DACA & Undocumented Student Resources

Shocker Career Accelerator First Destination Survey

Congratulations on graduating, class of 2024! We want to hear about your next steps: fill out the First Destination Survey here!

National Immigration Law Center

DACA and Your Workplace Rights

This FAQ, answered by the National Immigration Law Center, is intended to answer questions such as what are the rights of workers (1) when they apply for DACA, (2) after they have received DACA and have a work permit, and (3) when they are applying to renew their DACA. It also provides information that may be helpful when you apply for and after you have been granted DACA.

DACA and Employment

This FAQ, answered by the National Immigration Law Center and Advancing Justice, is intended to answer questions regarding employment for workers who have received DACA.

USCIS Renewal Process

*Update*DACA recipients win at the Supreme Court!

On January 20, 2021, President Biden’s first day in office, the president signed an executive action to preserve and fortify DACA. President Biden’s memo asks the secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Attorney General, to take all actions he deems appropriate to preserve and fortify DACA.

On December 4, 2020 a New York Federal court ordered the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to restore DACA to its original form. This means:

If you have never had DACA and are eligible, you can apply for the first time.

Advance Parole is back in its original form

Anyone who received a 1-year renewal of their DACA will automatically have their protections extended to two years

Renewals continue to be accepted

More Information

Common DACA Myths

Myth: Undocumented students cannot obtain legal employment in the United States

Fact: Undocumented students may be able to work if they qualify for, apply to, and receive a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) work permit.

Myth: Undocumented students without a DACA permit cannot use WSU Career Development Center services

Fact: We welcome all students regardless of their country of origin or immigration status. As long as a student is currently enrolled at WSU, they have complete access to all of our services including one-on-one advising appointments, drop-in advising, as well as events, career fairs, and programs. We recommend that undocumented students make a confidential career advising appointment to discuss specific options.

Myth: I must disclose my immigration status to WSU Shocker Career Accelerator's staff during my visit

Fact: Our mission is to serve all Shockers regardless of their immigration status or membership in any other identity. All conversations between students and career advisors are confidential and the decision to disclose any personal information is at the discretion and comfort of the student.

Myth: Employers are not interested in hiring DACA students

Fact: Students with DACA work permits can apply for a variety of job and internship opportunities. We recommend meeting with a career advisor to discuss your specific situation.

Myth: I need to have a Social Security number or driver's license in order to work

Fact: A work permit is considered appropriate identification to prove your identity and authorization to work.

Myth: When I am interviewing, accepting or starting a job, I need to disclose my DACA status to my employer

Fact: An employer only needs to know that you have legal authorization to work. Though every company is different, the Human Resources office will usually know of your DACA work permit; your supervisor and coworkers do not need to be specifically informed.

DACA Frequently Asked Questions

Do I require sponsorship from the employer?

No, DACA recipents are not eligible to qualify for sponsorship from their employer.

Can I apply for an on-campus job?

Yes, you are eligible to apply for an on-campus job if you have an eligible work permit through DACA. You are able to apply for an on-campus job through your Handshake account.

Do I qualify for FAFSA/Work-Study?

Our helpful staff in the Office of Financial Aid can answer your questions and guide you through the process of finding effective solutions to fund your education.

Career Management

All Wichita State University DACA & Undocumented students have access to a Handshake account. In this system, you will be able to manage your career path as an enrolled student and when you become a Shocker Alumni. Handshake is your source for:

Appointments – select a time that works with your schedule in the career services dropdown to meet with our Career Counselors for a one on one private meeting. Other options include: Interest Assessments, Informational Interviews, Volunteering, Connect with mentor programs or Alumni, Job Shadowing, Graduate School
Events – sign up for all of our career and employer events, lunch & learns.
Peer Messaging – reach out to other WSU students, alumni, and employers to ask for and get career advice.
Workshops – join our resume and job search labs, career exploration workshops.
Employment – search our database of jobs on-campus, the Wichita metro, and nationwide.
Virtual Career Events – we host dozens of online career events all year and collaborate across multiple platforms to bring the employers to you. Check out our events section frequently!

Visit Handshake

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Undocumented Students

Learn about tuition and enrollment policies, financial aid, and scholarships, and get expert advice on how to overcome barriers in your pursuit of the American dream from American College Online.

Undocumented College Student Resources

Life after college –

a guide for undocumented students

WSU Resources for DACA and Undocumented Students

Office of Diversity and Inclusion graphic

Office of Diversity & Inclusion

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion aims to cultivate and sustain an inclusive campus. The office provides dynamic programs, which range from speakers and film showings to award ceremonies, cultural festivities and LGBTQA programming — each representing a small piece of the diversity displayed on the WSU campus.

Shocker Career Accelerator

The Shocker Career Accelerator at Wichita State University is the go-to resource for anyone looking to build a bright future after college. We help students get career-ready through mock interviews and resume reviews as well as helping build connections with employers through career fairs and co-op/internship opportunities.

Office of Student Success

Students define success differently. Our office helps students maximize their academic potential and reach their personal goals through a range of programs and services, regardless of personal background. Our goal is to help students develop skills and plans to graduate in a timely manner while engaging with our community of learners.