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Pathways to Work

In addition to the resources and support from Northwestern Career Advancement (NCA) that help you focus on your career development process, there are also ways in which you can generate income while building your skills. In addition to NCA’s job shadowing, mentor program, internship grant program, fellowships, undergraduate research, campus jobs that are not work-study, we’ve gathered additional resources to help you explore career pathways and design meaningful professional journeys where you can earn money.  

If you have received temporary work authorization (for example, through the DACA or Temporary Protected Status programs) you may seek employment in positions without immigration restrictions. For example, many federal government jobs and internships require applicants to be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents and for as long as their work permit remains valid.  

In addition to the ideas below, learn more about other possible pathways to income generation that may be open due to changing policy, please refer to the Exploring Work Authorization Pathways page. 


Independent Contracting / Freelancing

Consider careers in independent contracting, freelancing, consulting, or jobs in the gig economy. These roles do not need to verify a contractor’s work permit nor require completion of an I-9, as employers are not required by law to ask about a contractor’s immigration status, citizenship status, or whether they are a DACA recipient. However, there may be state-specific laws impacting how and what roles undocumented students can pursue. Job postings may list whether the role is an “independent contractor” position. To learn more about various types of businesses, see Immigrants Rising’s SPARK | Introductions to Entrepreneurship Training.

It is illegal for employers to knowingly hire, employ, or contract undocumented immigrants and/or those without a work permit. It is still possible to contract your services without work authorization, so long as you do not disclose your status to your employer.  

Northwestern Career Advancement provides important guidance on disclosing your status. If you have questions about when, to whom, and how to do this, reach out to an NCA staff member. 

What You Can Expect as an Independent Contractor or Freelancer

  • You are a a self-employed individual who produces specific work within a set timeframe. 
  • You receive all profits, are liable for all losses, and are responsible for self-employment and income taxes, which can be filed using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN) instead of a Social Security Number. 
  • You do not receive any instructions, training, supervision, interim reports, or integration into the company. 
  • You set your own work hours and location. 
  • You can typically work for multiple firms and people at the same time.

Helpful Resources for Independent Contracting

  • Northwestern Career Advancement provides resources for applying for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN) instead of a Social Security Number. 
  • Undocuprofessionals | Job Board - This job board lists non-employment based opportunities for undocumented students with or without DACA, as well as those under Temporary Protected Status.
  • LinkedIn - Leverage job platforms to filter and find postings for “Contract Only” positions. 
  • Upwork and Fiver - List yourself as a freelancer on online marketplaces and get connected to future opportunities. 
  • Income Generation Options For Undocumented Students Toolkit - This California-specific resource provides in-depth information, resources, and templates that address questions about independent contracting and business start-ups. This guide also features a sample contracting agreement on page 39 that students can consider copying and using.
  • Immigrants Rising | Guide: Get Started As Independent Contractors/Freelancers - Students can review this Immigrants Rising resource made for educators to learn more about how to get started as an independent contractor.
  • Quadjobs - Students can use this site to find flexible part-time, pre-professional employment.
  • Free Invoice Templates - Microsoft offers a number of free templates you can use to provide  invoices to charge clients for your work.

Entrepreneurship: Starting Your Own Business

Here you will find tools, resources, and support to help you navigate the unique challenges you may face in starting a business, as well as opportunities to connect with a community that believes in your potential. 

You can legally start your own business and earn an income. As business owners, undocumented students do not need to disclose their immigration status nor do you need work authorization, as you do not need to complete an I-9 form.  

We know the process of opening your own business can be daunting, but there are things you can start doing today to prepare yourself for entrepreneurship in the future. Starting early can give you more time to process and prepare so that, by the time you graduate, you will have or be equipped to start your own income-generating business. 

Applying for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

If you decide to pursue entrepreneurship you should consider applying for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You will not be put at risk for providing your information to the IRS and can obtain an ITIN regardless of your immigration status. An ITIN can be used by undocumented students, who may not have a valid Social Security Number (SSN), to file their W-9s and taxes. An ITIN does not provide work authorization nor eligibility for Social Security benefits, but it can be a great tool for students on their path to entrepreneurship.  

Northwestern Career Advancement provides resources for applying for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). 

Northwestern Resources to Get You Started on Your Entrepreneurial Journey

Success Stories: Immigrant Entrepreneurs who have Successfully Started their Businesses

Other Helpful Resources

Fellowships and Internships

As an undocumented student, you can consider fellowships and internships to delve deeper into your field of interest. Eligibility is dependent on whether the program requires either a) work authorization and or b) legal immigration status(es) (for example, a program may require students to be U.S. Citizens to participate).  

Northwestern's Office of Fellowships is a great place to start. The Office of Fellowships matches students with awards and serves as coaches and mentors throughout the application process.

Fellowship/Internship Opportunities for Undocumented Students

  • Internships/Fellowships for DACA and undocumented students - This resource provides a list of internships and fellowships for undocumented students. 
  • Immigrants Rising - This organization provides comprehensive lists of external funding awards that do not require US citizenship.  
  • City of Chicago Internship Program - The city of Chicago offers internships open to undocumented students. Reach out to its municipal departments to inquire about open positions and learn more.  
  • Parker Dewey - Parker Dewey has partnered with Northwestern University to provide short-term “micro internship” opportunities to students (requires valid Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) 
  • Forage - Explore what a real-life career might look like by taking part in Forage’s virtual, free, and self-paced job simulations.  
  • Northwestern Chicago Field Studies (CFS) Program - The CFS program offers undocumented students the opportunity to earn academic credits for unpaid internships, which they are eligible to participate in. Students can receive credit for internships they secure independently or apply for positions with the program's industry partners after being accepted into CFS.
  • Arizona State University’s Scholarship Database - Filter by citizenship status to see a range of national scholarships and fellowships that are external to the university.

Professional Licensing

You may be considering professions that require licensure. It is possible for you to obtain licensure and pursue your career of interest, however, eligibility is dependent on:

Students are encouraged to research and or connect with staff in Northwestern Career Advancement to learn what your options are.

More Professional Licensing Information

Refer to Presidents’ Alliance Higher Ed Portal for up-to-date information on licensing laws in specific states. For states that do not provide guidance, students must contact individual licensing boards for more information. Some states that allow undocumented immigrants to be licensed, regardless of status, are California, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Nevada, and New Jersey.  

Licensure is the first step. Consider that, even after licensure, without work authorization employment options may be limited. If you choose to pursue licensure you are still legally able to and should consider starting your own practice or business in the field.  

Worker Cooperative

Consider joining a Worker Cooperative. Worker Cooperatives are a type of business that is both owned and governed by its workers. Undocumented individuals can legally work for a worker cooperative as a worker-owner, as you are not required to verify your work permit nor complete an I-9 form. 

Learn About Worker Cooperatives