Question:
Is FAFSA only for US citizens?
Answer:
No, the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is not limited to U.S. citizens. While the majority of federal financial aid programs require U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen status, there are specific categories of noncitizens who can also apply for aid. Here's a breakdown:
Who Can Apply for FAFSA?
-
U.S. Citizens
- Eligible for the full range of federal financial aid programs, including grants, loans, and work-study.
-
Eligible Noncitizens
Includes individuals who meet specific residency or immigration criteria:- Permanent Residents with a Green Card (I-551, I-151, or I-551C).
- Conditional Residents (I-551C).
- Individuals with an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) showing one of the following:
- Refugee
- Asylum Granted
- Cuban-Haitian Entrant
- Parolee
- T-Visa holders (victims of human trafficking).
- Battered immigrants under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
-
Citizens of Specific Countries
- Certain Pacific Island residents, such as citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or Palau, can receive specific types of federal student aid.
Who Cannot Apply for FAFSA?
- International students on temporary visas (e.g., F-1, J-1) are not eligible for FAFSA-based federal aid.
- DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients are also ineligible for federal aid but may qualify for state or institutional aid depending on their location and school policies.
Options for Non-Eligible Students
- State Financial Aid: Some states offer aid to undocumented or international students (e.g., California’s Dream Act).
- Institutional Aid: Many colleges provide scholarships or grants for international and undocumented students.
- Private Scholarships: Numerous organizations and foundations offer scholarships based on merit or need, regardless of citizenship.
Summary:
FAFSA is primarily for U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens. However, other financial aid options may exist for those who don’t qualify under FAFSA eligibility criteria. Always check with your institution and state for additional opportunities.