<p>My daughter is in the process of adjustment of status ( I-485) and I have already applied for her EAD. Once she gets her EAD , I will apply for her Social Security Number. Will she then be entitled to apply for FAFSA?</p>
<p>I believe EAD is an Employment Authorization Document. Your daughter would need green card/permanent resident status to be able to apply for U.S. federally funded aid via the FAFSA. I don’t know for sure…but I don’t believe the EAD and permanent residency/green card status are the same thing. </p>
<p>I would suggest that you post your query in the financial aid section of this forum…there are some folks with good knowledge of resident status and how it applies to FAFSA eligibility.</p>
<p>By this I take it that your daughter is in the process of receiving Permanent Resident (green card) status. It is my understanding that she can file the FAFSA once she has her A number and documentation that the status adjustment has been approved. I don’t know for certain whether she can be awarded financial aid based on the stamp in her passport, or whether she will have to have the actual permanent resident card in her possession. The person who should be able to answer that question is kelsmom who until recently was a financial aid officer. kelsmom posts most often in the Financial Aid Forum, so I agree with thumper1 that you might want to re-post your question there. </p>
<p>Good luck with everything, and best wishes to your daughter as she begins this new adventure!</p>
<p>Having been through the AOS process myself, however, I know it can take years. The family is doing the right thing by applying for EADs and SSNs right away. The actual PR status (green card) is likely at least months, and probably years away. If FAFSA requires PR status (something I don’t know, since this is no longer an issue for my family - we’re now US citizens) then the student wouldn’t be eligible yet.</p>
<p>No, unfortunately your daughter is not eligible to apply for FAFSA until she gets her actual permanent resident card (green card) in hand. You need actual status and A number for FAFSA application. Once she gets her EAD card and SSN card, she will be eligible for employment as long as her EAD card is valid (just file for extention 3-4 months before its expiration date). It used to be valid for 1 year; it might be longer now.
Regarding financial aid for college, I would advise you to check with specific schools. Some of them might want you to file International Student Fin Aid application (no FAFSA required, you just attach your tax returns and W2s).
Your daughter is not eligible for any federal aid for now, but some schools (mostly private) might be able and willing to give her some aid from institutional funds. It depends on a school’s policy towards internationals.
Good luck!</p>