Seize Your Superpower
Determining what to pursue after graduation is stressful for all students, however, with additional stressors such as employment barriers and the safety and wellness of yourself and your family, preparing for life after graduation can feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders.
It is common to have questions such as: What career or industry is best for me and supports my values? How can I gain experience and employment in this industry? Will I be able to land a job after graduation without a work permit? How do I apply for and fund graduate school?
Career Services is here to support this journey. We are committed to ensuring your success, regardless of citizenship or immigration status. You can use this page as a guide to get started.
Key Campus Resources @ UCSB
Get Hired: Undocumented Students
For complete information on job search strategies, resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn, interviews, and more, review our starter tips to Get Hired in all careers as well as the specialized tips on this page.
Getting Familiar With Job Searching
When researching work as an undocumented student, there are considerations and questions regarding discussing or revealing your status. During any aspect of the hiring process, you are never mandated to discuss your immigration status. If you want to disclose your status to an employer, we recommend that you Make an Appointment to speak with a Career Counselor as well as an Undocumented Student Services staff member, to receive strategies and additional support.
Job Application Questions
Job applications often include questions that make job seekers uncertain about answering. When answering questions on an application, we advise all students to provide information that is true and honest. Forging documents or committing document fraud can have lasting effects on your immigration status in the future. However, we understand that sometimes the way the question is presented is confusing.
Click below to see common application questions and how to answer them.
- If you currently have DACA status or another form of immigration status that provides work authorization, you are legally authorized to work in the United States and can answer the question with a simple “yes”.
- If you currently do not have DACA status, you are not legally authorized to work in the United States. There are various strategies to pursue a career in the United States without DACA such as independent contracting and starting your own business (see below).
No, undocumented immigrants, including those who hold DACA status, are not considered legal permanent residents.
No, this question is meant for international students who will require sponsorship in the future to work in the United States under a specific visa. Although for some this could be a way to change status in the future, unless you know that now, you will answer "no".
These questions are often confusing. If you have DACA, you will present your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) after you are hired by a company. For more information on application questions and your workplace rights as a DACA recipient, review the FAQs through the National Immigration Law Center.
If you do not have DACA status, the most common ways individuals pursue career goals are as an independent contractor or by starting their own business.
Independent Contracting & Entrepreneurship
When filing for employment with a company, an independent contractor can use a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Independent Tax Identification Number (ITIN), which can be obtained regardless of immigration status. Some examples of independent contracts include tutoring, promoting, childcare, and construction.
Here are some main differences between employees and independent contractors:
Employee
- Has a continuing relationship with an employer
- Normally is provided with significant tools and materials by the employer
- Maintains the right to quit at any time without incurring liability
- Must comply with instructions about where, when, and how to work
- Is trained by the employer
Independent Contractor
- Performs the same work for multiple clients
- Has their own tools and equipment; can hire, supervise, and pay assistants
- Receives all profits and is held liable for all losses and debts
- Organizes their own hours and work schedule
- Implements their own methods for training
Many individuals start their business as an independent contractor and then grow into a worker cooperative or a limited liability company (LLC). Immigrants Rising explains the difference between the two and how they each function in their Worker Cooperatives & LLC’s Webinar. To begin considering developing your own business and what that entails, watch the Business Model Canvas and Design Thinking Webinar by Immigrants Rising. Whether you work for an employer, as an independent contractor, or start your own business, there are various resources to support you such as Immigrants Rising's Working for Yourself Guide and TheDream.US's Entrepreneurship page.
Learn More
Immigrants Rising and the University of California system have teamed up to provide a comprehensive toolkit of income generation options for undocumented students regardless of your work authorization status. Learn more about independent contracting and starting your own business in the Income Generation Options for Undocumented Students Toolkit.
Connecting With the Undocumented Community
When considering the factors above, remember to always Make Targeted Connections. Connections include friends, family, faculty/teachers at UCSB and previous schools, mentors, alumni, coworkers, and supervisors. You can utilize these individuals for professional and personal growth. Connecting with people who have experienced similar situations and navigated the hiring process with and without DACA will provide ample strategies to gain experience and employment moving forward. Connect with an Undocumented Student Services staff member and attend UCSB undocumented student alumni panels and events to find these individuals.
Outside of campus, research-specific professional development organizations dedicated to supporting undocumented students, such as Pre-Health Dreamers, and participate in population-specific conferences (i.e., UC National Summit for Undocumented Students and UndocuGrad Conference). Oftentimes, these conferences provide student discounts.
