Students without out lawful immigration status and students with U-Visa or DACA status should apply for financial aid using the California Dream Application. Please note that having DACA does not guarantee financial aid. You must also qualify for the AB 540 nonresident tuition exemption.

Who is eligible for university financial aid?

Our general eligibility requirements include that you have financial need, are a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, and are enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program at your college or career school. There are more eligibility requirements you must meet to qualify for federal student aid.

Can international students receive financial aid?

Financial Aid Eligibility Most foreign citizens are not eligible for federal student aid from the U.S. Department of Education. There are, however, some instances in which noncitizens may be eligible for financial aid from the U.S. federal government. Visit to learn more.

Can non US citizens qualify for financial aid?

When applying for federal or state financial aid with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or an eligible non-citizen. NOTE: Undocumented students don’t qualify for federal financial aid and are not able to submit a federal FAFSA.

Can I apply for financial aid without a Social Security number?

Your FSA ID must be associated to a valid Social Security Number (SSN) in order to access personal records and to sign a FAFSA electronically. Without a valid SSN, you will receive a paper Student Aid Report (SAR) when your FAFSA is processed (7-10 days).

Who is eligible for US student financial aid?

For financial aid purposes, an eligible non-citizen is someone who meets one of the following criteria: A U.S. permanent resident or other eligible noncitizens; A citizen of the Freely Associated States: the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republics of Palau and the Marshall Islands.

How to get federal student aid if you are a noncitizen?

You can receive federal student aid if you are an eligible noncitizen. You must enter your eight or nine digit Alien Registration Number (ARN) on the FAFSA. If your citizenship status has changed from an eligible noncitizen to a U.S. citizen, you should contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) to update your citizenship status.

Can a Cuban-Haitian apply for federal student aid?

Be sure to do so promptly! If your permanent residence status has in fact expired, you are no longer eligible for federal student aid. If your documentation shows that you are a Cuban-Haitian Entrant, you are still an eligible noncitizen even if the expiration date has passed.

Do you get federal student aid if you are undocumented?

Undocumented students, including DACA recipients, are not eligible for federal student aid, but you may still be eligible for state or college aid, in addition to private scholarships. Check with your college or career school’s financial aid office for more information.