DREAM ACT FACT SHEET
What is the California Dream Act?
The California Dream Act is a law that allows students who are not California residents to receive State financial aid if they meet the AB-540 criteria.
What is the AB-540 Criteria?
- Attended a CA high school for 3+ years
- Graduated from a CA high school or the equivalent
- Enrolls in a public CA college or university
- Undocumented students must file an affidavit with the institution stating that he/she has filed an application to legalize status or will file as soon as eligible. This is done when the school determines AB-540 status. If your residency status with Admissions & records is AB-540, you have already filed the affidavit.
How does an AB-540 student apply for State financial aid?
- If the student is a US citizen or eligible non-citizen but not CA resident – complete FAFSA at www.fafsa.gov
- If the student is not a US citizen or eligible non-citizen – complete Dream Act Application at https://dream.csac.ca.gov/
Who is an eligible non-citizen?
- U.S. permanent resident, with a Permanent Resident Card (formerly known as an Alien Registration Receipt Card or "Green Card")
- Conditional permanent resident (I-551C)
- Participating in the Deferred Action program does not make one an eligible non-citizen
California College Promise Grant Eligibility (formerly known as the BOG Fee Waiver)
- Meet low-income standards based on household size.
- A student can apply for the BOG through:
o The California College Promise Grant application online (formerly known as the BOG) or paper application found in the Financial Aid Office
o The Dream Act Application
o The FAFSA
Cal Grant Eligibility
- Meet Selective Service requirements
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress
- Not owe a grant repayment or be in default on a student loan.
- Not have earned a BA/BS degree
- Attend an eligible California school
- Be enrolled at least half-time
- High School GPA required (Entitlement)
- Can apply for the Cal Grant through
o The Dream Act Application
o The FAFSA
To complete AB 540 application Board of Governors Fee Waivers Application Click here.
To complete California Dream Act Application click here.
