Guidelines for Eligible Citizen/Noncitizen Documentation

Summary Chart of Acceptable INS Documentation

Note: Institutions are required to obtain original documentation that confirms eligibility. However, some students may not be able to present the documentation to our office easily in person. While the reproduction of certain immigration-related documents is statutorily prohibited, the Department of Homeland Security will allow a photocopy, scan, or other image of the documentation for the limited purpose of applying for federal student aid. If you are providing a copy or image of your original document, you must also send a signed, dated and officially notarized affidavit in order for our office to accept the copy or image. We will not be able to accept your citizenship documentation without the signed, dated and officially notarized affidavit. You may obtain such Affidavit (PDF 60kB) here.

*Effective April 26, 2013, DHS began automating the admission process. An alien lawfully admitted or paroled into the U.S. is no longer required to be in possession of a preprinted Form I-94. Students without I-94 documentation may have their status confirmed by a Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) stamp, showing class of admission and date admitted, on their passport, although an I-551 is preferable, if available.