Filling Out the FAFSA: I am a U.S. Citizen, But My Parents are Undocumented Immigrants

All U.S. citizens are eligible for federal financial aid, regardless of their parents' immigration status.
Anna Helhoski
By Anna Helhoski 
Updated
Edited by Alexandra Rice

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When will the new FAFSA be available? The redesigned FAFSA is expected to launch in December 2023 for the 2024-25 academic year — a delay from the typical Oct. 1 release date. You can still submit the 2023-24 FAFSA until June 30, 2024. Stay tuned for more updates on the new FAFSA deadline.

Dive deeper into FAFSA

All U.S. citizens are eligible for federal financial aid, regardless of their parents' immigration status. If you are a citizen but your parents are undocumented immigrants, you should fill out the FAFSA and include their financial information.

If you fill in the parental information using a fake social security number or one that is only valid for work purposes, the application will be rejected. If your parent does not have a social security number, use 000-00-0000 as his or her social security number.

Steps for filling out the FAFSA for citizens with undocumented immigrant parents

  1. For the parental information section, include your parent's financial information.

  2. Write 000-00-0000 as your parent's social security number.

  3. Contact your university's financial aid office and explain your situation; see if they have university-specific advice or protocols.

Private loan options

Some private lenders may allow you to borrow a student loan with a co-signer who is a U.S. citizen.

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