(a) The Commission shall, on an annual basis, receive and consider applications for grant assistance under the program. An applicant is eligible for a grant under the program if the Commission finds that the applicant:
         (1) is a United States citizen or permanent
    
resident;
        (2) is a resident of Illinois;

Terms Used In Illinois Compiled Statutes 110 ILCS 972/20


         (3) is working as a physician, certified nurse
    
practitioner, registered professional nurse, certified nursing assistant, or licensed practical nurse in a State veterans’ home;
        (4) is a borrower with an outstanding balance due
    
on an educational loan; and
        (5) has not defaulted on an educational loan.
     (b) Preference may be given to previous recipients of a grant under the program, provided that the recipient continues to meet the eligibility requirements set forth in this Section.
     (c) For each year during which an individual receives a grant under this program, he or she must fulfill a separate 12-month period as a physician, certified nurse practitioner, registered professional nurse, certified nursing assistant, or licensed practical nurse in a State veterans’ home.