Pages: Dream-Act

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

• Meet low income standards based on household size.

• A student can apply for the BOG through:

o   The BOG application online 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

• Not be incarcerated

• 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