AB540 - Dreamers- First Generation-DACA
AB 540 exempts certain students from paying nonresident tuition (higher than resident tuition) and allows them to apply for different types of California Dream Act financial aid.
STUDENTS MUST HAVE:
Satisfaction of either of the following:
1. -High School attendance in California for three or more years
-Attainment of credits earned in California high school equivalent to three or more years of full-time high school coursework and a total of three or more years of attendance in California elementary schools, California secondary schools, or a combination of those schools
2. Graduated or will graduate from a California High School or obtained a Certificate or General Education Development (GED), High School Equivalency Test (HiSET), or test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC).
3. Will register or enroll in an accredited and qualifying California College or University.
4. If applicable, complete(d) an affidavit to legalize immigration status as soon as you are eligible.
5. Do not hold a valid non-immigrant visa
Your college is responsible for verifying your AB 540 eligibility. Check with your Admissions Office early in the summer before the Fall Term starts.
What is Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)?
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a federal process that defers removal action of an individual by USCIS for a specified number of years.
-It is NOT the same as financial aid
-It does NOT grant lawful immigration status
-It does NOT allow individuals to apply for an SSN and work authorization
- CA Dreamers should still file a CA Dream Act Application instead of a FAFSA and submit a Non-SSN GPA. If you or your school submits your certified GPA using your DACA SSN, make sure you include that DACA SSN on question #8 of your CA Dream Act Application.
