Vocational Schools for Undocumented Students

You will need a professional or occupational license to work in jobs like teaching, nursing, plumbing, and more. Federal law restricts undocumented immigrants from accessing professional licenses—unless a state overrides the restriction. Fortunately, many states updated their requirements, allowing DACA recipients to receive professional licenses. 

States like California, Illinois, Nevada, New Mexico, and New Jersey have removed citizenship requirements for accessing professional licenses altogether. The Higher Ed Immigration Portal provides more details about professional licensure for undocumented individuals in your state. 

Before starting a vocational school program, research whether you can get the necessary license to practice in your state. There have been times when undocumented individuals complete their schooling only to discover they cannot apply for a license to work in their industry. As you are deciding on your course of study, consider the following:

• Will I be able to find a job after I graduate?
• Will I need a professional license to work in my chosen field?
• If so, does my state allow me to access a professional license with my immigration status?

Some applications and licensing boards may not mention or require information on your immigration status, meaning you may be able to qualify for  a license if you provide all the required information and materials. 

Another important consideration when it comes to qualifying for professional licensure is enrolling in a program at an accredited institution. If a school is accredited it means that it has been determined by a federally recognized organization to meet certain education standards. Accredited schools are also more likely to meet the standards for their graduates to obtain professional licensure.

Each industry and state sets its own requirements for obtaining a professional license. States will have different requirements, including a written exam, higher education degree, or work experience. The National Occupational Licensing Database outlines the information needed to apply for professional and occupational licenses in each state.

Vocational schools open the door to many different careers. The following list includes a few of the many vocational programs available. Online College Plan offers even more insight into careers in skilled trades.

• Carpenter
• Cosmetologist
• Culinary Arts Professional
• Cybersecurity Specialist 
• Dental Assistant
• Electricians
• Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
• IT Technician 
• Locksmith
• Massage Therapist
• Mechanic
• Medical Assistant
• Nail Technician
• Paralegal
• Pharmacy Technician
• Plumber
• Real Estate Appraiser
• Respiratory Therapist
• Veterinary Technician
• Web Design Specialist
• Welder
  

The practical skills learned at vocational schools can also be applied to starting your own business. Check out the “Working and Earning an Income While Undocumented” section below for more information on starting your own business.

The Federal Trade Commission suggests using free online tools such as TrainingProviderResults.gov and College Scorecard to find a vocational school near you via your zip code. Through these sites, you can compare program costs, completion rates, and post-graduate employment rates. As mentioned above, enrolling in an accredited vocational school program will help ensure you will meet the standards for professional licensure and other certification requirements when you graduate. Employers care a lot about accreditation, which is important for your future work prospects.

Vocational schools are more affordable than most colleges because of lower tuition rates and because they typically do not require students to live on campus like many colleges do. 

One prominent concern of college students is graduating with debt. Vocational schools have a lower debt burden compared to 4-year colleges and universities, allowing students more financial stability and less financial stress. According to the Wall Street Journal, the new generation is known as the toolbelt generation because many young workers are going into trade school due to the rising pay for trade professions and the lower costs of these programs. 

Scholarships

Immigrants Rising has a database where students can find scholarships they qualify for. Many of the scholarships listed on this database and others are offered through private companies and organizations with their own specific criteria. It is important to check that the scholarships you apply for can be used for vocational and trade schools. You should also inquire about the scholarships available at your respective school or program. Generally, the information can be found on the program’s website or by calling the school. 

*Tip: When searching the Immigrants Rising database, filter by “educational status” and/or “field of study” to find applicable scholarships. Please note that this database is not an exhaustive list.*