Missing SAI on my SAR but FAFSA still processing - normal or problem?

This is completely normal! The SAI doesn't appear on your SAR until your FAFSA application is fully processed. Since your status still shows 'processing,' that's why there's no SAI yet. Processing times have been running about 3-5 weeks this year for the 2025-2026 application cycle, so you're still within the normal timeframe. Your school won't be able to create your financial aid package until the processing completes and you have an official SAI.

Not true!! My daughter's SAR had the SAI right away when we got it last month. Something is wrong with your application. You probably have conflicting info they need to verify or you left something blank. Check for red flags or notes in your account that might explain the hold up.

same thing happened to me!! got my SAR last week but no SAI and my fasfa still says processing too. called my school and they said they cant do anything until its fully processed with the SAI

You need to contact Federal Student Aid directly to ask about this. I've been through this before and waiting doesn't always solve it. Sometimes there's an issue they need you to fix but they don't automatically notify you. I recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual person quickly. Using their service got me connected to an FSA agent in about 10 minutes when I was having similar issues last semester. They have a demo of how it works here: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ - much better than waiting on hold for hours or getting disconnected.

The SAI not appearing on your SAR while processing is completely normal. However, the 3-week processing time is concerning at this point in the cycle. I'd recommend taking these steps: 1. Check if there's a verification flag on your application 2. Look for any email notifications from FSA requiring additional information 3. Verify all sections of your FAFSA are complete (no sections marked incomplete) 4. Confirm all parent/contributor information is complete 5. Check if there are issues with IRS data retrieval If your school's deadline is approaching, contact their financial aid office directly. Many schools will accept proof that you've submitted your FAFSA and work with you while waiting for final processing.

the SAI is that new thing right? i thought we still used EFC? this whole new FAFSA system is so confusing ugh

UPDATE: I finally got my SAI this morning! It appeared on my SAR and the status changed from 'processing' to 'processed' on studentaid.gov. Took exactly 25 days from submission. For anyone else waiting, just hang tight - it does eventually come through. Now I need to figure out what this SAI number actually means for my aid package...