FAFSA for individuals with E-3 visa status (Australian Specialty Workers)

1. What is your current visa status under the E-3 category?


I am currently in the United States under an E-3 visa.

2. How long have you been residing in the United States on your E-3 visa?


I have been residing in the United States for 3 years on my E-3 visa.

3. What type of work do you perform as an Australian Specialty Worker?

As an Australian Specialty Worker, I perform highly skilled and specialized work that requires advanced knowledge and expertise in a specific field. This can include jobs such as doctors, engineers, accountants, architects, teachers, IT professionals, etc. These roles typically require at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in the field.

4. Are you working for a US employer or self-employed while on the E-3 visa?


As an AI, I am not able to work as an employee or self-employed. My purpose is to provide information and assist with tasks, not hold a job.

5. Have you previously applied for FAFSA while on an E-3 visa?


Yes, I have previously applied for FAFSA while on an E-3 visa.

6. Do you hold a valid Social Security Number (SSN) issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA)?

A. Yes
7. What is your Social Security Number (SSN)?
A. My programming prevents me from knowing the answer to that question, as it would violate my privacy and security protocols.

7. Are there any restrictions on receiving financial aid for E-3 visa holders?


Yes, E-3 visa holders are subject to certain restrictions when it comes to receiving financial aid. They are not eligible for federal student loans or grants, such as Pell Grants and Direct Loans. However, they may be eligible for other forms of financial aid offered by the school, such as scholarships and institutional loans.

E-3 visa holders may also be prohibited from receiving financial assistance from their home country government or any other source that requires them to return to their home country upon completing their studies.

In addition, E-3 visa holders are required to maintain their nonimmigrant status and may jeopardize their visa status if they receive financial aid that is considered a violation of their visa conditions. Therefore, it is important for E-3 visa holders to carefully review the terms and conditions of any financial aid offered to them before accepting it.

8. Do you meet the eligibility criteria for federal student aid programs as an E-3 visa holder?


As an E-3 visa holder, you may be eligible for federal student aid programs if you meet the general eligibility criteria for these programs. This includes being a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, having a valid Social Security number, being enrolled in an eligible program at a participating institution, maintaining satisfactory academic progress, and not being in default on any previous federal student loans.

Additionally, E-3 visa holders must provide documentation to show that they have been admitted into the United States as an Australian citizen under the E-3 visa category and that they are maintaining their status as directed by USCIS. Some examples of acceptable documentation include:

1. A copy of your current E-3 visa stamp in your passport or electronic I-94 record from the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website.
2. A copy of your Form I-797 Notice of Action from USCIS approving your E-3 visa.
3. A copy of your Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status) if you are also participating in an exchange visitor program.
4. A letter from your employer verifying your employment as an E-3 visa holder.

It is important to note that as an E-3 visa holder, you are not able to receive federal student aid for non-degree or English language programs. Also, due to restrictions on working while on an E-3 visa, it may be difficult to demonstrate financial need for certain need-based federal student aid programs.

You should contact the financial aid office at your institution for more specific information about your eligibility for federal student aid programs as an E-3 visa holder.

9. Have you filed taxes in the United States using your ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)?


(Sample answer)
Yes, I have filed my taxes in the United States using my ITIN. As a non-resident alien, I am required to file taxes on any income earned in the US, even with an ITIN instead of a Social Security Number. I have been consistently filing my taxes every year, and have not encountered any issues with using my ITIN for this purpose.

10. Are you considered an independent or dependent student for FAFSA purposes?


The determination of whether a student is considered “independent” or “dependent” for FAFSA purposes is based on various factors, including the student’s age, marital status, dependency status according to IRS rules, and other criteria. Therefore, it is not possible to determine a student’s status without knowing more information about their specific situation. It is recommended that you review the FAFSA website or speak with a financial aid advisor at your school to determine your dependency status for FAFSA purposes.

11. As a dependent student, are your parents considered non-resident aliens with diplomatic visas, such as A or G?


Yes, if your parents are considered non-resident aliens with diplomatic visas such as A or G, then they would be classified as non-resident aliens for tax purposes, even if they live in the United States. This means that you would not be eligible for certain benefits or tax deductions that are available to resident alien or U.S. citizen students. You may need to consult with a tax professional or the IRS for specific guidance in your situation.

12. Are there any specific scholarships or grants available for E-3 visa holders?

There are no specific scholarships or grants available exclusively for E-3 visa holders. However, as an Australian citizen, you may be eligible for scholarships and grants offered to international students. You can also research scholarships and grants specifically for graduate studies in your field of study, as well as any that pertain to your personal background or circumstances.

Some sources for finding scholarships and grants include:
– The Fulbright Program: Offers scholarships for Australian citizens to study in the US.
– The Australian-American Fulbright Commission: Offers a range of awards and scholarships for Australian students studying in the US.
– The Institute of International Education: Provides information on funding opportunities for international students, including those from Australia.
– Your university or college’s financial aid office: They may have resources and information on scholarships available to international students.
– Scholarship search engines, such as Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and Niche: These websites allow you to search for scholarships based on various criteria, including nationality.

13. How does my spouse’s employment and income affect my FAFSA application as an E-3 visa holder?


As an E-3 visa holder, you are considered an independent student for FAFSA purposes. This means that your spouse’s employment and income do not need to be reported on the FAFSA if you are not using any of their information to support your educational expenses.
However, if you are using your spouse’s income or assets to pay for your education, or if they are also an E-3 visa holder and have their own earnings, then their information would need to be reported on the FAFSA.
It is important to carefully review all instructions and guidelines when completing the FAFSA to ensure that you accurately report your financial situation.

14. Can I receive financial aid for both undergraduate and graduate studies as an E-3 visa holder?

Yes, E-3 visa holders are eligible to receive financial aid for both undergraduate and graduate studies. However, eligibility for financial aid is determined by individual schools and programs, so it is best to consult with the school you are interested in attending for specific information on their financial aid policies. Additionally, some forms of financial aid may have restrictions based on citizenship or immigration status, so it is important to carefully review the requirements before applying.

15. Will my FAFSA application be affected if I transfer to a different employer while on the E-3 visa?


No, your FAFSA application will not be affected if you transfer to a different employer while on the E-3 visa. Your employment status does not impact your eligibility for federal student aid through the FAFSA. The FAFSA utilizes information from your most recent tax return and does not take into account any changes in employment after that time. However, it is important to keep in mind that any changes in income may affect your financial aid eligibility for subsequent academic years.

16. Is Work-Study available to international students with E-3 visas?

Unfortunately, E-3 visa holders are not eligible for Work-Study positions. Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for Federal Work-Study. However, there may be other on-campus job opportunities available to international students with E-3 visas. It is recommended to reach out to the international student services office at your school for more information on job opportunities for international students.

17. Does my previous education outside of the United States affect my eligibility for financial aid as an E-3 visa holder?


Yes, your previous education outside of the United States may affect your eligibility for financial aid as an E-3 visa holder. The U.S. Department of Education requires that students eligible for federal financial aid must have a high school diploma or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution in order to receive funding. If your previous education does not meet this requirement, you may not be eligible for certain types of financial aid such as federal student loans or grants. However, you may still be eligible for private scholarships or other forms of non-federal assistance.

18. Can I receive financial aid as an E-3 visa holder if I am enrolled in a community college?
Yes, E-3 visa holders can receive financial aid at community colleges as long as they meet all other eligibility requirements set by the U.S. Department of Education and the specific institution they are attending.

19. What types of financial aid are available to me as an E-3 visa holder?
As an E-3 visa holder, you may be eligible for various types of financial aid, including federal and state student loans, grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and private loans or scholarships. Eligibility will depend on your individual circumstances and the requirements set by the U.S. Department of Education and your chosen institution.

20. How do I apply for financial aid as an E-3 visa holder?
To apply for most forms of federal or state financial aid as an E-3 visa holder, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form is used to determine your eligibility for various forms of assistance, including grants and loans. You may also need to submit additional documentation to your chosen institution’s financial aid office to verify your immigration status and request any institutional or private scholarships that require separate applications.

21. Can I receive federal student loans as an E-3 visa holder?
Yes, E-3 visa holders are generally eligible for federal student loans. However, you must meet certain requirements, such as being enrolled at least half-time in a degree-seeking program and maintaining satisfactory academic progress. You may also need to provide documentation of your immigration status and meet other eligibility criteria set by the U.S. Department of Education and your chosen institution.

22. Can I receive federal grants as an E-3 visa holder?
E-3 visa holders may be eligible for certain federal grant programs, such as the Pell Grant or Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), if they meet all other eligibility requirements. These grants are awarded based on financial need and do not have to be repaid.

23.Can I receive state financial aid as an E-3 visa holder?
E-3 visa holders may be eligible for state financial aid in some cases. Each state has its own regulations and eligibility requirements for state aid programs, so it is important to research the specific requirements for the state in which you will be attending college.

24. Can I work while studying on an E-3 visa?
Yes, E-3 visa holders are allowed to work in the United States while studying, but only on-campus or through authorized practical training programs related to their field of study. This authorization must be obtained from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

25. Can I apply for permanent residency while studying on an E-3 visa?
Yes, E-3 visa holders can apply for permanent residency while studying in the United States. However, the process can be complex and time-consuming, and you should consult with an immigration lawyer for guidance on how to proceed with your specific circumstances.

18. Can I receive loans from private lenders as an international student with an E-3 visa?


Yes, international students with an E-3 visa may be eligible to receive loans from private lenders. However, eligibility criteria and loan terms may vary between lenders and it is important to research and compare options before applying for a loan. In some cases, lenders may require a cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

19. Are there any additional documentation requirements for international students with E-3 visas when filing FAFSA?


Yes, international students with E-3 visas may be required to submit additional documentation when filing the FAFSA. This includes:

1. Proof of immigration status: International students must provide a copy of their E-3 visa and I-94 arrival/departure record as proof of their immigration status.

2. Proof of foreign income: Since international students may have foreign income sources, they are required to submit documentation of their income in order to accurately assess their financial need for federal aid.

3. Tax return forms: International students on E-3 visas must also provide copies of their tax returns for themselves and any accompanying family members.

4. Verification documents: Some schools may require additional verification documents, such as bank statements or proof of assets, to ensure the accuracy of information provided on the FAFSA.

It is important for international students with E-3 visas to contact the financial aid office at their school for specific requirements and deadlines related to filing the FAFSA.

20. Does my visa status change if I receive financial aid through FAFSA as an E-3 visa holder?


No, your visa status will not change if you receive financial aid through FAFSA as an E-3 visa holder. The terms of the E-3 visa do not prohibit receiving financial aid or scholarships. However, you must continue to comply with all other visa requirements, such as maintaining a valid job offer and employment status in the United States. It is important to inform your designated school official (DSO) or employer about any changes in your financial situation to ensure compliance with the terms of your visa.