How to Get Student Loans as an F-1 Visa Holder (2024)

FAQs

How to Get Student Loans as an F-1 Visa Holder? ›

Cosigner Requirements

Federal student loans are popular with US students studying in the US, but they are not available to international students. Instead, international students are eligible for international student loans, specialized private education loans available to international students studying in the US.

Unlike domestic students, international students don't qualify for federal or state aid and typically use personal and other financial resources, mainly from outside the U.S., to cover tuition and expenses. But there are options available at the institutional level, including grants and scholarships.

Generally, if you have a “green card” (in other words, if you are a lawful permanent resident), you will be considered an “eligible noncitizen” and will be able to get federal student aid if you meet the other basic eligibility criteria. Learn about which immigration statuses make you an eligible noncitizen.

While international students can't receive U.S. federal student aid like federal loans or work-study, there are still options available to help pay for higher education. You might be eligible for financial aid allocated for international students, as well as scholarships, grants, and even private student loans.

However, F-1 students have limited rights to do paid work, as described in this article. F-1 visa holders (but not their spouses or children) can work at almost any job on their school's campus without needing to obtain U.S. government authorization.

Eligibility and Visa Types: Nonimmigrant visa holders, including those on B1/B2, TN, L1, F1, and H1B visas, are eligible to purchase houses in the U.S. The absence of explicit restrictions allows foreign nationals to invest in real estate.

Basic FAFSA eligibility requirements

Have a high school diploma or a GED certificate. Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a qualifying degree or certificate program. Maintain satisfactory academic progress while in school. Not be in default on federal student loans or owe money on a federal grant.

To adjust your status from an F-1 student visa holder to a green card holder, you may: self-petition for an EB-1 visa, receive the sponsorship of your employer, adjust your status to a dual-intent visa, become an investor, or marry your love interest who happens to be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident.

A: As an F1 student with valid status in the United States, you have access to certain benefits, including potentially Medi-Cal, which is California's Medicaid program. However, it's important to understand how using such benefits might impact your future immigration applications, such as applying for a green card.

Can I get a loan if I am not a U.S. citizen? ›

A lender, dealer, or broker cannot discriminate on the basis of national origin. They are allowed to ask about your permanent residency and immigration status. This applies to most types of loans – mortgages, student loans, auto loans, and credit cards, among others.

If you're neither a citizen nor an eligible noncitizen, you aren't eligible for federal student aid. If you have a Social Security number but aren't a citizen or an eligible noncitizen, including if you've been granted DACA, you should still complete the FAFSA form because you may be eligible for state or college aid.

No, undocumented students are not eligible for federal student aid. If you attend an eligible California public or private institution, you will be considered for California state financial aid.

The short answer is yes, but international students are not eligible for federal student aid in most cases. However, there are several other options for international students when it comes to obtaining education loans, as well as grants and scholarships, to help pay for school.

You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (meaning you have a Form I-551, I-151, or I-551C, also known as a “green card.”) And a valid Social Security number is necessary to fill out the FAFSA. International students and undocumented students without Social Security numbers cannot complete the FAFSA.

Sallie Mae offers private student loans to qualifying students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents (including DACA students) who reside in and attend school in the U.S. with an eligible, creditworthy cosigner (who must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident).

Generally, International or foreign students do not qualify for the Federal Work-Study program. Students must be one of the following to receive federal student aid: U.S. citizen.

Yes, international students can get loans in the U.S. to help cover the cover of a car down payment. In fact, a sizable down payment can lead to reduced interest rates and monthly payments as well as significant savings.