<p>Hi, I'm posting on behalf of my friend. She was not born in the U.S., but she moved here when she was very young. She does not have a green card, a visa, or a SSN. She does, however, have a number the length of a SSN that she uses to apply for jobs and pay taxes (it's legitimate; nothing fake).</p>
<p>Our guidance counselor is incompetent, haha, so I'm wondering if anyone here can help. She is confused as to whether she qualifies for any financial aid even though she is not a citizen.</p>
<p>She probably has a taxpayer Identification number. She can use that for paying taxes. </p>
<p>Unless she is a permanent resident or citizen she is not eligible to apply for federal aid. She would probably have to apply for aid as an international. She needs to talk to her college.</p>
I take it she is an undocumented immigrant then? </p>
<p>I would encourage your friend to contact colleges and be upfront about her immigration status. From what I have seen, a lot of financial aid for international students is tied to a valid student visa status. She also needs to find out whether or not she would qualify for in-state tuition.</p>