Applying as an international student, then becoming a permanent resident?

Paying for College
1

<p>Hi! </p>

<p>I'm applying to a private university as an international student without requesting for any financial aid. (This school offers aid to a limited amount of international students)</p>

<p>But I will obtain green card during my freshman year in college.
Then, can I receive loans or any financial aid during my sophomore year?</p>

2

<p>You need to check your school regarding institutional aid. Some schools specifically state that you must apply for aid as incoming freshmen (note APPLY…not accept) or they will not grant institutional aid in the future.</p>

<p>Re: federally funded aid like Stafford loans, I believe that once you have your green card, you then are able to complete a FAFSA form which makes you eligible for these loans…or any other federally funded aid to which you are entitled.</p>

3

<p>Have you considered taking a gap year and then applying to college once you become a green card holder?</p>

<p>Keep in mind right now that there are only 6 colleges in the country that are both need blind and meet 100% demonstrated need to international students. </p>

<p>The vast majority of schools are not need blind to international students. This means that your ability to pay will be a factor in the admissions process (most schools are need blind to us citizens and permanent residents).</p>

<p>You may be eligible for merit opportunities once you have your green card that you may not be eligible for now as an international student.</p>

4

<p>hrk9090</p>

<p>You should send a PM to b@r!um who often posts in the International Students Forum. She changed status from international to permanent resident after enrolling at her college in the US, and may have useful ideas for you.</p>

<p>You mention that you will not apply for aid at this particular college. Can you afford to remain a full-pay student for all four years? Think about that. If your green card is delayed, you will not have access to any federally determined (FAFSA) aid. Even when you do get your green card, the aid you will have access to might end up being limited to the Stafford loans ($5,500 freshman year, $6,500 sophomore year, $7,500 junior year and senior year). Is that going to be enough to make your remaining years of college affordable?</p>