Postsecondary Options for Undocumented Students in Massachusetts
Postsecondary Options for Undocumented Students in Massachusetts
Posted on 5/28/2026
Evolving U.S. immigration policies continue to shape what’s possible for students with different immigration statuses, particularly when it comes to employment. Because undocumented students don’t have work authorization - the legal permission to be employed in the U.S. - their access to traditional jobs is limited. However, these employment barriers don’t close the door to postsecondary options.
Massachusetts is a national leader in expanding access to postsecondary education for undocumented students. With access to state financial aid and low-cost public college options, students can build skills, earn credentials, and prepare for long-term career opportunities, even as federal policies continue to shift.
Keeping Pathways Open
Pursuing a college degree or credential can open important doors for undocumented students.
First, postsecondary education allows students to build skills and credentials that position them for future opportunities. If federal policies change, as they have in the past, students with degrees or technical training may be better positioned to benefit from new pathways to documented status, many of which have historically included education requirements.
Second, college can help students develop professional networks and real-world skills that support alternative career paths. This includes the potential to work as an independent contractor or pursue opportunities outside of the United States.
Accessing College in Massachusetts & Limitations
Undocumented students who attended a Massachusetts high school for at least three years (or completed district-approved homeschooling) may be eligible to apply for state financial aid through the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA).
This can unlock:
Free or low-cost community college
Financial aid at public and private colleges across the state
As a result, undocumented students in Massachusetts can pursue a wide range of degree programs, from liberal arts to technical and career-focused fields.
While college access has expanded, some postsecondary pathways come with additional barriers that students and advisors should plan for. Some programs require co-ops, internships, or other forms of paid work experience. Because these opportunities typically require work authorization, they may not be accessible to undocumented students.
That said, students can still participate in:
Unpaid internships
Volunteer opportunities
Project-based learning experiences
These options can provide valuable hands-on experience and help build a strong resume.
Clinical and Practicum-Based Programs
Healthcare and teacher education programs often require clinical placements or practicums. While these experiences are typically unpaid, and thus don’t require work authorization, they usually involve background checks (CORI) or additional onboarding requirements.
Although a Social Security number is not required for a CORI check in Massachusetts, some partner sites, such as hospitals or schools, may independently require one for students to participate in clinical or classroom placements. Students should check program-specific requirements early in the application process.
In addition, some colleges and clinical placement sites report that opportunities for undocumented students have become more limited in recent months. While undocumented students have historically been able to participate successfully in clinical placements, some hospitals and partner sites are now hesitant to accept students without a Social Security number due to concerns about student safety and increased immigration enforcement activity.
As a result, some colleges are encouraging students to carefully review program and placement requirements before enrolling in allied health programs. Some institutions and workforce development programs have also reported declining participation among undocumented students as uncertainty around immigration policy continues to affect enrollment decisions.
Non-College Workforce Training Programs
Many short-term workforce training programs offered by community organizations or government agencies require work authorization and are designed for students who can enter the workforce immediately. This means undocumented students may have fewer options in this category.
Becoming an Independent Contractor
Key Resources
Several organizations provide guidance and opportunities for undocumented students exploring career pathways:
UndocuProfessionals Opportunity Board– Lists ITIN-friendly internships, fellowships, and freelance roles
Immigrants Rising – Offers guides on freelancing, starting a business, and navigating taxes
TheDream.US – Provides career toolkits and resources for independent contracting
Independent contractors work for themselves, completing specific projects or services for clients rather than working as employees. Because the government does not classify them as employees, they are not required to complete standard work authorization forms.
Common contractor-friendly fields include:
Graphic and web design
Freelance writing and media
Interpretation and translation services
Private tutoring
Digital marketing, bookkeeping, or IT support
Online product sales
The independent contractor path can offer flexibility, but it also requires careful planning:
Students must take initiative and have an entrepreneurial mindset
Need to build a portfolio through projects, internships, or freelance work
Marketing and client management skills are essential
Competition from more experienced contractors can make it difficult to get started
Students will also need to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), which allows individuals without a Social Security number to pay taxes and earn income as contractors.
Closing
Undocumented students face real constraints when it comes to employment, but their postsecondary options remain broad, especially in Massachusetts. By pursuing a college degree or credential, students can build valuable skills, expand their networks, and prepare for a range of future opportunities.
At the same time, it’s important to plan strategically. Understanding program requirements, exploring alternative work options like independent contracting, and leveraging available resources can help students navigate these challenges and stay on a path toward their career goals.