Undocumented and DACA Students

The Career Services Center at Western Washington University provides advising to all students regardless of immigration status.​

  • Undocumented students are welcome to attend any of our events and workshops​
  • We encourage you to make an appointment to discuss your career and academic goals​
  • You can trust that all information will be kept confidential. ​
  • You do not need to disclose your undocumented status unless you choose to do so. ​
  • Call the office or stop by the front desk to schedule an appointment with one of our staff members who can work with you to explore career opportunities.
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Get Connected and Gain Experience

Participating in a variety of experiences while you are at Western (working, volunteering, participating in student clubs, research, etc.) will allow you to develop skills you can apply in the workplace so it is important to find as many opportunities as you can. 

Search for local volunteer opportunities through The Volunteer Center of Whatcom County.

Explore a list of WWU Associated Students clubs.

If you are interested in research, talk to your faculty about whether they have openings in their labs and how you can gain experience.

Search through thousands of jobs and internships through Western’s recruitment platform, Handshake.

You can find paid, micro-internships (short-term professional projects) through Parker Dewey.

Networking is also an important component in your job search. 

The Blue Group is an Associated Students club that works to connect and build community among undocumented students.

Continuing your education beyond Western

My Undocumented Life: information and resources with specifics about navigating the educational system and finding scholarships.

Filling out applications​

On job applications there is usually a question that says, “Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?”​

You can answer “yes” to the question and continue through the hiring process without having to disclose more detailed information about your background. ​

​See the section below for more information on DACA.

If you do not have DACA or another work authorization status, there are other options you may consider for gaining experience and finding employment. ​

​See the section below for alternative employment options.

DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)​

DACA provides temporary relief from deportation and work authorization for individuals who came to the U.S. as children and who meet certain guidelines.​

​To learn more about DACA eligibility and the application process, visit the Department of Homeland Security website.​

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Disclosing your status to employers​

It can be confusing and stressful to decide when and with whom to share your status. Throughout the job search and hiring process it is important to provide information that is true and authentic, however, you ultimately get to decide whether or not to share your status. 

Come in to talk with a staff member about strategies for disclosing your status at different points in the process. You may decide to share your status with an organization early in the hiring process or in an interview if you feel comfortable doing so, and to start a discussion about how to move forward in the process. ​

It is important to consider who you would want to disclose to (sharing with a recruiter vs. a supervisor) and in what manner (disclosing in a personal statement for grad school vs. in an interview). If you are unsure about whether and how to disclose your status, meet with one of the career center’s career counselors, or staff in the Blue Resource Center. These individuals can support you during these uncomfortable situations.​

Content source: Georgetown University Cawley Career Education Center Career Resources for Undocumented Students​

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Alternative employment options​

If you do not have DACA, you may consider other avenues for gaining professional experience, such as:

If you receive an internship offer, you may ask the employer not to be paid and pursue other means of financial support such as those mentioned above.​

General Information

  • If you are interested in starting your own business, a Limited Liability Company (LLC) may be an option to consider. ​
  • An LLC is composed of an individual or a group of people who are both workers and owners of a business.

Campus Resources

Community Resources

Online Resources

Other resources for undocumented students​

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