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. 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.

» MORE: FAFSA checklist

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.

» MORE: How to complete the FAFSA as a first-generation college student

Advice from University Financial Aid Officers

You can still submit the FAFSA if your parents are undocumented. When the application asks for your parents' social security numbers, please enter 000-00-0000.

— Marco Siliezar, Financial Aid Analyst at California State University's California Maritime Academy

Private loan options

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

» MORE: International Student Loan Options