Eligible non-citizen

The student indicates eligible-non-citizen status on the FAFSA and provides the alien registration number. The Department matches the data with DHS. A successful match confirms eligibility. A failed match generates a comment code; the student must submit documentation to the institution for secondary confirmation. Once confirmed, the student is treated like a citizen for aid-packaging purposes. Status can change, so documentation may be required in later years.

Example: a permanent resident files the FAFSA, the DHS match succeeds, and the student receives a Pell Grant for an online program. An F-1 student at the same institution is not an eligible non-citizen and is packaged only with institutional or private funds.

U.S. citizen is the primary eligible category. International student on a non-immigrant visa is generally ineligible. Eligible non-citizen is the intermediate category of certain humanitarian and permanent statuses. Student eligibility includes many requirements beyond citizenship or immigration status.

Assuming every legal resident qualifies. Ignoring a failed DHS match and disbursing aid. Treating a pending asylum application as sufficient without confirmation of eligible status.