Foreign Credentialing and Skills Recognition Grant Program
Finance Authority of Maine (FAME)
Up to $1,000 (lifetime) for immigrants in Maine awaiting a work permit, to cover credential evaluation, translation, English tests and licensing costs.
- How much
- up to $1,000 lifetime maximum
- Who qualifies
- Only some students qualify. The official page explains who.
- Maine resident, age 18+, with foreign education, training or work experience.
- For adults going back to school
- Not a US citizen; pending immigration application/petition entitling the applicant to request a work permit (not yet authorized to work)
- When to apply
- Apply any time Rolling; first-come, first-served while funds last.
- How to apply
- Complete FAME's online application (cannot be saved mid-way) with ID, the USCIS I-765 (category C) or I-589 receipt, and invoices for the expenses
- An adult education program may file on your behalf
- FAME usually responds within 30 days
- What you'll need
- state application
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (famemaine.com)
The details
Small grants for immigrants living in Maine, age 18+, who have education, work experience or training from another country and have a pending application or petition that lets them request a work permit (8 CFR 274a.12(c)), including asylum seekers with a pending I-589. Not for people already authorized to work or denied a work permit. Eligible costs include translation of diplomas and transcripts, education credential evaluations, TOEFL/English test prep and fees, professional license and certification fees, driver's license costs, travel to distant exams, and the initial work permit filing fee. Paid as a lump-sum check; receipts are due within 90 days. Does not need to be repaid if used for permitted purposes.
More money from Maine
- Doctors for Maine's Future Scholarshipup to 50% of cost of attendance or $25,000 per year, whichever is less
- Competitive Skills Scholarship Program (CSSP)up to $10,000 per year full time; up to $5,000 per year part time
- Maine State Grant Programup to $2,500 per year (2026-27); up to $1,250 for half-time to less-than-full-time students
- Maine Free College Scholarship (Maine Community College System)100% of tuition after federal and state grants (class of 2026+); 100% of tuition and mandatory fees (2024 and 2025 graduates)
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: New Hampshire
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.