadership and professional development program in San Francisco for immigrant students and aspiring professionals looking to obtain real-world experience working with Bay Area social justice changemakers. Fellows are matched with local immigrant-serving community organizations to obtain hands-on experience in direct services, advocacy, and immigration legal careers, as well as to build a mentor network. Fellows receive professional mentorship and attend weekly enrichment sessions to help them develop as leaders and community activists. For additional information, visit DreamSF website.

Organizations and Podcasts to Check Out

In this section, we created a list of organizations that provide resources and tips for building professional networks and seeking mentorship opportunities, including online platforms, community organizations, and professional associations that support undocumented individuals in their career development.

The Dream US advocates for immigrants and undocumented students or professionals in the U.S. economy.

UndocuProfessionals  Different educational pathways available to undocumented students, such as community college programs, vocational training, apprenticeships, and online learning resources Include information on financial aid options, scholarships, and grants specifically available to undocumented students.

UndocuProfessionals ONLINE Network Membership in the UndocuProfessionals Network allows you to establish and create additional chances for yourself while also receiving support, motivation, and accountability. It is a platform for sharing and continuing to establish a community where all Undocumented, DACA, mixed-status people may join together to make important connections, feel joy, access possibilities, and celebrate how far one is at any stage of your professional, educational, or personal journey. 

Higher Immigration Portal  Information about professions that require licensure or certification and outline the requirements and processes for obtaining licensure as an undocumented individual in various fields (eg, healthcare, education, social work, etc).

Immigrant Rising  Showcase other career paths and entrepreneurship opportunities that may be more accessible to undocumented students, ex) starting a small business, freelancing, or pursuing creative endeavors guides that help undocumented students looking into entrepreneurship and freelancing.

NYSYLC On this page you will find resources on how to earn income, regardless of immigration status. These resources are intended for people in the US without work authorization or at risk of losing work authorization.

NYSYLC Undocu Adulting 101 Series of workshops for undocumented youth without working papers. Include – time management skills, making income, working while attending school, personal finance, budgeting, and life after graduation. 

How to College: First Gen (Podcast) first-generation college graduates founded exploring the college admissions process, college students dealing with the challenges of being the first in their families to attend college, graduates who are opening doors to opportunities that a college degree can provide, and parents of first-generation students who may be concerned about what this all means

The To & Through Project (Podcast) Sherelin and Yessenia, two CPS alumni who are currently attending Roosevelt University and Dominican University. Take a look at how DACA students navigate their campuses and how institutions may better support DACA holders and undocumented students. Check out the podcast to discover more about DACA and how the Supreme Court’s latest ruling has affected students’ college persistence.