What you can do after college without a work permit

We know this moment can feel heavy. You did the work, and the system did not open the usual door. You have more options than it may seem. This page is general information, not legal advice.

Why can't I just get a job?

Federal law says an employer may not knowingly hire someone who is not allowed to work, and must check every new employee's papers on Form I-9. That is why most job offers need a work permit.

The same rules say independent contractors are not employees, and businesses do not fill out Form I-9 for them. That is why working for yourself is the path many graduates take. There are limits, so read Can I earn money without a work permit? before you start.

What if I have DACA?

Then you can work with your DACA work permit, as long as it is valid. Protect it:

• Renew 120 to 150 days (4 to 5 months) before it ends. USCIS is still accepting and deciding renewals.
• Your permit does not extend on its own while you wait. Plan for a gap.
• If your DACA ends, the options on this page are still open to you.

Start at the DACA hub. If your work permit is ending, see What happens to my job if my DACA work permit ends?

What are my options without a work permit?

1. Work for yourself. Freelance, consult or contract using the skills from your degree. Writing, design, tutoring, translation, research, coding and bookkeeping are common starts. See How to earn money working for yourself without a work permit.

2. Start a business. You can own one with an ITIN in place of a Social Security number. See Can I start a business without a Social Security number?

3. Join or form a worker cooperative. In a co op, the workers own and run the business together. See Sole owner, LLC or worker cooperative.

4. Earn a state license. Since 2016, California licensing boards in the Department of Consumer Affairs may not deny you a license because of your immigration status. A license lets you offer licensed work on your own. See Professional licenses without a Social Security number.

5. Keep studying. See the next section.

Can I go to graduate school?

Yes, you can apply. Each graduate and professional school sets its own admission rules, so ask each one. In California, the money side is better than many people think:

• In state tuition can cover graduate school. If you qualify for AB 540, UC and CSU graduate programs charge you in state tuition, not the extra nonresident tuition (UC San Diego Graduate Division).
• Graduate students can borrow through the California Dream Loan, up to $20,500 a year and $118,500 in total (Education Code 70034).

Before you apply, ask each school two questions:

• "Do I qualify for in state tuition as a graduate student?" Ask the residence or registrar's office. See In state tuition in California (AB 540) for the rules.
• "What aid is open to students without a Social Security number?" See Paying for college in California, whatever your status and Scholarships.

What could this look like?

Here is a made up example to help you picture it. Ana finished a graphic design degree in May. She has no work permit. In June she booked a free legal screening and learned of no path for now. She got an ITIN, listed her design services online, and took her first two clients from her college network: a bakery and a neighborhood newsletter. She sets aside a share of each payment for taxes. In the fall she applied to two master's programs and asked each about AB 540 and the Dream Loan. Ana's path is one example, not a promise. Yours may look different.

How do I handle taxes if I work for myself?

You pay income tax and self employment tax on your profit, and you can use an ITIN to do it. Set money aside from every payment. The steps are on How do I pay taxes when I work for myself?

Where can I learn business skills?

• ImmigrantBizHub offers online business training it says is open to immigrants of all backgrounds, regardless of status. Ask about cost. immigrantbizhub.org
• Immigrants Rising has free guides for graduates, including working for yourself and a career resource page. Pursuing a Career (Immigrants Rising)
• Local coaching: see Free small business coaching in the Bay Area.

Who can help?

Contact them to confirm hours, languages and openings. Being listed here is not a referral or a promise of service.

• Free immigration legal screening: Free legal help in the Bay Area. Check anyone first with Find a lawyer you can trust.
• Your college: ask the Dream or Undocumented Student Center and the career center whether they help alumni.
• Free tax help: Free tax help and filing with an ITIN.

If the weight of this is hard to carry, you do not have to carry it alone. See Mental health care without fear.

Is there a plan I can print?

Your degree is yours, and so are your skills. Keep building.