Can I get student loans as an international student?
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.
Depending on the lender, international students may be able to use personal loans for almost any expense. However, some lenders limit how you can use a personal loan. For instance, some lenders don't want you to put a personal loan toward gambling, investing, business expenses, or higher education.
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.
Students may apply if they: do not qualify for any type of conventional financial aid; are not enrolled in a degree program, but are taking classes through Continuing Education or Open University; are an international student (F or J series visas).
Sallie Mae provides loans to qualifying international students with a U.S. cosigner. They offer both fixed and variable rate options with zero origination fees. Additionally, they provide multiple repayment options for added convenience.
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.
They're not eligible for federal financial aid from the U.S. Department of Education, which includes subsidized and unsubsidized loans. However, international students can borrow money from a private lender – this will be a pre-defined, fixed amount or your school-certified cost of attendance, depending on the lender.
Most private student lenders require borrowers to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and thus, require an SSN. However, there are several lenders that don't. The easiest way to get a private student loan as an international student with no SSN is to have a U.S. cosigner.
To apply for private international student loans that don't require a cosigner, you will usually need to be studying a postgraduate course or be in the final two years of an undergraduate degree. You will also need to be attending an eligible school or university, and meet the lender's other criteria.
Basic FAFSA eligibility requirements
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.
How much student loan can an international student get?
International student loans may cover up to 100 percent of the cost of education, including tuition, books, supplies, housing and more, so they're a good option if you're having trouble paying for your education on your own and have maxed out scholarship or grant opportunities.
- Best Overall: Earnest.
- Best for DACA Recipients: Juno.
- Student Loan Marketplace: Credible.
- Best Interest Rates: Ascent.
- Best for Graduate Students With a Co-Signer: Citizens Bank.
- Best for Undergraduate Students Without a Co-Signer: MPower.
| Lender | Learn More | |
|---|---|---|
| Prodigy Finance 3.8 | Read Review | |
| View Disclosure | Ascent Funding 4.6 | Apply Now |
| View Disclosure | College Ave 4.7 | Apply Now |
| View Disclosure | Citizens 4.5 | Apply Now |
Whether you plan to study abroad for a semester or get your entire degree outside the United States, you may be able to use federal student aid to pay your expenses.
F-1 and J-1 students under Teachers College sponsorship may apply for SSNs provided they meet SSA eligibility requirements. These include: Valid immigration documents , including a valid passport, valid I-20 or DS-2019, and an I-94 card or electronic I-94 notated "F-1 D/S" or "J-1 D/S."
There are several requirements for students to be eligible to receive federal student aid for attendance at a foreign school. The student must be enrolled as a “regular” student (and in an eligible program at an eligible foreign institution, as discussed below).
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.
For international students who are also on a non-immigrant type of visa the answer is inevitably yes. In fact, you can buy a house remotely even if you are not in the United States. However, international students with F1 visas cannot work. They must have sufficient funds to pay the full amount.
So, if you're looking to eventually get your green card, one of the options to do this is to change status from the F1 visa to a dual intent visa, which would be a nonimmigrant USA work visa that allows you to later apply for a green card (including the H1B visa).
A: Yes, you may. You may file an immigration petition (I-130) for her. However, she has to wait for her immigrant visa number to become current before she may apply to adjust to permanent resident status(I-485). During this waiting period, she must independently maintain F-1 status or other valid nonimmigrant status.
Can a US citizen sponsor a F-1 student?
Yes, a US citizen can sponsor a visa.
Generally, foreign students in F-1, J-1, or M-1 nonimmigrant status who have been in the United States more than 5 calendar years become resident aliens for U.S. tax purpose if they meet the “Substantial Presence Test” and are liable for Social Security and Medicare taxes.
F-1 and J-1 students/scholars may begin working while the application for an SSN is being processed by the Social Security Administration (SSA). They may not, however, receive income until SSN processing receipt and or SSN has been issued and processed by the Human Resources department of their respective employer.
After you complete your course of study, you can continue to work in the United States for around a year through curriculum practical training or optional practical training. If you engage in either type of training and get the appropriate visa, you may be able to petition the U.S. government for a green card.
Here's what you and your cosigner will need to start your student loan application. Your address; if you've lived at your address less than one year, you'll need to provide your previous address. Your Social Security number if you have one. School information including enrollment status, degree, and course of study.
