Undocumented, AB 540 eligible students (nonresident students exempt from paying nonresident tuition)- should fill out a California Dream Act Application (CADAA) instead of the FAFSA form to apply for financial aid.

Be sure to submit the CADAA and a certified GPA by the March 2 Cal Grant deadline to get the most assistance possible. After completing your CADAA, you must create a WebGrants 4 Students account to check your Cal Grant eligibility status. Submit a signed “Non-Resident Exemption” Request (some schools will refer to this document as an “AB 540 affidavit”) to your school of choice to qualify for in-state fees at a community college.

The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) processes the application, and any aid received can only be used at eligible California public or private institutions. Qualified students can receive financial assistance such as private scholarships funded through public universities, state-administered financial aid, university grants, California College Promise Grant (CCPG) fee waivers and Cal Grants.

Findyourally.com is your free online resource to help find immigration legal services and case support on campus or virtually. Schedule a free appointment with a legal representative with a simple search by zip code or college name and get information on how to prepare for a scheduled appointment.

Every California community college campus has an UndocuLiaison available to provide answers and support for undocumented students of all nationalities and backgrounds. Additionally, many campuses have an Undocumented Resource Center, which provide a safe community and a judgement-free place that makes it easier for undocumented students to focus on school and know they have support. 

To find out if your college has an Undocumented Resource Center, or to find contact information for your college's UndocuLiaison, please use our college locator tool and enter your zip code. You will be able to select the college of your choice and find these and other valuable support programs available near you.

California Department of Social Services/DACA Support
California Department of Social Services funds programs and provides community education that helps immigrants living in California, including DACA students.

Supporting Undocumented Students
California community colleges offer numerous services to all undocumented students.