Can I submit the FAFSA if my parents are undocumented?

As long as you are a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, your parents' immigration status doesn't affect your FAFSA eligibility.

What do I enter on the FAFSA if my parent doesn’t have a Social Security number?

You'll need to check the corresponding box under the SSN field in the form and leave the Social Security number field blank. If neither of your parents has a Social Security number, you'll do the same for both.

Do undocumented parents need an FSA ID?

As of 2024, undocumented parents without a Social Security number can create an FSA ID. This is a necessary step if you're filling out the FAFSA online. Otherwise, you'll have to fill out the PDF form, print it out, and mail it in, which will take longer to process.

Will my parents’ immigration status affect my financial aid?

Your parents' immigration status has no effect on your financial aid eligibility.

Can undocumented parents still contribute tax info to the FAFSA?

If undocumented parents paid taxes, then they're required to add that tax information to the FAFSA. “If you're a dependent student, your parents' information is required,” Kantrowitz explains. “Otherwise, you have to wait until you're an independent student (by reaching age 24 or getting married) to receive federal student aid, since independent students don't have to provide their parents' tax information to the FAFSA.”

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How To File the FAFSA if Your Parents Are Undocumented (2025 Guide)

Your parents’ immigration status doesn’t affect your financial aid eligibility, so it’s worthwhile to file the FAFSA.

By Emily Guy Birken

Written by

Emily Guy Birken

Freelance writer

Emily Guy Birken is an authority on student loans and personal finance. Her work has been featured by MSN Money and MarketWatch.

Written by

Emily Guy Birken

Freelance writer

Emily Guy Birken is an authority on student loans and personal finance. Her work has been featured by MSN Money and MarketWatch.

Edited by Kelly Larsen

Written by

Kelly Larsen

Kelly Larsen is a student loans editor at Credible. She has spent over 10 years covering personal finance, with expertise in mortgage and debt management.

Written by

Kelly Larsen

Kelly Larsen is a student loans editor at Credible. She has spent over 10 years covering personal finance, with expertise in mortgage and debt management.

Reviewed by Renee Fleck

Written by

Renee Fleck

Renee Fleck is a student loans editor with over six years of experience. Her work has been featured in Fast Company, Morning Brew, and Sidebar.io, among other online publications. She is fluent in Spanish and French and enjoys traveling to new places.