can I apply as a permanent resident but am not one yet?

Student Lounge International Students
1

<p>I am so close to being a permanent resident (waiting for I-485, submitted last May), should get my actual green card within one or two years. I have stayed in America for more than 10 years. </p>

<p>I have my A# since it was on my I-485 application, so can I just apply as an permanent resident (the A# is all you need to fill out on the application)? I know that sounds bad but I need fin aid or else there's no way I can afford college. </p>

<p>My question is...do colleges check each case to see if you have received your green card for admissions? Or do they check it when you fill out your FAFSA? Or do they check it at all?</p>

2

<p>I don't think you should do that. Colleges will know because as you have not received your green card, you will not be eligible for Pell grants or subsidized loans when the financial aid office put together your financial aid package. Do contact individual colleges and see what they can do for you though.</p>

3

<p>I am in almost the exact same situation as katie....so for admissions only will I be judged as an international student as well even though I spent like in the US? </p>

<p>for fin aid i am definnitely going to be in the international student pool right?</p>

4

<p>No, you can't apply as a Permanent Resident yet. You need to discuss your legal status with the admissions offices at each of the colleges/universities you are looking at and get their advice. You also need to be aware that some visa statuses do not allow you to enroll as a student, and you would need to change your current visa for an F1.</p>

<p>Coming from a US HS, generally speaking, you are considered a domestic student for admission because they don't have to do anything special to interpret your HS transcripts. Not being a citizen, holding Permanent Resident status, or falling into one of the other special categories (such as refugee or asylee) that could qualify you for federal financial aid, means that you are in the international category for financial aid.</p>

<p>I know it stinks, but that's the way it is.</p>

<p>Good luck to all of you.</p>