My employer is asking about my work permit
What your employer can ask, and your rights at work.
4 steps
Step 1 of 4: Know what your employer can ask
There are rules about when and how an employer checks work papers.
- Work Papers Fact SheetWhen you start a job, you show papers that prove who you are and that you can work. You choose which ones. Your employer cannot pick for you, ask for extra, or turn down papers that look real. Here is what the law allows, when a recheck is normal, and what to do if your employer crosses the line.Guide
- DACA Work Permit and Your JobYour job is safe while your work permit is valid. The day it ends, your employer must see a new one, or you must stop working for now. That is hard, but it is often a pause, not the end. Here is what your employer can and cannot do, and how to protect your place.Guide
- My papers, my choicePrint it and fill it in by handChecklist
Step 2 of 4: Share the employer guide
Some employers do not know the rules. This page is written for them.
- DACA EmployersDACA renewals are taking months in 2026, and work permits are not extended while a renewal is pending. Here is what California employers must do, what they may choose to do, and what they should never do, so you can follow the law and keep good people when you can.Guide
- Employer checklist: DACA work permit renewalPrint it and fill it in by handChecklist
Step 3 of 4: Know your rights at work
Your status does not take away your rights as a worker.
- Treated differently because of DACAIn California, generally no. Your employer may not treat you worse because of your immigration status unless federal law requires it. They can check your papers again when your work permit ends. That is the main exception.Quick answer
- Work rights with DACAThe same rights as any other worker in California. Fair pay, overtime, sick days, a safe job, and freedom from discrimination and retaliation. Your employer may check your papers when your work permit ends, but may not treat you worse because you have DACA.Quick answer
Step 4 of 4: Get help from a person
You do not have to do this alone. Ask about cost, languages and current openings before you share documents.
- California worker rights regardless of immigration statusThe California Department of Industrial Relations answers common questions from workers: labor laws apply equally to all workers regardless of immigration status, and employers may not retaliate by threatening to report a worker to immigration.Organization
- Legal Aid at WorkFree legal information and advice for low-income California workers about pay, discrimination, leave and retaliation, with help in Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese and other languages. Call 415-864-8848 or start online.Organization
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- My DACA expires in the next few monthsRenew on time and keep working while you wait.6 steps
- My DACA already expired, or my renewal is lateFile now, push a slow case and protect your income.5 steps
- I have never had DACAWhat a first request means right now, and other options to ask about.5 steps
- I want to travel outside the U.S. with DACAUnderstand the risk, get legal advice, then apply.5 steps