Frequently Asked Questions for AB 540 Students

If I am undocumented can I go to college?

YES, if you are an undocumented student you can go to any college or university in California as long as you meet the requirements and are admitted/accepted.  To avoid paying out-of-state tuition, you need to meet the AB 540 eligibility requirements.

If I am undocumented, can I apply for financial aid?

As an undocumented student, you ARE NOT eligible for state (Cal Grant) and federal (FAFSA) financial aid.  Some colleges and private organizations may offer financial assistance to undocumented students. 

How do I qualify to pay in-state tuition?

In order to qualify for in-state tuition (at a public California college or university) under AB 540 you must have completed 3 years of high school in California and graduate or obtain the equivalent of a high school diploma.  You must also complete an AB 540 affidavit (California Non-Resident Tuition Exemption form) at the college/university that you will attend stating that you meet AB 540 eligibility requirements.  Each school has different procedures for completing the AB 540 affidavit so contact the admissions/registrars office of the college/university.

Is the process for applying to college and university for undocumented students any different when applying under AB 540?

For Cal Poly Pomona, you must apply between October 1 and November 30 of your Senior year.  Two sections must be left blank:
                 1) Social Security Number slot should be left BLANK
                 2) Immigration Status slot should be left BLANK
Everything else should be filled out completely.  Once you have been accepted by the university, you should fill out and send the AB 540 affidavit (California Non-Resident Tuition Exemption Request form) to the Office of Admissions and Outreach.

Does the high school enrollment have to be at the same California high school and for three consecutive years?

NO, the three years for a student's 9th through 12th grades need not be consecutive nor completed at a single California school.  For example, if you attended 9th grade at a California middle or high school, left the state to attend 10th grade in another state, and returned to a second California high school to complete 11th and 12th grades, you will have met the requirements of three years of high school attendance in California.

What does "has graduated from a California high school or has attained the equivalent" mean?

In addition to meeting the high school attendance requirements of 3 years, a students qualifies for AB 540 if she/he has one of the following:
      A diploma from a California high school; or
      A high school certificate of completion issued by a
      high school district;
      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.

Does it matter how far in the past I graduated from high school to be eligible for nonresident tuition exemption (AB 540)?

NO, it does not matter how long you graduated from a California high school or attained the equivalent.

Is there a maximum number of years for which I am eligible to receive this exemption (i.e., qualify to pay in-state tuition under AB 540)?

NO, there is no cap on the maximum number of years you can receive this exemption (i.e., qualify to pay in-state tuition under AB 540).

Does AB 540 change a student's residence status?

NO, AB 540 does not grant residency status; rather, it exempts/waives you from paying non-resident tuition.  You will continue to be classified as a non-resident.

Is the AB 540 Affidavit confidential?

YES, the AB 540 Affidavit will be filed with college or university you attend. 

(Source: The College & Financial Aid Guide for: AB 540 Undocumented Immigrant Students)