How long until FAFSA shows 'processing' status after submission?

It usually takes 1-3 days for the status to change from "submitted" to "processing" in the system. Don't worry too much yet! The FAFSA processing timeline has been a bit slower this year with all the changes to the new FAFSA Simplification Act. Your application is probably fine, but if you don't see a status change by the end of this week, then you might want to follow up.

mine took like 5 days to even show up as processing and then another 2 weeks to get my SAI score. the whole system is messed up this year

DON'T PANIC YET!!! But also don't just sit around waiting. I had the EXACT SAME ISSUE and found out later that I had a typo in my email address so I never got any of the notifications!!! Double-check EVERYTHING in your studentaid.gov account settings right now. The system is SO BROKEN this year and they're not telling anyone about the delays!!

Just submitted mine last week and it took about 48 hours to change from submitted to processing. Then another 5 days to get my SAI calculation. I think ur fine tho since the colleges can see when u actually submitted even if its still processing. At least thats what my financial aid advisor told me.

I've been dealing with FAFSA issues for weeks now and finally found a solution for contacting them directly. I was having the same concern about my processing status not updating, but couldn't get through on the phone after trying for days. I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me past the hold times and connected to an actual FSA agent who confirmed my application was in the system despite the status not updating. They have a video demo if you want to see how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ - definitely worth it when you need to speak to someone directly.

haha welcome to the wonderful world of financial aid! nothing ever works right and everything takes longer than they say. my first year I didn't get my aid package until 2 DAYS before classes started! but somehow it always works out eventually.

It's completely normal for the status change to take a few days. The most important metrics to track are: 1. The submission confirmation number (you should have received this) 2. The date your FAFSA was submitted (which schools can see) 3. Your SAI calculation (which can take 1-3 weeks to generate) As long as you have your confirmation number, you can prove you submitted before the deadline. The processing status change is just an internal step that doesn't affect your submission date. For your school's priority deadline, what matters is the submission date, not whether processing is complete. If you're concerned, you can take a screenshot of your confirmation page showing the submission date and email it to your school's financial aid office as backup documentation.

this happened to my roommate and turns out she had entered her SSN wrong by one digit. might want to double check that all your info is correct because some errors wont show up until later in processing

Just to update you on what to expect next: Once your status changes to "processing," you'll eventually receive your SAI (Student Aid Index) calculation. This is what replaces the old EFC number and determines your aid eligibility. The complete processing time from submission to receiving your SAI is typically 2-3 weeks right now. Your schools won't be able to put together your financial aid package until they receive your SAI, but again, they can see that you submitted on time. If you're really concerned, you can always email your school's financial aid office with your FAFSA confirmation number to verify they'll consider your application submitted before their priority deadline.