Counseling

AB-540/Resources for Undocumented Students

Information and resources for:

  • AB 540

  • CA Dream Act

  • Deferred Action

What is AB 540?

Signed into law in October 2001, California Assembly Bill 540 (AB 540) is a bill that provides an exemption to the requirement to pay nonresident tuition. It was later adopted by the California Community Colleges (CCC) the California State University (CSU) and University of California (UC) systems.

Any student who meets the specific requirements shall be exempt from paying nonresident tuition at all public colleges and universities in California.

Program Requirements

  • Student must have attended a high school in California for three or more years;

  • Student must have graduated from a California High school or attained the equivalent of a high school diploma (i.e. passed the GED or CA High School Proficiency Exam);

  • Student must register or be currently enrolled in one of the three state institutions of higher learning (CCC, CSU, UC);

  • Student without immigration status must file an affidavit with the college or university stating that s/he has applied t legalize his/her legal status or will do so as soon as s/he is eligible to do so.

  • AB 540 students are now eligible to receive state financial aid.

Frequently Asked Questions from Undocumented Students about the UC Undergraduate Admissions Application