Selective Services: how do I get an Letter of Excemption?

Question

I have recently asked for a letter of exemption from the Selective services as I was in H1-B Status when I entered the country and stayed in that status till age of 30. But they came back to me asking for my first I-94 when I first entered the country. I tried to explain to them that that1-94 card is taken back at the airport when you go out again, but they are insisting that I have to somehow provide that. They say that copy my H1-B visa somehow doesn't prove the fact that I was in H1-B status till '00.
To me it sounds outrageous. Am I missing something here? Did anyone experience the same problem. Is there a way to get the document that can satisfy them?

I am in the process of applying for financial aid.
I have recently asked for a letter of exemption from the Selective services as I was in H1-B Status when I entered the country and stayed in that status till age of 30. But they came back to me asking for my first I-94 when I first entered the country. I tried to explain to them that that1-94 card is taken back at the airport when you go out again, but they are insisting that I have to somehow provide that. They say that copy my H1-B visa somehow doesn't prove the fact that I was in H1-B status till '00.
To me it sounds outrageous. Am I missing something here? Did anyone experience the same problem. Is there a way to get the document that can satisfy them?

Answer 1

In order to obtain Federal Student Aid, a male student must either (a) be registered with the selective service or (b) prove that he is/was not required to register.

As you may know, non-citizens aren't automatically exempt, but there are a couple of reasons why you would not have been required to register. For example,
(1) if you entered the country after age 26, or
(2) if you were on a visitor or student visa during the time you would normally have been required to register

It sounds like your school is focusing on Option #1, which is why they want your I-94 instead of your HB-1 (i.e. your visa doesn't prove what they're trying to prove for Option #1).

Your best option might be to focus on Option #2. Politely direct your school to the Selective Service website (www.sss.gov) and prove that you fit the criteria for "people who do not need to register," here: http://www.sss.gov/MUST.HTM

If your visa type doesn't automatically qualify you for exemption but you entered the USA after you turned 26, you will need to obtain a document that proves this. If your school won't budge, you can apply for a Status Information Letter from the Selective Service, here: http://www.sss.gov/instructions.html

Answer 2

I don't understand why you are required to do this--are you applying for federal financial aid? Are you a new resident (citizen) of the US or are you still a citizen elsewhere. If you aren't a US citizen you don't have to register but you are also not eligible for federal aid, either.

Answer 3

call selective services and get a copy of it being in H1-B status.also next time tell them ..."please call they will tell you, sir."