Quick Question about LPR status

[MagicScarf 0]

Hello! I wasn't quite sure where to post this question...I wasn't quite sure where to post it, and thought this looked like the best spot. : )

I'm going to begin the K-1 visa application, and am gathering some facts and such before I get started.

My question is regarding the end of the process, when a person files for conditional permanent resident status, I understand they are under the status of LPR for two years before full fledged PR.

During that two year period when a person is LPR, can they apply for student loans to go to college? Can they go to college as a PR resident, and not have to pay international prices?

So basically, can they just go to college the same way anybody else who is an American Citizen would? Is there anything that they can't do?

Thanks!

[Brother Hesekiel 2,236]

Simplyfied stated: LPRs have the same rights as USCs when it comes to education.

There are no international and national "prices" (we call them tuitions here). There are low prices for "residents" and outrageously high prices for "non-residents." Community colleges, which is where you most likely will want to start, establish residency based on how long you live in that state. Sometimes it's 6 months, sometimes it's a year (or more).

So one you meet the residency requirement of that school (we call them all schools here), you are as good as a US citizen. Note that, depending on "your" state, there are different kind of schools:

Community colleges (Junior Colleges)

State Universities

Private Universities

The deeper you go in, the more expensive it gets.

[Old Dominion 26]

The requirements for public colleges and universities are different in each state. Usually one must be able to show that he or she is an actual resident of the state (living with a spouse, receiving mail at that address, and having a driver's license may be sufficient) and in an LPR's case, show proof of legal presence in the U.S. (work permit, green card, whatever). In Virginia there is no six--month waiting period any longer.

The private colleges and universities usually charge everyone the same fees. They are usually much more expensive, but also have plenty of financial assistance available to those qualified to receive it.

USCs have no right to higher education -- just the right to apply for it.

[MagicScarf 0]

Thanks so much for the informative replies!

So just to clear this up completely, the day i receive my green card am eligible for a student loan, and grants (if applicable)?

I'm putting off education in my own country for the time being, in order to work on this process of being with my fiance...so i guess i'm really eager to start as soon as i can once i'm there.. it's good to know that i'll be able to go without paying out of state fees, they're astronomical.

i would have paid them though, but each college i looked into stated that international students aren't able to apply for the health care programs. (like RN, which is what i'm interested in taking)

thanks for the advice and assistance : )

[Mike B. 231]

Thanks so much for the informative replies!

So just to clear this up completely, the day i receive my green card am eligible for a student loan, and grants (if applicable)?

I'm putting off education in my own country for the time being, in order to work on this process of being with my fiance...so i guess i'm really eager to start as soon as i can once i'm there.. it's good to know that i'll be able to go without paying out of state fees, they're astronomical.

i would have paid them though, but each college i looked into stated that international students aren't able to apply for the health care programs. (like RN, which is what i'm interested in taking)

thanks for the advice and assistance : )

Yes. You should check out http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ FAFSA (pronounced as a word, "faf-sa"), is the Federal Application for Student Aid, the Department of Education form that millions of students fill out every year.

[Nik+Heather 121]

As Bob says, most states have a residency requirement which applies to citizens just as well as permanent residents.

There are a few "loop holes", however. For example, in Arizona, there are many requirements to meet, but if you are married to an Arizona resident who meets all of those requirements, you do too. So while if Nik moved here all on his own he would not be considered an Arizona resident quite yet, since he is married to me and I meet all the requirements, he would be considered a resident.

I'm afraid that this is not at all uniform, and it will fall to you to look up the residency requirements for any schools that you are interested in.

[payxibka 10,045]

Find the school you want to go to and talk to the admissions and financial aid office. They are the experts and they are there to help you