<p>If I am a US citizen who has been living in a different country for many years, does that make me an international student?</p>
<p>I always assumed I wouldn't be because of my nationality but lately I have been hearing otherwise. This is worrying me because I know admissions for international students is WAY more competitive.</p>
<p>Please help!
Thanks :)</p>
<p>No, you are not an international student.</p>
<p>You are a US citizen, which makes you a domestic candidate for financial aid purposes. You can file the FAFSA.</p>
<p>However, if you have completed your education in another country, your secondary school records may need to be read by the international admissions officer because that is the person who has the expertise to understand them.</p>
<p>In addition, if you are currently living in another country, you may not have any particular state of residence in the US, which can mean that you are considered an out-of-state candidate for all public colleges and universities.</p>
<p>Lastly, depending on where you have been living (and whether or not you hold dual-nationality), you may find it more cost-effective to pursue your undergraduate program at an institution that is not in the US.</p>