Would I Be an International or American Student?

<p>Okay, I've got a pretty strange question to ask here. First off, I'm a Malaysian citizen currently residing in Malaysia, which obviously makes me an international applicant. However, my aunt, a US citizen, has petitioned my mother and her closest relatives (which means my father, my siblings and I) to enter the US with an immigrant visa/green card. The petition was approved a few weeks ago, and my parents are in the middle of doing the paperwork to complete the application.</p>

<p>Once that's done, we'll all be green card holders. AFAIK, this would make my status a US resident at most colleges, and make me eligible for federal financial aid. Is this true? Are there any exceptions to this rule? What if, at the time of my application, I hold a green card, but live overseas? Will I be counted as an international then?</p>

<p>Any and all help appreciated, and thanks in advance.</p>

<p>If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident yes, you will be eligible for federal aid and all other finanical aid offered to citizens and permanent residnets (need blind at need blind schools, they will meet 100% of your demonstrated need at schools which meet demonstrated need).</p>

<p>BS"D
I also have a question regarding this:
I have dual citizenship--American and Canadian. However, I have never resided in Canada. Would this make me an international or domestic student at a Canadian University?</p>

<p>If you have a Canadian citizenship, then you'd be considered a domestic student.</p>

<p>So even if I have a green card but am not a resident of the US at the time of application, I will still be eligible for federal aid and treated as an American applicant?</p>

<p>Yes, because you'd be a permanent resident.</p>

<p>Malaysia boleh :). Hey I lived in Malaysia for 4 years as well and I am in a similiar position as you are; i have a chinese passport but my families visa petition was approved and we sould be able to get our visa in a few monthes. Apparently after consulting some people, I think I will be counted as an american student but I am not too positive. Are you in America right now? if you are, I think we both have the same problem.</p>

<p>You will need to have yoru premanent resident status when you apply to school.</p>

<p>Sorry to post on here john but our problems are so similar and are on the same subject X_X.</p>

<p>Hmm now I got a problem, what if I can't get the visa before applying for EC but I will have obtained it by decemeber? Does that mean I should not apply to any school for EC and wait for regular applications?</p>

<p>I'm not currently in the US, but I intend to visit next year, and possibly in 2007 as well. And of course, there's no telling what I'll do after I graduate, but I'm not sure Malaysia is where I want to grow old in. :p</p>

<p>You mean ED (early decision, right?). I believe you should wait if you need financial aid, because you'll be eligible for federal aid and thus will have your app treated as need-blind by most adcoms. If you don't need aid, then I think the benefits of ED would outweight the disadvantages (if any).</p>

<p>Pick up the phone and call the school of your choice...that is an opinion you really should have.</p>