Most job applications will ask, “Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?”
If you have DACA, you are able to answer “yes” and continue through the hiring process without disclosing additional information about your background. If you are not legally authorized to work in the United States, we have resources to offer you to support your career journey.
Quick Facts
- If you have DACA, you are legally authorized to work in the United States, and employers should not ask how you received your work permit.
- If you need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) visit the National Immigrant Law Center.
- If you do not have DACA, you may pursue employers through entrepreneurship or work as an independent contractor (and use an Independent Taxpayer Identification Number which can be obtained regardless of immigration status).
Sharing Status
Deciding when and with whom to disclose your status can be both confusing and stressful. While it’s important to be honest and authentic during your academic and professional development process, the choice to share your status is entirely up to you. If you’re unsure about how or when to disclose, consider speaking with a staff member for guidance on navigating this decision at various stages of your professional development process.
You might choose to reveal your status early in the professional opportunity search process or during an interview if you feel comfortable and want to initiate a conversation about next steps. Consider carefully whom you’d prefer to disclose to, whether it’s a recruiter, a potential supervisor or another party. The context in which you share your status is also important, such as in a graduate school personal statement versus during an interview.
If you’re uncertain about the best approach, meet with an EIR or someone from our office, who can provide valuable support during these challenging situations.
