<p>We know someone who can't get federal aid because she is a legal immigrant, but not a citizen. There is no money for school and she can't get a job until she gets a work visa. They came into the country for medical reasons.</p>
<p>Any suggestions on how to get the process completed?</p>
<p>You say she is a legal immigrant. What exactly do you mean?</p>
<p>They need to find someone to help them with the process of getting a green card.</p>
<p>How long has this student been in the U.S., and how long have they been working on gaining permanent resident status? OR did this issue just come to the forefront because of college costs.</p>
<p>I hope the family realizes that the maximum federal loan is $5500, and the max Pell grant is $5600.</p>
<p>If this is a very strong student with high GPA and SAT/ACT scores…there are some schools,which give merit aid to international students (which is what this student would be without that green card status).</p>
<p>Also, in some states, state aid is available to students like this if they have been here a certain number of years, and graduated from HS in that state. You would have to name the state for folks here to tell you if that applies.</p>
<p>If the student is a US permanent resident who actually holds a green card (not in the process of getting one or waiting for it to come), they would minimally be eligible for federal and state aid.</p>
<p>In addition, if they submit all of their financial aid documents in a timely manner, if they have a demonstrated need, they may even receive some need based aid.</p>
<p>However, most schools do not meet 100% demonstrated need. If the student meets the requirement by their state for in-state/in-city tuition (having attended hs in that city/state for a number of years and graduating) this may be a financially feasible option for the student.</p>
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<p>It sounds like student is an international student as they would be here on a temporary B2 visa with a limited amount of time to be here in the USA. IF that is the case she would not be eligible for federal or state aid.</p>
<p>What visa did she use to enter US? She needs F-1 or J-1 visa to study in US.</p>
<p>Without a green card, the student is not going to be eligible for federal and state aid. However, that person could be eligible for financial and merit aid from those colleges that do give out those awards to international student from their own fundS. This person needs to research the schools of interest and find out what their postions are in terms of non citizen aid. But for ANYONE, most schools do not meet full need, and one needs good stats to get scholarships, as a rule.</p>
<p>Private loans if the person has the credit, job, banking relationship, maybe a cosigner , could be a possibility too. Also some state schools give in state rates to foreign students under certain circumstances.</p>
<p>But bottom, line without the green card, your friend is an international student and has the same restrictions other such students have in the college scene.</p>
<p>4kidsdad -</p>
<p>People who come to the US specifically to study will do so with an F-1, J-1 or M-1 depending on their program of studies and their sponsorship. People who are here in other immigration statuses often can enroll in college or other training programs. I can’t think of any visa status where studying would be forbidden, but there may be some.</p>
<p>Are you sure the student is an immigrant? if she’s here on a visa for medical treatment, then she’s not really an immigrant…altho she is lawfully here. She’s more like a “visitor”.</p>
<p>If she has a green card, then she can qualify for fed aid. However, fed aid isn’t much, so she still may not get much.</p>
<p>They have been in the USA for 14 years. She is looking to go to community college which a federal loan would cover most of.</p>
<p>Unless student is a permanent resident - green card holder, they are not eligible for federal aid. If student is “in the process”, she has to wait until she actually has it it pay out if pocket</p>
<p>She needs to visit the community college and talk with an admissions counselor about her situation. They are the experts on this issue, and can help her find out about her options.</p>
<p>Without the gren card, the person is treated under many situations as an international student. That is the crucial line that has to be crossed to be eligible for federal aid and loan backing.</p>
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Did they use B-2 visa to enter US for medial treatment?
Also, are you sure the’re not out of status?</p>
<p>I thought that a B2 visa had a max of 10 years</p>