Updates Regarding 1540: Integrating AB 540 Affidavit & CADAA. 

Check out the newest factsheet! This document summarizes what we know and what's new around the inclusion of the AB540 Nonresident Tuition Exemption form into the CA Dream Act application (CADAA). 

AB 540

On October 12, 2001, Governor Gray Davis signed into law Assembly Bill 540 (Stats. 2001, ch. 814) adding a new section, 68130.5, to the California Education Code. Section 68130.5 created a new exemption from the payment of non-resident tuition for certain non-resident students who have attended high school in California and received a high school diploma or its equivalent.

If you're granted an AB 540 exemption, you will be charged in-state tuition and fees, and not the supplemental tuition charged to nonresidents.

Who is eligible?

• Students who, for various reasons, are classified as nonresidents, as well as undocumented students, may be eligible.
• You must meet all of the following requirements to be eligible:
• Attend a California high school for three or more years (9th grade counts).
• Graduate (or will graduate) from a high school in California or the equivalent (a High School Equivalency Certificate issued by the California State GED Office or a Certificate of Proficiency resulting from the California High School Proficiency Examination are considered equivalent to high school graduation).
• You must also have signed the California Nonresident Exemption Request, which states that you meet all the requirements to qualify for AB 540 status and, if you are undocumented, are in the process of adjusting your immigration status (or will do so as soon as you are eligible).

Who is not eligible?

• Students in possession of nonimmigrant visas (including, but not limited to any of the following visas: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T*, TN/TD, TWOV, U*  and NATO) are not eligible for this exemption.
  • *Except for holders of T and U visas: UC policy permits T and U visa holders with approved I-485 applications who meet the requirements described above to be exempt from nonresident supplemental tuition until they are eligible to establish California residency according to UC policy.
• DACA students who do not meet the AB 540 tuition requirements listed above will not be eligible for the exemption but may be eligible for in-state residence for tuition purposes. Questions can be directed via email to residencedeputy@ucdavis.edu

How to Apply

1. After you have accepted an offer of admission, submit your Statement of Legal Residence to the campus residence deputy.

2. If you then receive a nonresident classification, the campus residence deputy may provide additional forms for you to complete to determine your eligibility for the AB 540 nonresident tuition exemption. Be prepared to provide official high school transcripts and proof of high school graduation.

Once you're granted the exemption, you won't need to reapply as long as your visa status doesn't change, and you're continuously enrolled in the program to which you've been admitted.

California DREAM Act (CADAA)

The California Dream Act Application allows students interested in attending eligible California Colleges, Universities, and Career Education Programs to apply for state financial aid. This application is unrelated to the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and the previously proposed national DREAM Act Legislations. This application is free. The information provided on your California Dream Act Application is used to calculate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The EFC is used by UC Davis to determine your eligibility for financial aid. You can apply for financial aid before you apply for admissions.

• For more information about CADAA review the information on the UC Davis Financial Aid Office website: https://financialaid.ucdavis.edu/undergraduate/apply  and or the California Student Aid Commissions website at: https://dream.csac.ca.gov/
• Read Immigrants Rising's How In-State Tution and CA Dream Act work together to learn more!
• Read the California Dream Act FAQ for more information! 

California DREAM Loan Program - SB1210

Undocumented students do not have access to federal loans. As a result, there was a several thousand dollar gap in their financial aid packages. SB 1210 established the California DREAM Loan Program to serve UC and CSU students. The loan limits, interest rates, and eligibility requirements are similar to those available to documented students through federal loan programs.

Who is eligible?

Students that meet the AB540/130/131 eligibility requirements and cannot access federal student loans.

• Read the Immigrants Rising Dream Loan Guide to learn more! 

Dreamer Service Incentive Grant

The California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant Program (DSIG) encourages California Dream Act Applicant (CADAA) Students with a Cal Grant A award that met Cal Grant B eligibility or a Cal Grant B award to perform community or volunteer service.  The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) will award up to $4,500 per academic year (up to $1,500 per quarter) to 1,667 eligible students. The grant will be available to the student for up to 12 quarters while they have an active Cal Grant A or B award. Students must also meet Satisfactory Academic Progress and complete any necessary verification for their Cal Grant award.

Eligible students must apply annually, attend a qualifying institution, have sufficient unmet financial need, and complete community or volunteer service hours in that academic year. Students shall perform at least 100 hours per quarter of community or volunteer service. See the CSAC webpage on DSIG for more information.