Filling Out the FAFSA: I am a U.S. Citizen, But My Parents are Undocumented Immigrants
Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
Dive deeper into FAFSA
When you need to apply: Find out the FAFSA deadline
How much aid you'll get: Estimate your financial aid award
What's on your FAFSA checklist: What you'll need to complete the application
FAFSA FAQs: Your FAFSA questions, answered
Student loans from our partners
on Sallie Mae
Sallie Mae
4.5
NerdWallet rating4.5
NerdWallet rating4.5% - 15.49%
Mid-600's
on Sallie Mae
on College Ave
College Ave
5.0
NerdWallet rating5.0
NerdWallet rating5.05% - 16.99%
Mid-600s
on College Ave
on Ascent
Ascent
5.0
NerdWallet rating5.0
NerdWallet rating4.83% - 16.16%
Low-Mid 600s
on Ascent
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 use a fake social security number or one only valid for work in the parental information section, the application will be rejected. If your parent does not have a social security number, use 000-00-0000.
Steps for filling out the FAFSA for citizens with undocumented immigrant parents
For the parental information section, include your parent's financial information. If they did not file taxes, you’ll select “Not going to file.” Next, FAFSA will ask about how much your parents earned from work.
Write 000-00-0000 as your parent's social security number.
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.
On a similar note...
Powered by
