A quick update on the most recent FAFSA rules - if you haven't received an SAI email within 7-10 days of submission, there might be an issue with your application. The most common reasons are: 1. Signature problems (both student and parent need to sign) 2. Mismatched information that triggered a verification flag 3. Technical processing delays (which have been happening a lot this application cycle) You can check application status on studentaid.gov - even from your parent account, you should see if there's a "More Information Needed" status or if it still shows as "Processing.

I just went through this exact same situation with my daughter's FAFSA last month! The SAI visibility issue is so frustrating, especially when you're the one handling all the financial aspects. Here's what worked for me: I called the financial aid office at her college and explained that she was studying abroad with limited internet access. They were actually really understanding and said this happens more often than you'd think. They allowed me to provide other FAFSA information (like our EFC from the Student Aid Report summary) as temporary documentation while we waited for the official SAI. Some schools will accept the FAFSA submission confirmation number and work with you on deadlines if you explain the circumstances. It's worth calling each financial aid office directly rather than trying to navigate the federal system - they tend to be much more flexible and helpful!

UPDATE: IT WORKED!!! I tried two things that I think fixed it: 1) Entered his name in ALL CAPS as someone suggested, and 2) Tried submitting at 3am when server traffic was lower. The verification went through immediately! His contribution section is now completed, and I was able to submit my FAFSA application. THANK YOU to everyone who offered advice! I'm so relieved to have this resolved before my aid deadline.

Congratulations on getting it resolved! This thread is going to be so helpful for other people facing the same issue. The ALL CAPS + late night submission combo seems to be the magic formula. I'm bookmarking this for future reference since I'll probably need to help other students with FAFSA issues. Thanks for sharing your success story!

As a newcomer to this community, I'm really impressed by how supportive and knowledgeable everyone is here! I'm actually dealing with a similar situation with one of my students, and reading through all these responses has been incredibly educational. One thing I wanted to add that I learned from our school's financial aid workshop is that students should also look into state-specific financial aid programs. Some states have their own grants or scholarships that may have different eligibility requirements than federal aid, and these can sometimes be easier to navigate for students with mixed-status families. Also, community colleges can be a great starting point since they often have more flexible financial aid offices and lower costs while students figure out their path forward. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this thread is going to help so many students!

As another newcomer to this community, I'm so grateful to have found this thread! I work as a college counselor at a high school with a large population of first-generation college students, and mixed-status family situations come up regularly. What strikes me about all the advice here is how it emphasizes both the practical steps AND the emotional support these students need. One additional resource I'd recommend is connecting with organizations like United We Dream or local immigrant advocacy groups - they often have college access programs with staff who are experts in navigating financial aid for mixed-status families. They can provide ongoing support throughout the entire college process, not just the FAFSA piece. Also, I always remind students that their citizenship status makes them eligible for federal aid regardless of their parents' status - that's their right as U.S. citizens. Sometimes students carry unnecessary worry or shame about their family's situation, when they should feel confident pursuing higher education. Thank you all for creating such a welcoming space to share knowledge!

One more thing to consider - even though you should wait for the aid package, you can still get pre-qualified for a Parent PLUS loan earlier just to know if you'll be approved. The pre-qualification is a soft credit check that won't affect your credit score and gives you peace of mind that you'll have that funding option available when you need it. You don't have to actually take out the loan until after you know the exact amount needed. This can be especially helpful if you're choosing between schools and want to know all your financing options are solid before making a final decision.

This is all incredibly helpful! I'm a bit overwhelmed by all the details but feeling much more confident about the process now. It sounds like the consensus is definitely to wait for the aid packages first, then apply for the PLUS loan if needed. I really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences - both the successes and the headaches! It's reassuring to know that the PLUS loan application itself is relatively quick once you have all the information. I'll make sure to keep track of each school's specific timeline recommendations too. Thanks everyone for taking the time to help a nervous parent navigate this process! 🙏

Update: I finally got through to someone at Federal Student Aid using that Claimyr service someone suggested. It actually worked! The agent found my son's paper application stuck in a verification queue even though we weren't selected for verification. They're expediting it now and said it should be processed within 5-7 business days. The financial aid office also agreed to put a hold on late fees after I showed them the case number. Thank you all for your advice - this community has been so helpful!

This is exactly why I tell everyone to submit their FAFSA online if at all possible, even if it takes multiple tries. Paper applications are basically going into a black hole this year. For anyone reading this who hasn't submitted yet - keep trying the online version during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening) and use a different browser if one isn't working. The paper backup should really be a last resort given these processing delays. Glad to hear you're finally making progress though, Dmitry!