Consistent with its commitment to success for all students, Oregon State University and the Career Development Center are here to support all students, including those without permanent legal status, in their career pursuits. OSU complies with all federal and state laws related to immigration, including Oregon's Sanctuary Promise laws.
- For further guidance related to immigration, see the university's webpage for Beavers navigating immigration matters.
- Read news and updates connected to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.
The information here does not constitute legal advice and is provided for informational purposes only. Individuals are strongly recommended to seek the advice of an attorney to discuss their unique circumstances.
Disclosing your status to employers
Throughout the job search and hiring process it is important to provide information that is true and authentic, and to understand the employment process and your rights within it.
Employers are not legally allowed to ask about your status during the interview process. You may wish to use the interview process as a time to assess the organization's values and workplace culture and wait until after you are hired to discuss your status. Or, if you feel comfortable doing so, you may decide to share your status with an organization early in the hiring process and start a discussion about how to move forward.
There are many options to consider related to job seeking.
Employment options with 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, visit the Department of Homeland Security website.
All employees must submit an acceptable document that establishes identity and employment authorization. DACA is item 4 on List A.
On job applications there is sometimes a question that says: “Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?” If you have DACA you can answer “yes” to the question and continue through the hiring process.
Employment options without 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. Here are a few alternative employment ideas:
Conduct employment as an independent contractor:
The IRS defines an independent contractor as someone who is self-employed. Instead of controlling how the work is done, the employer or payer only decides on the final result. Independent contractors usually perform similar types of work for multiple clients rather than working for just one employer. When filing for employment, an independent contractor can use a social security number or an Independent Taxpayer Identification Number, which can be obtained regardless of immigration status.
Start your own business:
If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, you can start your own Limited Liability Company (LLC) or other small business. There are additional fees and taxes associated with formalizing a business structure. For more information, see this Independent Contractor pamphlet from New York University Law School and this State Guide to Business and Tax Requirements from TheDream.us, a non-profit serving undocumented immigrant youth.
Do volunteer or unpaid internships/get other types of experience:
You may also consider other avenues for gaining professional experience. If you receive an internship offer, you may ask the employer not to be paid and pursue other means of financial support. Think about how to build up your resume with a variety of experiences that do not involve traditional employment, such as:
- Internships
- Fellowships
- Research
- Volunteering
- Community organizing
- Academic projects
- Shadowing professionals
- Project-work
- Leadership roles in student groups
- Study abroad
Know your employment rights
It is against the law for employers to discriminate against its employees on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability, pregnancy and age. There are certain questions employers may not legally ask you in an interview. Here are a couple of examples:
Appropriate:
- "Are you eligible to work in the U.S.?”
- “Are you able to provide proof of employment eligibility upon hire?"
Inappropriate:
Questions related to birthplace, ancestry or national origin:
- “Are you a U.S. citizen?”
- “How long has your family been in the U.S.?”
- “How did you learn to speak Chinese?”
For more information on illegal interview questions and employment discrimination, see:
On-campus resources
- Dreaming Beyond Borders Resource Center: The DBB Resource Center provides students with academic, legal and health resources.
- ImmigrationBeavs: Information for members of the Oregon State community navigating immigration matters.
- OSU Cultural Centers: OSU's Diversity and Cultural Engagement has multiple cultural centers which provide events and activities including national history and heritage month programs, workshops, cultural holiday celebrations, cooking demonstrations, craft nights, and many other programs for the OSU community.