The Office for International, Immigrant, DACAmented, Undocumented, and Refugee Services at RIC was established to serve students, faculty members, and guests from other countries during their stay on our campus, whether their status is visa student, exchange visitor, immigrant, resident, or refugee.
As a part of the Unity Center, we are here to help students develop a global citizenship mindset, that helps them better understand their positionality in this world in order to better navigate it. We connect students to immigration services, introduce them to scholarship, internship and fellowship opportunities, and most importantly, give them with a brave space to talk and meet other supportive allies. Here we provide answers to frequently asked questions as well as related forms and resources.
Please Note: These answers are current as of 1/21/2025 and are subject to change.
Currently, DACA applications are being accepted, but not processed. This is because the U.S. district courts have ruled DACA to be “illegal.” However, those who obtained DACA on or before July 16, 2021 remain protected under DACA and as of January 2025 are able to renew their DACA and work authorization requests (Sourced from Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) | USAGov.)
Students whose immigration status prevents them from completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are not eligible for Federal Student Aid.
Undocumented/DACA students who meet the Rhode Island College Residency Requirements may be eligible to complete Rhode Island Alternative Application for State Postsecondary Student Financial Assistance to determine state or institutional aid eligibility.
For a copy of the most up to date application, email the Financial Aid Office at financialaid@ric.edu.
Email OPC at aidapplication@riopc.edu with any additional questions you may have.
Tip Sheet for Undocumented Students from NASFAA, the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.
No, a parent’s immigration status does not affect the student’s eligibility for financial aid.
A student’s eligibility for federal aid is based on their immigration status, not their parents’. You may email the Financial Aid Office at financialaid@ric.edu for guidance on how to fill out the parent(s) section of the FAFSA.
Watch How Do I Complete the FAFSA Form If My Parent is a Noncitizen
Any student, undergraduate or graduate, living in the residence halls or a commuter, may use Health Services, regardless of insurance status.
As of July 1, 2023, undocumented residents living in Rhode Island are eligible to obtain a driver privilege card or driver privilege permit, as a result of S2006/H7939. Applicants must provide proof of filing a state income tax return, identity, and residency documents, and comply with insurance requirements. Driving Privilege Cards & ITIN – The Immigrant Coalition of RI provides more details.
Project ExCEL is an academic initiative at RIC aiming to expand college access for talented bilingual students. For more information reach out to Laura Faria-Tancinco.
Learning for Life (L4L) is an office that connects students to on and off campus resources and opportunities. Students served by L4L are empowered to overcome life obstacles on their journey to graduation such as, access to basic needs, managing competing priorities, and navigating the campus systems. L4L’s team of staff and trained peer mentors (Navigators) support and advocate for students. We build a community where students feel accepted, included, and safe.
Adding this in addition to Project ExCEL and Learning4Life, The Unity Center, an office within the Division of Student Success, is a warm and welcoming space that affirms and promotes equity for historically marginalized and disenfranchised students, including undocumented and DACA students. For more information, email The Unity Center at unitycenter@ric.edu.
The Unity Center serves as a brave space on campus for all students to engage in meaningful and critical conversations that challenge systems of oppression.