I finished college and want to work or keep studying
Work, licenses and graduate school.
3 steps
Step 1 of 3: Use your degree
Options with and without a work permit.
- After CollegeYou earned that degree, and it is yours to use. Without a work permit, most employers cannot hire you as an employee. But that is not the end of the road. You can work for yourself, start a business, earn a state license, or keep studying. Here are your real options and the first step for each.Guide
- Professional LicenseYes, for most licenses. Since 2016, California's licensing boards may not turn you down because of your immigration status, and you can apply with an ITIN. A license does not give you a work permit, but it can open the door to working for yourself in a skilled trade or profession. Here is what the law covers, what it does not, and how to start.Guide
- My next steps after collegePrint it and fill it in by handChecklist
Step 2 of 3: Graduate school
Applying and paying for it.
- Graduate SchoolYes, you can go to graduate school if you are undocumented. In California, many graduate students pay in state tuition under AB 540 and can get state loans and school aid. Federal aid is closed to you, so the money takes planning. Here is how to apply, how to pay, and what changes if you have DACA or not.Guide
- Grad school scholarships for DreamersYes, there is free money for grad school without papers. The biggest source is usually the school itself. Outside awards exist too, and two lists sort them for you: Immigrants Rising and, if you are from Silicon Valley, the Silicon Valley Community Foundation.Quick answer
- Graduate school plannerPrint it and fill it in by handChecklist
Step 3 of 3: Get help from a person
You do not have to do this alone. Ask about cost, languages and current openings before you share documents.
This page puts DNLH guides in a useful order. It is general information, not legal advice. Each guide shows its sources and the date its facts were checked.
Not quite your situation?
All situations- I am undocumented and want to go to collegeApply, pay the in-state price and get state aid.6 steps
- I need money for collegeThe right aid form, the deadline and scholarships.5 steps
- I do not qualify for AB 540Check again, then find ways to pay less.3 steps
- I am enrolling my child in schoolEnrollment, meals, language help and special education.5 steps
- I am worried about ICE at my child's schoolWhat schools must do and what you can do this week.4 steps