FSA has announced enhancements to the 2026–27 FAFSA, aiming to simplify and expedite the application experience for students and families.
Key Improvements for 2026–27
- Real-Time Identity Verification: Starting in August 2025, users creating a StudentAid.gov account with a Social Security number (SSN) will undergo immediate identity verification. This advancement eliminates the previous one-to-three-day waiting period, allowing for the prompt retrieval of tax information from the IRS.
- Simplified Contributor Invitation Process: Students can now invite parents or spouses to contribute to their FAFSA by simply entering the contributor’s email address. This action generates a unique, non-case-sensitive code sent to the contributor, who can then accept the invitation through a dedicated “Accept an Invite” page on StudentAid.gov. This streamlined process reduces errors associated with matching contributors to their accounts based on personal information.
Beta Testing Plan
To ensure the effectiveness of these improvements, there will be a two-phase beta testing program:
- Beta 1 (Starting August 4, 2025): A select group of school districts, community-based organizations, and higher education institutions will participate in testing the new FAFSA form through in-person and virtual events. This phase will also include testing of ISIR processing with local institutions and their vendors.
- Beta 2 (Late August/Early September 2025): Following the initial phase, the Department will expand testing access. Students and parents can request participation in beta testing via StudentAid.gov, with groups admitted throughout the month. ISIR testing will continue with additional institutions and vendors.
The public release is still on schedule to be by Oct. 1, 2025.
Institutions and state agencies may begin receiving a limited number of official 2026–27 ISIRs through the FTI-Student Aid Internet Gateway starting in August 2025, as beta participants complete real FAFSA forms. While these ISIRs are valid for packaging aid, institutions are not required to process them immediately and may choose to do so according to their standard awarding cycles.
For additional information, refer to the official announcement here: (APP-25-18) 2026–27 FAFSA Improvements and Beta Testing Plan