Student Loans for Immigrants: Options for Undocumented Students, Dreamers, Green Card Holders, and More

Navigating the world of student loans as an immigrant can be challenging because options vary depending on your status. Federal student loans should generally be your first choice, but they are only available to U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens, such as permanent U.S. residents/green card holders.

If you’re undocumented or do not meet federal requirements, private student loans are another option. While these typically require a cosigner who is a U.S. citizen, some lenders specialize in offering nontraditional student loans specifically for immigrants. Here’s a closer look at your loan options, as well as what to know about financial aid, grants, and scholarships.

Lender	Best for	Our rating
Dept. of Education	Federal student loans	Not rated
College Ave	U.S. citizen cosigners	5/5
Earnest	Large loans	4.7/5
Credible	Comparison shopping	4.6/5
MPOWER	No cosigners	4.6/5

Table of Contents

Federal student loans for non-citizens
Student loans for Dreamers and undocumented students
The best private student loans for undocumented students and more
Grants and scholarships for immigrants
How to apply for student loans as a non-U.S. citizen
Final tips for immigrants seeking student loans
FAQ

Federal student loans for non-citizens

When borrowing for your education, we always recommend starting with federal loans whenever possible due to the added benefits they provide, like income-driven repayment. However, eligibility for federal student aid is difficult for non-U.S. citizens.

In general, permanent residents/green card holders are eligible for federal aid. Undocumented students, including Dreamers, or those protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, are not.

To make it easier, here’s a breakdown of federal student loan eligibility based on immigration status:

If you are a …	Eligible for federal loans?
Permanent resident/green card holder	✅
A refugee or asylee	✅
A person with T nonimmigrant status (human trafficking victim)	✅
A battered immigrant-qualified alien	✅
A citizen of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, or Palau	✅
An undocumented student	❌
A Dreamer (DACA recipient)	❌
A non-U.S. citizen with an F-1, J-1, or other temporary visa	❌

Eligible non-citizens complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for the same federal aid as U.S. citizens. Below are the types of federal loans available.

Loan	What to know
Direct Subsidized Loans	Federal government pays the interest while you’re enrolled in school, during the grace period, and during deferment periods; no credit check required
Direct Unsubsidized Loans	Federal government does not pay interest; no credit check required
Direct PLUS Loans	For graduate study or parents paying for child’s undergraduate study; must be creditworthy

The requirements to prove eligible non-citizen status may hinder some immigrants (even some who are documented) from applying for federal financial aid. Immigration status is checked against a U.S. Department of Homeland Security database.

In addition, applicants may need to provide proof from the U.S. Customs and Immigration Services that they intend to become citizens or permanent residents to qualify for financial aid.

Keep reading to learn more about how to apply based on your immigrant status.

Student loan options for Dreamers and undocumented students

If you’re an undocumented/illegal student or a Dreamer, you’re not alone. According to the Higher Ed Immigration Portal, there are an estimated 408,000 undocumented college and college graduate students in the U.S.

Unfortunately, Dreamers (including those with DACA status) and other undocumented students are not eligible for federal financial aid, including federal student loans. However, that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. There are still ways to pay for college, including:

State financial aid: In 19 states and Washington, D.C., undocumented students may be eligible for state financial aid.
In-state tuition: In 25 states and Washington, D.C., you may qualify for in-state tuition rates, even if you’re undocumented.
Scholarships and grants: Many colleges and private organizations offer scholarships specifically for Dreamers and undocumented students. For example, TheDream.U.S. helps undocumented students fund their education.
Private student loans: Some lenders offer student loans for DACA recipients and other undocumented students. You may need a U.S. citizen or permanent resident cosigner, but it’s worth exploring your options.

It’s always a good idea to check with your school’s financial aid office to see what you might qualify for. They can help you navigate state-funded loans, grants, and scholarships designed for immigrants and undocumented students.

For more details on how Dreamers can access financial aid and student loans, check out our guide to the best student loans for DACA recipients.

The best private student loans for undocumented students and more

If you don’t meet federal loan requirements, you can consider private student loans. Several private lenders offer student loans to immigrants, including undocumented students and DACA recipients. Most private lenders require applicants to have a creditworthy cosigner that is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. But there are some lenders that don’t.

Here are our top choices.

MPOWER Financing

No Cosigner Required

4.6 _/5

View Rates

Why it’s one of the best

MPOWER Financing promotes financial inclusiveness by extending education loans to international students and DACA recipients. Loans from MPOWER don’t require borrowers to have collateral, a cosigner, or a credit history to qualify.

Students from more than 190 countries can apply, and the lender does not restrict degree programs or fields of study. Loans range from $2,001 to $100,000 and feature fixed interest rates.

MPOWER offers interest rate reductions of up to 1.50% to borrowers who enroll in autopay, make six on-time payments through autopay, and provide proof of graduation and employment.

Eligibility requirements for immigrants

Must be an undergraduate or graduate student within two years of graduating or about to begin a 1- or 2-year program
Must attend an approved school in the U.S. or Canada
Must provide proof of identity and have a valid visa
Must provide pay stubs or proof of financial support

Loan details

Rates (APR)	Starts at 12.74%
Loan amounts	Up to $100,000
Repayment terms	150 months; interest-only payments required during school and six months after graduating. Payment starts 45 days after the loan is disbursed.
States	All 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Canada
Credit score	MPOWER reviews credit scores and history but does not require students to have one
Annual income	None; approval-based future earnings

College Ave

Best for U.S. Citizen Cosigners

5.0 _/5

View Rates

Why it’s one of the best

College Ave is our top-rated student loan lender. It offers loans to international students with a valid U.S. Social Security number. All international students must apply with a qualified cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Borrowers can choose from fixed- or variable-rate loans with flexible repayment terms. Loans can be used to fund undergraduate or graduate study, including professional degree programs.

Payments can be deferred as long as the student is enrolled in school. There is a six-month grace period that applies after graduation or if the student falls below half-time enrollment.

Student loans for undergraduates, graduates, and parents
You choose your repayment term
No fees to apply

Eligibility requirements for immigrants

International students must have a valid U.S. Social Security number
A cosigner is required for all loans offered to international students
Cosigners must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Borrowers must be enrolled at an eligible school and be making satisfactory academic progress

Loan details

Rates (APR)	3.99% – 17.99%¹
Loan amounts	Up to 100% of your cost of attendance including tuition, fees, books, housing, and other costs.
Repayment terms	5 – 15 years
States	All 50 states
Credit score	If you have a cosigner, they’ll want to have a credit score in the mid-600s
Annual income	College Avenue doesn’t list an annual income on its website, just that there will be an “income review.”

Credible

Best for Comparison Shopping

4.6 _/5

View Rates

Why it’s one of the best

Credible is an online marketplace that lets you compare prequalified offers from lenders in its network. You can see your estimated rates with one online form at no cost. This is an excellent option for immigrant students as it doesn’t affect your credit score.

It has no restrictions on who can fill out a form, though adding a cosigner will likely increase your chances of being prequalified with at least one lender.

Students can borrow up to 100% of the school’s certified cost of attendance, less any other financial aid received. Fixed-rate and variable-rate loan options are available.

Compare prequalified offers
Doesn’t affect your credit score

Eligibility requirements for immigrants

Credible doesn’t have any requirements to use its form

Loan details

Rates (APR)	3.79% – 17.99%
Loan amounts	Up to cost of attendance
Repayment terms	Varies by lender
States	All 50 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Credit score	640 and above optimal
Annual income	Varies by lender

Earnest

Best for Large Loans

4.7 _/5

View Rates

Why it’s one of the best

Earnest is an online lender offering various student loans for different borrowers. Most of its student loans can be applied for by international students with a U.S. citizen or permanent resident added as a cosigner.

An online form can be completed in two minutes to confirm whether you prequalify without impacting your credit score. Other benefits include no fees, choosing between four repayment plans, and a nine-month grace period.

Accepts international students with a U.S. citizen or permanent resident as cosigner
No origination, disbursement, or late fees
Check your rate without affecting your credit

Eligibility requirements for immigrants

Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident or have a cosigner who is
Students must be attending or enrolled to attend full-time at an eligible four-year Title IV institution
Live any state other than Nevada (Washington, D.C. residents are eligible)
Be the age of majority in the state of residence

Loan details

Rates (APR)	Starts at 4.17%
Loan amounts	Up to 100% cost of attendance
Repayment terms	10 years
States	All U.S. states except Nevada and U.S. territories
Credit score	At least 650
Annual income	Student or cosigner must make $35,000 minimum

Grants and scholarships for immigrants

In addition to student loans, immigrant students may qualify for other types of financial aid. Even if you are not a naturalized U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, options are available.

Grants

Grants are a funding option every college student should explore because you don’t have to pay back the money you receive.

If you are a green card holder, as a lawful permanent resident, you may be eligible for federal Pell Grants and other types of free federal aid. This includes grants like the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) and federal work-study programs.

Undocumented students and Dreamers are not eligible for federal grants, but you may still qualify for state grants. Some states, like California and Texas, offer financial aid to undocumented students through state-specific applications.

Private scholarships

Regardless of status, immigrant students can explore private scholarships through resources like the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), which lists grants, fellowships, and scholarships available in each state.

Private scholarships are another avenue to get “free money” for college—i.e. you don’t have to pay it back.

Country-specific aid

Some countries provide financial assistance to their citizens studying abroad. Immigrant students may want to contact your country’s embassy, consulate, or government to see if they offer grants, scholarships, or student loans to help fund a U.S. education.

Best International Student Loans

How to apply for student loans as a non-U.S. citizen

Applying for student loans as an immigrant can feel daunting, especially since your eligibility and documentation requirements vary based on your status. Let’s break it down by loan type and immigration status to make it easier.

As a green card holder/permanent resident

As a green card holder or permanent resident, you’re treated almost the same as a U.S. citizen when it comes to applying for student loans.

To access federal loans

Start by completing the FAFSA to access federal loans. Here’s what you’ll need:

Proof of permanent residency: Your green card (Form I-551), a passport with a USCIS endorsement, or other official proof.
Social Security number (SSN): Required to complete the FAFSA.
Tax information: Your latest federal income tax returns, W-2s, and any other records of money earned.
Alien Registration number (ARN): You’ll find this on your green card or immigration paperwork.

When filling out the FAFSA, make sure to select “eligible noncitizen” when prompted. Your SSN and ARN will be verified to confirm your eligibility.

To apply for private loans

You can also apply for private loans from banks, credit unions, or online lenders. Requirements vary, but you generally need:

Proof of residency: Typically your green card.
Credit history: A credit score or a creditworthy cosigner (often a U.S. citizen or permanent resident).
Proof of income: Pay stubs or tax documents may be needed.

As a Dreamer or undocumented student

Undocumented students and Dreamers face more challenges when applying for loans, but you can still qualify for some aid. Here is what to prepare:

To access state financial aid

Some states, like California, Texas, and New York, offer financial aid to undocumented students or Dreamers. To apply, you might need:

Proof of residency: State ID, utility bills, or school records proving you live in the state.
Tax information: Even if you or your family use an individual taxpayer identification Number (ITIN), include these documents.
School records: High school transcripts or diplomas from a U.S. school.

To access state aid, you may need to complete a state-specific application (e.g., the California Dream Act Application) instead of the FAFSA.

To apply for private loans

To apply for private loans as an undocumented/illegal student, you’ll need:

Cosigner: Most private lenders require a U.S. citizen or permanent resident cosigner with good credit.
Proof of residency or status: Some lenders may require proof of your current status (e.g., DACA documents).
SSN or ITIN: Depending on the lender, either number may be needed.
Credit history (if available): Even limited credit history can help, but the cosigner’s credit usually plays a bigger role.

Final tips for immigrants seeking student loans

If you’re an immigrant or a Dreamer looking for student loans, you’ll want to consider several things.

Know your state’s policies. Since financial aid policies for immigrants vary widely by state, start by researching local programs.
Get help from your school: Your college’s financial aid office can guide you through state-specific options and private lending opportunities.
Secure a cosigner. You may be able to find a private lender that won’t require a cosigner, but it’s certainly easier to find private loans if you have one—and you’ll likely pay lower interest rates. For some individuals, it may be a challenge to find a family member to cosign for student loans, but it is something you’ll want to start thinking about.
Comparison shop. As noted, you may be able to find a private lender that won’t require a cosigner, and some lenders specialize in working with immigrants and Dreamers. But finding the best private student loan deals requires time.
Establish good financial habits. Down the road, you may be able to refinance any student loans you take on and get better terms. That’s only going to happen if you’re living a life where you’re paying bills on time and not taking on more financial responsibilities than you can handle, like being buried in credit card debt.

Make sure you budget well, and make the minimum payment and potentially extra payments to help reduce the overall debt. I also suggest staying abreast of any benefits that could be awarded, such as loan forgiveness or employer programs that help pay a portion, if not all, of their student loans.

For example—a teacher working in a specific geographical area with a certain demographic for X amount of years could have their loans forgiven. In addition, some employer retirement plans may elect to contribute to the employees retirement plan in an amount equivalent to their monthly student loan payment.

Erin Kinkade , CFP®, ChFC®

FAQ

What happens to my student loan if my immigration status changes?

If your immigration status changes—for instance, you become a U.S. citizen—you’ll still owe student loans. It can’t hurt to update your lender in case you’re now able to get better terms, but in all likelihood, nothing will happen to your student loan.

That said, if you needed more loans for, for instance, graduate school, and you are now a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen, you would now be eligible for federal student loans.

Does immigration status affect my loan terms and repayment options?

A new immigration status won’t affect an undocumented student’s loan terms and repayment options. If you’ve taken out a loan as an undocumented immigrant, and you become an eligible citizen or U.S. citizen, you’ll still owe a private lender the money you borrowed for your higher education.

While anything is possible, it isn’t likely that, with a new immigration status, the interest rate will come down or that the years you have to pay off the loan will now change.

But it would be wise to update your lender and inform them of your new status. A lender can’t discriminate against somebody simply for being an undocumented immigrant. In fact, depending on the situation, that may be illegal. But (complicating matters), lenders can consider that an immigrant might have trouble paying because of where they live.

So, with a new immigration status, it would seem feasible that your private lender might offer you additional student loans. You might also find that your new status may make it easier at some point to refinance any student loans to get a better interest rate or smaller monthly payment.

Can I apply for student loans if I am on a visa?

Yes, students on visas can apply for student loans, but their options are limited. International students typically do not qualify for federal student loans, but they can apply for private student loans. Most private lenders require international students to have a U.S. citizen or permanent resident cosigner.

Some institutions and lenders specialize in loans for international students and may have different requirements. It’s essential to research and understand the terms and eligibility criteria before applying.

Are there any loan forgiveness programs available for immigrant students?

Loan forgiveness programs specifically for immigrant students are limited. However, immigrant students who qualify for federal student loans through programs like DACA may be eligible for general loan forgiveness programs, such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) or income-driven repayment plan forgiveness.

These programs have specific eligibility criteria and requirements, such as working in a qualifying public service job or making a certain number of payments under an income-driven repayment plan. It’s crucial to review the terms and conditions of each forgiveness program to determine eligibility.

How we selected the best student loans for immigrant students

LendEDU evaluates student loan lenders to help readers find the best student loans. Our latest analysis reviewed 725 data points from 25 lenders and financial institutions, with 29 data points collected from each. This information is gathered from company websites, online applications, public disclosures, customer reviews, and direct communication with company representatives.

These star ratings help us determine which companies are best for different situations. We don’t believe two companies can be the best for the same purpose, so we only show each best-for designation once.

Recap of the best student loans for immigrants

Lender	Best for	Our rating
Dept. of Education	Federal student loans	Not rated
College Ave	U.S. citizen cosigners	5/5
Earnest	Large loans	4.7/5
Credible	Comparison shopping	4.6/5
MPOWER	No cosigners	4.6/5