<p>Hello,</p>
<p>I've been in USA, California for 8 months and I'm applying to the UCs. Am I eligible for the FAFSA or any financial aid? I'm an student with an A-1(diplomatic) visa, does that affect my residency status?</p>
<p>Please help me !</p>
<p>Thanks in advance :)</p>
<p>You are not eligible for FAFSA or any federal aid with an A1 visa. FAFSA and federal aid are for US citizens or eligible permanent citizens. An A1 visa does not make you an eligible permanent citizen for financial aid purposes. </p>
<p>I am not sure about the instate tuition. There was a student recently who posted here and he said he was eligible for instate tuition in California with an A1 visa which surprised me. The best thing would be to check with the UCs for their policies. For most schools I would expect you to be considered an International student as your visa is not an immigration visa.</p>
<p>So does that mean I only can rely on scholarships and need-blind merits :(?</p>