Financial Aid for college

[jhigareda41 30]

Hello. 

Hope someone reads this and can shed some light on this. How soon can you apply for financial aid after receiving visa at immigration interview. I currently live in the USA and have been paying for college out of pocket. I have a i601a waiver and interview for January 3rd. Once approved and come back to the states, would I be considered a permanent resident immediately or until my actual card comes in the mail? 

[TBoneTX 43,157]

Thread is moved from Off Topic to the "Moving to the US" forum, to be among similar-themed threads.

[databit 328]

According to this, the "notice" is not enough for FAFSA:

"You are NOT an eligible noncitizen and cannot receive federal student aid if you have only a “Notice of Approval to Apply for Permanent Residence” (I-171 or I-464),"

https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/eligibility/non-us-citizens

 

However, even having a green card in hand does not mean you can pay resident tuition rates. US Residency and in-state residency for tuition purposes are two different things. Public colleges usually require 1-year residency in their state, proved by drivers license, filing a tax return in that state, proof of financial independence from parents, utility bills and rent receipts in your name, vehicle registration, etc. Private colleges have their own rules and may give you financial aid.  You can also get a bank loan if you have collateral and good credit.

[jhigareda41 30]

34 minutes ago, databit said:

According to this, the "notice" is not enough for FAFSA:

"You are NOT an eligible noncitizen and cannot receive federal student aid if you have only a “Notice of Approval to Apply for Permanent Residence” (I-171 or I-464),"

https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/eligibility/non-us-citizens

 

However, even having a green card in hand does not mean you can pay resident tuition rates. US Residency and in-state residency for tuition purposes are two different things. Public colleges usually require 1-year residency in their state, proved by drivers license, filing a tax return in that state, proof of financial independence from parents, utility bills and rent receipts in your name, vehicle registration, etc. Private colleges have their own rules and may give you financial aid.  You can also get a bank loan if you have collateral and good credit.

If I understand you correctly, once returning to the USA my status would not be permanent resident until I apply for one and I physically have it in hand?

[Cyberfx1024 7,978]

3 minutes ago, jhigareda41 said:

If I understand you correctly, once returning to the USA my status would not be permanent resident until I apply for one and I physically have it in hand?

Yes, not until you have it in hand. 

[aaron2020 11,651]

For the FAFSA, you would need proof that you are a green card holder.  You would need information from your green card.

 

Be aware that you may be paying out-of-state tuition as a new state resident. 

[jhigareda41 30]

On the department of state website it says that once admitted by border patrol officer and upon entry you will enter as a lawful permanent resident. Am I missing something? 

[aaron2020 11,651]

7 minutes ago, jhigareda41 said:

On the department of state website it says that once admitted by border patrol officer and upon entry you will enter as a lawful permanent resident. Am I missing something? 

Once you enter the US with an immigrant visa, the endorsed visa becomes a temporary green card.

 

For the FAFSA, you will need information from your green card.

Edited December 19, 2018 by aaron2020