Student Loans for Temporary Residents

The different categories of non-U.S. citizens determine eligibility for federal student aid in the United States. Permanent residents qualify for the same aid as U.S. citizens. However, not all temporary residents qualify for federal aid. 

Here’s everything you need to know about financial aid as a noncitizen.  

Lender	Application asks about citizenship?	LendEDU rating
Dept. of Education	Yes	Not rated
College Ave	Yes	5/5
Sallie Mae	Yes	4.8/5
Earnest	Yes	4.7/5
Ascent	Yes	4.4/5

Student loans for temporary residents

The U.S. government funds federal student loans. These loans may be eligible for federal repayment, deferment, and loan forgiveness programs. Their fixed interest rates are set by law. It’s often wise to prioritize federal student loans over private loans. 

Private student loans are from private lenders, including banks, credit unions, and universities. These loans have higher interest rates and are not eligible for federal repayment programs or forgiveness options. 

Federal student loans for temporary residents

If you’re a permanent resident, conditional permanent resident, a person granted asylum, or a refugee, you are eligible for the same federal student loans as citizens. Here are the federal loans you can get. 

Loan type	Stipulations
Direct Subsidized	Undergraduate students only
Direct Unsubsidized	Undergraduate, graduate, and professional students
Grad PLUS	Graduate and professional students
Parent PLUS	Parent and student must have eligible resident status

Students with nonimmigrant visas do not qualify for federal financial aid. However, we’ve researched private student loan options for international students. 

Private student loans for temporary residents

Eligibility for private loans often depends on whether the applicant has a Social Security number. If so, they can apply for most private loans. 

Most people with a green card also have a Social Security number, which allows them to apply for most private loans—so many permanent residents, conditional permanent residents, refugees, people granted asylum, and people with temporary protected status can apply for private student loans. 

Student loan borrowers who don’t have a Social Security number but are studying in the U.S. on an eligible visa might be able to apply for private student loans with a cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident. 

College Ave

Best overall

5.0 _/5

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Why it’s one of the best

College Ave offers student loans for temporary residents, but the application requirements are stricter than those of other lenders. Borrowers who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents must have a Social Security number and an eligible cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident.

Interest rates are competitive. You can borrow up to 100% of the cost of attendance, which is helpful for students without savings or scholarships. The application process is straightforward, and you won’t pay fees. 

• Must provide a Social Security number and secure an eligible cosigner who is either a U.S. citizen or a U.S. permanent resident.
• Competitive interest rates
• Straightforward application with no additional fees

Loan details

Rates (APR)	3.89% – 17.99%
Loan amounts	$1,000 – 100% of certified costs
Repayment terms	5, 8, 10, or 15 years

Eligibility requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or international student with a Social Security number
• Cosigners are required for all international students and must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
• Must be enrolled at an eligible school and be making satisfactory academic progress

Sallie Mae

Best for cosigners

4.8 _/5

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Why it’s one of the best

Temporary residents may be eligible for Sallie Mae’s loans if they have a Social Security number or if a U.S. citizen or permanent resident is added as a cosigner. Sallie Mae also allows for cosigner release after 12 on-time monthly payments, making it a solid choice for cosigners who do not want long-term involvement. 

Loan amounts are up to 100% of the cost of attendance, and interest rates are competitive for creditworthy borrowers (or those with creditworthy cosigners). Sallie Mae also offers flexible repayment options—fixed payments, deferred payments, or interest-only—which makes it easier for a recent graduate with limited income to repay.

• Need U.S. citizen or permanent resident cosigner
• Cosigner release after 12 consecutive on-time payments
• Loans cover up to 100% of the cost of attendance

Loan details

Rates (APR)	3.99% – 15.70%
Loan amounts	$1,000 – 100% of certified costs
Repayment terms	10 – 15 years

Eligibility requirements

• Must U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or international students 
• Cosigners are required for all international students and must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
• Must be enrolled at a degree-granting school full-time, half-time, or less than half-time
• Must be the age of majority in your state of residence

Earnest: Best for no fees

Best for no fees

4.7 _/5

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Why it’s one of the best

Earnest requires non-U.S. citizen applications to have a Social Security number and a cosigner who is a citizen or permanent resident.

International students without a Social Security number—including persons with nonimmigrant visas—are instructed to contact the Client Happiness Team at 855-545-1958 or via chat. Although eligibility can’t be guaranteed, Earnest tries to work with every borrower.

Like other top lenders, Earnest offers loans that cover up to 100% of the cost of attendance. Several unique benefits set Earnest apart: Borrowers get a 9-month grace period after graduation and can skip one payment each year, which is helpful for recent graduates.  

• Requires Social Security number and a cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Students without a Social Security could still be eligible by working with the lender
• 9-month grace period after graduation and an annual option to skip one payment

Loan details

Rates (APR)	3.99% – 17.99%
Loan amounts	$1,000 – 100% of certified costs
Repayment terms	5, 7, 10, 12, or 15 years

Eligibility requirements

• Must be enrolled at least half-time in any other than Nevada
• Must have a minimum credit score of 650 unless you have a cosigner
• Must earn an annual income of $35,000 
• Must be the age of majority in your state

Ascent

Best for eligibility

4.4 _/5

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Why it’s one of the best

Ascent has specific student loans for temporary residents and other international students. These loans require a cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident.

Loan limits might be lower than those of other providers because students can borrow $200,000 in total. But it won’t affect you if you need less than $200,000. Borrowers can also take advantage of the company’s 1% cash-back reward and 0.25% rate reduction for autopay, both of which reduce the loan cost. 

• Requires U.S. citizen or permanent resident cosigner
• 1% cash-back reward on the principal at graduation
• Total borrowing limit is $200,000

Loan details

Rates (APR)	3.79% – 15.85%
Loan amounts	$2,001 – $200,000
Repayment terms	5, 7, 10, 12, or 15 years

Eligibility requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, or DACA status with a valid Social Security number
• Must have a minimum credit score of 620 
• Must have an annual income of $24,000 
• Must be 18 in every state except Alabama and Nebraska (19), and Mississippi and Puerto Rico (21)
• Must be enrolled at one of the 2,300+ eligible schools half-time, at least

What is a temporary resident?

Permanent residents qualify for federal financial aid. Every other status on the chart below is considered a temporary resident, but only some are eligible for federal financial aid. 

Type of noncitizen	Eligible for federal student aid?
Permanent resident	Yes
Conditional permanent resident	Yes
Person with nonimmigrant visa	No
Temporary protected	No
Refugee	Yes
Person granted asylum	Yes

Here’s an in-depth breakdown of each status type, including permanent residents and temporary residents. 

• Permanent residents: These students have a “green card.” (The official names for the card are Permanent Resident Card, Resident Alien Card, or Alien Registration Receipt Card.)
• Conditional permanent resident: These students are residents with a green card that is valid for two years. They must file a petition at least 90 days before the conditional green card expires.
• Person with nonimmigrant visa: These students plan to visit the United States for travel or to obtain medical treatment. They must meet additional requirements to use this visa for school, and they are not eligible for federal loans.
• Temporary protected: Temporary status is for people who live in a country where it is unsafe to return home due to armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary circumstances. It does not make individuals eligible for green cards, and they are not eligible for federal loans.
• Refugees: Refugees are residents who have experienced persecution or fear persecution in their country due to race, religion, nationality, or political opinion. After one year in the United States, refugees can apply for a green card.
• Person granted asylum: This status is similar to refugee status, but individuals can seek asylum at United States borders or from within the country.

What do temporary residents need to know about student loans? 

If you’re a temporary resident needing student loans, you may qualify for federal and/or private loans. Note that federal loans won’t be an option if you have a nonimmigrant visa and must apply for private student loans instead. 

You’ll likely be required to share your employment information and income to prove financial stability for private loans. You might also need to submit documents like pay stubs or bank statements. If you qualify for federal student loans as a temporary resident, you must fill out a FAFSA.  

How does your residency status affect student loan repayment?

The student loan you choose will dictate your repayment options. In general, repayment ranges from 10 to 25 years, but a larger loan usually leads to a longer repayment period. The most common repayment options for temporary residents include:

• Immediate repayment: This is where you make full monthly payments while you’re still attending school.
• Interest-only repayment: Interest-only repayment means you’ll only pay interest while attending school.
• Partial interest repayment: In partial interest repayment, you’ll make a fixed monthly payment while you’re still attending school to cover part of your interest fees.
• Full deferment: With full deferment, you’ll pay nothing until you finish school. Some lenders offer a grace period of six months or so before your payments are due.

How to apply for student loans if you’re a temporary resident

The application process depends on whether you apply for federal or private student loans. If you can apply for federal student loans, complete the application, review your financial aid package, and determine whether you need additional loans from private lenders. 

Do I need a cosigner?

Cosigners are family members or friends who agree to take on the responsibility of your loan. You and your cosigner are responsible for repaying the loan on time. 

Most undergraduate and graduate federal loans don’t require a cosigner. The exception is Parent PLUS loans, which parents take out on behalf of their children.

Most private student loans for temporary residents require a cosigner. According to our data, about 90% of all private student loans have cosigners. Your cosigner must be a permanent U.S. resident or U.S. citizen to qualify. Income and credit score requirements apply as well and vary by lender. 

Federal student loans

To apply for federal student loans, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 

Completing the application is straightforward, but submitting the forms by the deadline (June 30, 2025, for the 2024 – 2025 school year) is essential. 

We’ve outlined the steps below:

1. Create an account and get an FSA ID.
2. Start the FAFSA form. If you are a refugee or person granted asylum and cannot access information about your family’s finances, you might need to submit proof of your situation. 
3. Provide information about personal demographics, finances, and dependency. 
4. Once the application is complete, sign digitally, and submit it.

If you are waiting for your official designation status from the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services, you can still submit the FAFSA. However, you can’t receive aid disbursements until the designation status process is finalized. 

Private student loans

The application process for private student loans varies by lender. Still, you’ll follow these steps in many cases:

1. Gather all your documents and other information, including your Social Security number, address, school information, requested loan amount, employment information, financial details, and two personal contacts.
2. If applicable, identify your cosigner and ensure they are willing to accept and complete the application. 
3. Submit your application for review. 

Once you submit your application, the lender will complete credit checks for you and your cosigner. From there, it will discuss terms, rates, and approval. 

Alternatives to student loans for temporary residents

You might consider other options if you can’t get approved for federal or private loans. Here are a few to consider:

• Student loans and aid in your country: If you’re an international student with a nonimmigrant visa, you can check with your country’s embassy or government to see whether student loans and other financial aid are available. 
• School-specific financial resources: It’s a good idea to schedule a meeting with the financial aid office at your college. Some schools have resources, such as emergency aid or loans from the school. If you can’t pay all your fees immediately, inquire whether payment plans through your school are an option. 
• Scholarships: Scholarships are available through private companies, colleges, and even the state. Citizenship requirements vary depending on the scholarship, but online searches can help.

FAQ

Are scholarships available for temporary residents?

Yes, some nonprofit and for-profit organizations offer scholarships for temporary residents. The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators is a good place to start your search.

Can temporary residents work while studying in the U.S. to help cover education costs?

As long as you maintain valid F1 status, you can work up to 20 hours per week to help pay for your education. Depending on your situation, you might be able to work full-time on campus during vacations and holidays. 

Can temporary residents refinance their student loans in the U.S.?

You may be able to refinance your student loans in the U.S. if you have a U.S. visa. However, you’ll likely need to build credit or get a co-signer.

How we selected the best student loans for temporary residents

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 student loans for temporary residents

Lender	Best for	LendEDU rating
Dept. of Education	Federal student loans	Not rated
College Ave	Overall	5/5
Sallie Mae	Cosigners	4.8/5
Earnest	No fees	4.7/5
Ascent	Eligibility	4.4/5