Navigating FAFSA Filing for Undocumented Students and Their Parents

For many students in the United States, filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a critical step in accessing financial aid for higher education. However, navigating this process can be challenging, particularly for students whose parents are undocumented or do not file foreign tax returns. This guide provides actionable steps and answers to help you understand and fill out your FAFSA accurately.

Eligibility and Requirements

If you are old enough to complete the FAFSA, you can do so as long as you can read and write and understand the process. FAFSA is designed to be accessible to all students, regardless of their parents' documentation status or tax-filing habits.

Filling Out the FAFSA with Undocumented Parents

If your parents are undocumented, you will need to include their identifying information on your FAFSA as you would for any other student. However, you should enter all zeros when their Social Security Number (SSN) is requested. This is because the FAFSA does not require the actual SSN, only that it be entered as part of the financial aid application process.

Parent Financial Portion

When reaching the parent financial information section, there are specific scenarios to consider:

If your parents are undocumented and live outside the United States, you can convert their income to US dollars and enter that amount on the FAFSA. You should also indicate that your parents will not be filing tax returns. If your parents are undocumented and live in the United States, they are required to file a tax return if they earned over the IRS threshold, even if they do not pay taxes. In this case, they can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) through the IRS. Once the ITIN is issued, they will use it to file their tax return, but you should not report the ITIN on your FAFSA. Instead, you should continue to enter all zeros for their SSN.

Seeking Guidance

If you find the process confusing or feel the need for assistance, you can seek guidance from your teacher, school counselor, or the student aid center at your school. These individuals can provide you with support and ensure that you are following the correct procedures.

Important Notes

When reporting your parents' income, even if they do not file US tax returns, you should accurately inform the FAFSA. If your parents' income is not in US dollars, use an online currency converter to convert the amount correctly into US dollars.

Conclusion

Navigating the FAFSA process with parents who are undocumented or do not file foreign tax returns can be challenging, but by following these guidelines, you can ensure that you accurately and legally complete your FAFSA application. Remember, the FAFSA is designed to provide you with the best possible financial aid opportunities, and accurate reporting of financial information is crucial to your success.

Resources

For additional support, consider exploring resources such as:

StudentAid.gov FAQ on FAFSA IRS Resources for Undocumented Aliens