Last updated June 30, 2026

In this article

• Determining your right to work
• How undocumented individuals can earn money in the U.S.

Understanding what is needed to work in the United States can be confusing for anyone applying for a job for the first time. This can potentially be even more complicated depending on your immigration or legal status in the country. Fortunately, there are job options available for both undocumented youth and youth who have specially protected legal status, such as DACA recipients. In this piece we’ll break down what your job options are and where to find job resources!

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Immigration and work authorization policies can change due to court decisions and federal action, so it’s important to stay informed using trusted, up-to-date sources.

Determining your right to work

There are a few categories of legal status that you may fall under according to the federal government. Depending on your status, you’ll have different legal options in terms of what kinds of work you can obtain. We’ll break down the most common statuses below and link to great resources to learn more.

DACA and TPS recipients

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program provides young people who were brought to the U.S. as children with protection from deportation, a social security number, work authorization, and more. DACA, however, is facing some legal challenges. If you currently have DACA status, your right to work is still in place. While new recipients are not being processed, you still may be able to process a renewal so be sure to check your status before you apply to any jobs.

• Because DACA remains subject to ongoing legal challenges, recipients should regularly monitor renewal deadlines and policy updates before applying for or changing jobs.

• Even if you currently have valid work authorization, delays in renewals or processing may occur, so planning ahead is especially important.

The Temporary Protective Status (TPS) program provides temporary immigration status to people of certain countries experiencing problems that make it difficult or unsafe for their nationals to be deported back to those countries. TPS designations and extensions are determined by the federal government and may change, so be sure to confirm your country’s current status and eligibility.

Both of these programs offer recipients the ability to work legally in the United States. Here are some key terms and documents you’ll need to know to work successfully with these statuses:

• Employment Authorization Document (EAD) – As a DACA or TPS recipient, you will be eligible to receive an employment authorization document, or EAD. This document is all the legal proof you need to work! In order to keep your EAD valid, be sure to make sure that your DACA or TPS status is up to date and active.
• Form I-9 – This is a legal form that employers are required to have all new employees complete. The federal government uses this form to ensure that all employers are hiring employees who are legally entitled to work in the United States. Your EAD is a valid form of identification and proof of your legal right to work and should be the only proof you need when you fill out your I-9 form.
• Social Security Number (SSN) – A Social Security Number is a government-issued identification number that is used to track earnings, file taxes, and can be used as a part of loan applications among other things. As a DACA or TPS recipient, you may be eligible to receive a SSN. While a SSN is not required to legally work in the U.S., it is highly encouraged to obtain one because it can make things like filing taxes, applying for financial aid for college, and obtaining further employment easier.

Undocumented individuals

If you do not have legal work documents in the United States, like the ones a DACA or TPS or green card holder have, your path to employment can be a bit more complicated – but there are still ways for you to earn money! While securing employment can be difficult for undocumented people, since all employers in the U.S. require new hires to submit an I-9 form, there are still ways for them to earn money legally. Here are some key things to know before you start earning money:

• Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) – An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). An ITIN is given to people who are required to pay taxes but who do not have, and are not eligible to obtain, a SSN. The ITIN allows people to report earnings to the IRS, open interest-bearing bank accounts with certain banks, and even start a business in the U.S. Getting an ITIN is the first step in earning money legally as an undocumented individual!
• Form W-7 – This is the form you’ll need to complete in order to get an ITIN from the government.

• Given increased immigration enforcement concerns in some areas, undocumented individuals should be exercise caution when sharing personal information and seek guidance before pursuing new work opportunities

• A good practice to have is to avoid employers or job postings that promise “guaranteed” work authorization or ask for unnecessary personal or immigration documents.

How undocumented individuals can earn money in the U.S.

Because employers in the U.S. cannot hire employees without legal authorization, the best way to earn money as an undocumented youth is as an independent contractor, freelancer, entrepreneur, and through worker cooperatives. Once you have an ITIN, you can legally earn money (and pay taxes) in these ways:

• Independent Contractor or Freelancer – The “gig economy” refers to a segment of the labor market in which clients contract with workers, often via apps, for specific tasks and activities. This includes things like being a driver for a ride share app like Uber or Lyft, working as a freelancer on apps like TaskRabbit, or even jobs such as computer programmers.
• Entrepreneurship – Working for yourself is never a bad idea! This could include selling products on Etsy or eBay, providing services in your neighborhood, tutoring, babysitting, and more. Read our list of side hustles you can start today for some inspiration!
• Key Resources to Help –
• If you have questions about your rights or work options, consider reaching out to a trusted nonprofit or legal aid organization for personalized guidance. Immigrants Rising is an amazing organization that helps young people earn money and know their rights. They have tools about getting started as an independent contractor, brainstorming your next business, and even offer grants to help you start your own business. If you are in college, be sure to talk to someone at your career center. Many schools have specific programs to support youth with a range of immigration statuses. They may have specific internships or fellowships that you can apply for. 

Knowing your rights and figuring out ways to make money can be confusing and challenging, but we’re here to help! Do you have a question or need further assistance with finding or securing a job as a DACA recipient or undocumented person? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated September 18, 2025

In this article

• Applying to College
• Financial Aid for Undocumented Students

We understand the process of applying to college as an undocumented student can feel confusing or overwhelming at times, but we’re here to help! In this article, we’ll break down the college and financial aid application process for undocumented students by answering commonly asked questions.

Policies and programs for undocumented students, especially around college admissions and financial aid, have changed in recent months and may continue to shift. We recommend checking the most up-to-date information directly from your state or college, and connecting with an advisor if you’re unsure. This article offers general guidance to help you get started.

(Lee este artículo en español aquí!)

Applying to College

Is it safe to identify myself as undocumented when I apply to college?

Generally speaking, yes, it is typically safe to share your undocumented status when applying to most colleges, especially nonprofit and public institutions (with the possible exception of for-profit colleges). Colleges are bound by federal privacy laws (like FERPA), which protect your information from being shared without your consent. It can also be helpful to disclose your status so that colleges can connect you with financial aid options, support programs, and scholarships that may be available to undocumented students. However, if you’re concerned, consider reaching out to a trusted college advisor or immigrant rights organization before applying.

Does being undocumented affect my chances of being admitted to college?

Not necessarily! According to the National Association of College Admission Counseling, “The majority of colleges and universities in the U.S. will consider undocumented students for admission. […] Most colleges accept students regardless of their legal status.”

Can I get college application fee waivers as an undocumented student?

Yes! If you and your family meet income eligibility requirements, you can request application fee waivers. You can typically access these fee waivers through your high school counselor. If you registered for the SAT and qualified for a fee waiver, you are automatically eligible to receive a college application fee waiver at participating colleges. Students can also request waivers from individual colleges directly, especially if they’re not taking the SAT exam. 

Note: Not all colleges accept application fee waivers, so be sure to check in with the schools you’re applying to.

Financial Aid for Undocumented Students

Can I fill out the FAFSA and receive federal financial aid as an undocumented student?

Unfortunately, no, since FAFSA completion requires a student to have a Social Security number. However, you may still be eligible for state and institutional aid depending on where you live. Many states have their own state-based aid application form, such as California’s Dream Act Application, Texas’ Application For State Financial Aid (TASFA), or the Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA). Learn more about your state’s financial aid policies here.

My parents are undocumented but I’m a U.S. citizen. Can I complete the FAFSA and receive federal financial aid?

Yes! If you’re a dependent student and a U.S. citizen, you can complete the FAFSA using your Social Security number—even if your parents are undocumented. Your parents’ citizenship status does not affect your eligibility for federal financial aid. 

They’ll be listed as “Contributors” on your FAFSA and must each create a StudentAid.gov account. If they don’t have a Social Security number, they can still access the FAFSA immediately after logging in—they’ll manually enter their financial information and electronically sign the form. In most cases, no delay is required. In rare situations where automated identity verification doesn’t work, they may be asked to complete a manual identity verification later—but you can still submit the FAFSA without waiting.

Do I qualify for in-state tuition at public colleges as an undocumented student?

It varies by state. While a handful of states allow undocumented students access to in-state tuition, others don’t. Learn more about your state’s policies.

Will I lose my financial aid package if my DACA expires?

No, state-funded and institution-awarded financial aid is generally unaffected by an expired DACA status. These forms of aid are based on your residency, academic merit, or campus-specific criteria—not immigration status. However, aid tied to employment (like assistantships or work-study jobs) may require valid authorization to work. Always confirm with your school’s financial aid or human resources office directly. And if you rely on DACA-based aid, stay informed—shifting policies and federal investigations may impact those programs over time.

What scholarships are available to me as an undocumented student?

Check out this page for a list of scholarships that don’t have citizenship requirements. Depending on what state you live in and what college you attend, state and institutional scholarships may be available to you. Generally, when searching for scholarships, if there’s no citizenship requirement, you can usually assume you’re eligible to apply.

Be sure to also use our free Scholarship Finder, where we regularly share scholarships for undocumented students and DACA recipients! 

Do you have any more questions about applying to college as an undocumented student? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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