Work Authorization Programs
Some students with mixed immigration status may qualify for work authorization programs such as DACA and TPS. The eligibility for these programs varies, and changing policies may impact these programs. Use the trusted resources below to stay up-to-date with policy changes. Reach out for immigration legal support if you have questions about your work authorization or eligibility.
If you currently have DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and/or TPS (Temporary Protected Status) it’s best to keep your work authorization renewed, if possible.
Immigration Legal Services
Students with mixed immigration status may want to work with trusted legal professionals who are knowledgeable, experienced, and well-versed in the complexities of immigration law. By consulting with experienced immigration attorneys or legal professionals who specialize in immigration matters, students and professionals can receive accurate and up-to-date guidance regarding their legal rights, legal options, and potential career pathways. Free or low-cost services are available from trusted and vetted organizations. Be aware that there are attorneys and organizations that overcharge for legal services or over promise with claims of providing a quick pathway to citizenship. Learn more about how to get legal help and then check out these trusted organizations and directories where you can find free or low-cost legal assistance.
Internships & Work Opportunities
When researching internship and work opportunities, it’s important to verify before applying whether they accept applicants without work authorization. If it’s not listed on the internship details, you can reach out to inquire. If you’re not comfortable with that, have a trusted friend or mentor reach out on your behalf.
Fellowships
Fellowships are a great way to gain professional experience while getting paid and are designed to assist students with their educational and professional growth. They can last from a few months to a few years and are available to support a variety of goals, including research, training, or community initiatives.
Independent contracting and freelancing
As an independent contractor or freelancer, you provide services to clients or companies on a project-by-project basis, rather than being employed as full-time or part-time employee by a company. Independent contractors and freelancers have control over their work schedules, clients, and the way they deliver their services.
Independent contracting and freelancing can offer flexibility, self-employment, and income generation. To find work, as an independent contractor or freelancer, you are responsible for securing the work and projects yourself. There are many resources available to learn how to market your skills and talents so that people will hire you to complete projects.
Pro Tip: It is important to note that specific laws and regulations can vary per state and county on independent contracting and freelancing. Regulations in their area and consult with legal professionals or organizations that specialize in supporting immigrants to ensure compliance with local laws.
Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship is a common way to use your talents to work and generate income. There are many resources available from starting a new business to hiring employees.
Introduction to Entrepreneurship – How to Start a Business
Whether you’re looking to start your own business or establish yourself as an independent contractor, it is important to consult trusted professionals and resources, like Immigrant’s Rising, NYSYLC, and the Freelancers Union.
Funding opportunities for entrepreneurs, whether in the forms of grants or loans, are necessary to start and grow a business. There are multiple funding opportunities for entrepreneurs and small business owners. A good rule of thumb is to attain loans through community organizations and to make sure you understand the terms of the loan fully.
Tax Resources
There are many resources available to get support in finding out how much and when to pay your taxes. There are federal and state taxes, and how you pay taxes usually varies by the type of job you have.
For people who are considered employees (hourly or salary), their taxes are usually withheld from their paychecks. When they file taxes annual, they might owe additional money or the state or federal government might owe them money.
Independent contractors and small business owners are often in charge of ensuring they are paying the correct amount of taxes throughout the year. Consult a trusted financial or tax professional to make a plan for budgeting for taxes and other expenses related to being an independent worker. Be careful to only get support through certified tax professionals. You can often get free or low-cost services through community organizations, and avoid paying high fees for tax services.
Social Security Numbers (SSNs) and Individual Tax Identification Numbers (ITINS)
If you have work authorization through programs such as DACA or TPS, then you likely have a SSN (Social Security Number) that you can use for work purposes.
If you don’t have a SSN, then you may want to consider applying for an ITIN, which can open up certain internship and fellowship opportunities for you. An ITIN is a tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the United States. It is used for tax purposes by individuals who are required to have a U.S. taxpayer identification number but are not eligible to obtain a Social Security number (SSN). An ITIN is also often required for independent contractors and freelancers to get paid. ITINs allow workers to comply with tax obligations and access certain bank accounts, build credit history, and meet requirements for housing applications.
It’s important to note that while ITINs are significant for tax purposes and certain services, they do not confer work authorization or immigration status. They are solely intended for tax reporting and compliance.