Is working and filing taxes for a year required for FAFSA eligibility as a new immigrant?

Welcome to the US! There's actually some misinformation there. As a permanent resident (green card holder), you ARE eligible to apply for federal student aid through FAFSA right away - no need to wait a year or have filed taxes previously. The main requirement is your residency status, not your tax history. You'll need to provide your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) on the FAFSA form. For the 2025-2026 school year application, if you haven't filed US taxes yet, you'll just need to indicate that on the form - it won't disqualify you.

i heard mixed things, my cousin is from mexico and they made him wait but that was like 5 years ago so maybe rules changed idk

The eligibility for FAFSA depends on your specific immigration status, not your tax history. Since you have a green card (are a permanent resident alien), you qualify for federal student aid immediately. When you complete your FAFSA, you'll need: - Your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) - Your USCIS documentation - Any income information (even if from another country) Without tax history, your SAI (Student Aid Index) calculation will just be based on whatever current financial information you can provide. If you've had no income, that could actually work in your favor for grant eligibility.

When I moved here from the Philippines, I was SO CONFUSED about FAFSA too!! The whole system is complicated and nobody explains it well. I waited a year before applying because someone told me the same thing - BIG MISTAKE!! I could have started college earlier. Make sure you fill out the FAFSA as soon as it opens (usually December) for the 2025-2026 year. Also look into your state's aid programs - some have special programs for new residents.

No, you don't need tax history, but get ready for a NIGHTMARE trying to reach anyone at the Federal Student Aid office when you inevitably have questions. Seriously, I spent 3 WEEKS trying to get someone on the phone when I had issues with my green card number not being accepted in the system!!!

Hi there! Let me clarify a few important points about FAFSA eligibility as a permanent resident: 1. You're immediately eligible with your green card - no waiting period required 2. The SAI (Student Aid Index) is what replaces the old EFC - it's how they calculate your financial need 3. You'll use the 2025-2026 FAFSA application which opens in December 2024 4. Without US tax history, you'll report any foreign income you had 5. You should also apply for state aid and institutional scholarships at your community college One thing to watch for: make sure your green card won't expire during your academic year, as that can create complications.

Just throwing this out there - I've seen issues with the FAFSA system not recognizing some permanent resident numbers. If that happens to you when applying, don't panic! It doesn't mean you're not eligible. Just call the Federal Student Aid office (though good luck getting through...) or talk to the financial aid office at your community college. They deal with this all the time.

To answer your follow-up questions: 1. For foreign income, you'll convert using the IRS yearly average exchange rates for the tax year in question 2. The SAI (Student Aid Index) replaced the old EFC (Expected Family Contribution) - it's a number that determines your eligibility for need-based aid like Pell Grants 3. Community colleges often have special scholarship programs for first-time students As a permanent resident with likely limited income since arriving, you'll probably qualify for the Pell Grant, which doesn't need to be repaid. The maximum for 2024-2025 was $7,395, and it will likely be higher for 2025-2026.

One last bit of advice: when you fill out your FAFSA, use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool if prompted, but since you haven't filed US taxes yet, you'll need to select the option that indicates you haven't filed and will manually enter your financial information. Then provide as accurate information as possible about your current assets and income. Also, be sure to check the "eligible noncitizen" box and provide your A-Number correctly. Many first-time applicants make mistakes there that delay processing.

Hey Connor! Welcome to the US! 🇺🇸 I went through something similar when I moved here from Canada a few years ago. Just wanted to add that you should also look into your state's specific financial aid programs - many states have grants and scholarships specifically for community college students that are separate from federal aid. Also, don't forget to apply for institutional aid directly through your community college. They often have emergency grants, textbook vouchers, and other support programs for new students that can really help with the transition. Some even have specific funds for immigrant students. The financial aid office at your school will be your best friend - they're usually super helpful and understand the unique challenges new residents face. Good luck with everything!