AB540

What is AB-540?

The California Dream Act of 2011, authored by Assembly Member Gil Cedillo (Los Angeles), became law through the passage of two Assembly Bills, AB 130 and AB 131.

AB 130 allows students who meet AB 540 criteria (California Education Code 68130.5(a)) to apply for and receive non-state funded scholarships for public colleges and universities.

AB 131 allows students who meet AB 540 criteria to apply for and receive state-funded financial aid such as institutional grants, community college fee waivers, Cal Grant and Chafee Grant.

You are an AB 540 eligible student if you...

Attended a CA high school for three or more years;
Graduated from a CA high school or attained the equivalent
Registered or are currently enrolled at an accredited CA college or university; and
Filed an affidavit with your college or university stating that you have or intend to file an application to legalize your immigration status, if applicable.

Students must complete an AB 540 Affidavit with Admissions and Records. Visit their website for more information.

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IMMIGRANTS RISING

Undergraduate Scholarship List: immigrantsrising.org/resource/undergraduate-scholarships/

Undergraduate Fellowship List: immigrantsrising.org/resource/undergraduate-fellowships/

Graduate Scholarship List:

immigrantsrising.org/resource/graduate-scholarships/

Graduate Fellowship List:

immigrantsrising.org/resource/graduate-fellowships/

Dream Act Online Application (click here)
Dream Act Resource Page (click here)
CA DREAM Act and Cal Grant checklists
Immigrants Rising (click here)
List of Undergraduate/Graduate Scholarships (Click Here)
MALDEF(click here)
My Undocumented Life(click here)
Scholarships A-Z(click here)
Sillicon Valley Community Foundation(click here)
The College Expo(click here)
Campus-specific resources (click here)

The California Dream Act Application Process

Complete the 2023-24, 2024-25 Dream Act Application between Oct. 1, to March 2, if you will be graduating from high school in June 2024 for college admission in Fall 2024, or if you will be transferring to a CSU or UC for the Fall 2024 semester.

The California Student Aid Commission’s Dream Act Application is used to determine the financial eligibility of students who meet the qualifications of AB 540, and who are without a valid immigration status. The application collects basic personal and income information to determine student eligibility for funding under AB 131.

Students who received a Social Security Number through the Deferred Action of Childhood Arrival (DACA) should complete the CA Dream Act Application in order to be considered for state financial aid at Oxnard College.

Apply between Oct. 1, and March 2, for consideration for the 2024-2025 Cal Grant Award.
Students MUST submit a GPA Verification to the CA Student Aid Commission before March 2, 2024. Most schools submit this for you electronically, but it is the student's responsibility to be sure the GPA Verification has been submitted.
Once you have applied, the Oxnard College Financial Aid Office will receive your application information and will notify you by e-mail regarding the status of your application. Your account on the MyVCCCD portal will specify what other information or documents you must submit so that we may determine your eligibility. View potential Cal Grant or BOGW awards on the my.vcccd.edu portal.
Students should log in to the WebGrants for Students portal to view important Cal Grant information.
Students must complete an AB540 Affidavit with Admissions and Records and have their AB 540 status confirmed. Visit their website for more information and to download the affidavit.
Complete orientation and provide the college with a sealed high school transcript for math and English placement and attend orientation.
Plan your class schedule and register.
Apply for Extended Opportunity Programs & Services (EOPS). (recommended)

To better prepare you for completing the CA Dream Application, we recommend downloading the Dream Application Worksheet from The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) Resources Website.

Students will need to complete the Dream Application every year to determine eligibility for state and institutional aid.

Financial Aid Awards Available to AB540 Students:

California College Promise Grant (formerly known as the Board of Governor's Fee Waiver (BOGW)): The California College Promise Grant (CCPG) permits enrollment fees to be waived at a community college.
Cal Grants:
- Cal Grant A assists with tuition and fees at public and independent colleges. If you attend a California Community College first, your award will be reserved for up to three years until you transfer to a four-year college.
- Cal Grant B provides a living allowance and tuition assistance for low-income students. The award provides up to $1,672 for books and living expenses.
- Cal Grant C assists with tuition and training costs for occupational, technical, and vocational programs. The award includes up to $547 for books, tools, and equipment.
California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth: If you are or were in foster care and have financial need, you may qualify for up to $5,000 a year for college or technical training. Chafee Grant information (click here)
Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS): Provides services to low-income and educationally disadvantaged students.
Scholarships: AB 540 students can apply for private scholarship aid administered by public and private colleges and universities. Check with your campus for program details and application information.

TYPES OF CA STATE FINANCIAL AID
TYPES OF AID FOR UNDERGRADUATES & GRADUATES	ELIGIBLE FOR AB 540/SB 68	INELIGIBLE FOR AB 540/SB 68
In-State Tuition	YES	NO, except qualified DACA students
Federal Aid	NO	NO
State Financial Aid	YES	NO
UC University Grant Undergraduate only	YES	NO
CSU State University Grant	YES	NO
California College Promise Grant Undergraduate only	YES	NO
EOP Services Undergraduate only	YES	NO
EOP & S Services Undergraduate only	YES	NO
California State Aid Undergraduate only; Cal Grants; Chaffee, Middle Class Scholarship	YES	NO
State Loans CA Dream Loan	YES	NO
Private Loans	NO,	NO
Work Study	NO, check individual schools	NO, check individual schools
Private Scholarships Check individual requirements	YES	YES
Institutional Aid Scholarships from private donors held at your college or university	YES	NO, check individual schools

Selective Service & CA DREAM ACT

The Selective Service System allows the federal government to have a list of all young men who would be available to serve as soldiers in the U.S. Armed Forces if a mandatory draft was necessary. According to federal law, all men between the ages of 18 and 25 (documented and undocumented) must register for the Selective Service and should register within 30 days of their 18th birthday. A Social Security number is not required to register. Furthermore, in order to be eligible for state financial aid through the CA Dream Act, men must provide proof of Selective Service registration to the college or university they plan to attend.

Registering for the Selective Service does provide the federal government with your name and address, so the government can contact you in the event of a mandatory draft, However, there has not been any type of mandatory draft since the 1970s. This means that the Selective Service System has never used those names to force people to fight with the U.S. Armed Forces. Nevertheless, all men within that age range are still required to register. In regards to sharing someone’s immigration status, the Selective Service System states: “They have not now, nor in the past collected or shared any information which would indicate a man's immigration status, either documented or undocumented. The selective service system has no authority to collect such information, has no use for it, and it is irrelevant to the registration requirement. Consequently, there is no immigration data to share with anyone.”

As an undocumented individual, you must register for the Selective Service by mail. .You should not try to register online at the www.sss.gov website. Follow these steps instead: Fill out a postcard and mail it to the Selective Service System. This postcard is available at U.S. Post Offices, online at www.caldreamact.org under “Resources” or on the Selective Service website www.sss.gov under “Immigrants.” If you mail the postcard, we suggest you get a "proof of mailing" from the Post Office. This will serve as proof that you sent in your selective service registration.

The processing of your selective service registration takes 1-2 months, so it’s important to begin the process as soon as possible. Once you have been successfully registered, the government will mail you a Selective Service Registration Card. If you do not receive a card within that timeframe, contact the Selective Service System. Be sure to keep a copy of this card because you might be required to show it to your college or university

Undocumented males who registered for the selective service can verify they registered for the Selective Service in the following ways: 1. A copy of your Selective Service Registration Card: Bring a copy of your selective service registration card to your college or university’s Financial Aid Office. Be sure to write your student ID on the copy. 2. Some colleges or universities allow undocumented individuals to get the selective service hold listed by showing their “proof of mailing” for the first semester. Once the card has been received, the student is required to bring a copy of the card to the Financial Aid Office in order to waive the hold permanently.

The Selective Service System cannot accept a registration from anyone who has already reached their 26th birthday. Therefore, if you are a male who is 26 or older but did not register for the Selective Service, you are considered a “non-registrant.” To be considered for state financial aid, you must provide an explanation of why you did not register and demonstrate that your failure was not “knowing or willful.” The school may require you to get a “Status Information Letter” from the Selective Service System. For more information, go to www.sss.gov, select “Registration” , then select “ Men 26 and Older.”

The Selective Service System cannot accept a registration from anyone who is under 18 years old. Therefore, students can either wait until 30 days before their 18th birthday and mail in the Selective Service Registration Card

FAFSA vs CA DREAM ACT: Apply to the correct Financial Aid in CA

FAFSA

CA DREAM Application

• Citizens

• Legal Permanent Residents

• Eligible Non- Citizens (per FAFSA)

• T visa holders

AB 540/ SB 68 Eligible Students Who Are:

• Undocumented individuals;

• DACAmented individuals; and • U visa holders

• TPS Protected Status

FAFSA

CA DREAM Application

• Any other immigration status that is not listed above including:

• DACAmented students

• Undocumented individuals

• Any visa holder (except U)

• Citizens

• Legal Permanent Residents

• Eligible Non-Citizens (per FAFSA)

FAFSA

CA DREAM Application

• Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration crosscheck student name, social security number, and birthdate to verify that all FAFSA eligibility requirements are met;

• All other eligibility for federal and state financial aid is met

•School verifies student meets AB 540/ SB 68 eligibility requirements
Some schools may require a student’s
AB 540/ SB 68 status to be approved prior to awarding state financial aid.

• All other eligibility for state financial aid is met

FAFSA

CA DREAM Application

• Admission into an approved degree or certificate program

• Minimum Unit requirements • Satisfactory Academic Progress

Approval as AB 540/ SB 68 student and:

• Admission into an approved degree or

• Minimum Unit requirements

• Satisfactory Academic Progress

FAFSA	CA DREAM Application
A HOLD is placed on your Account	A HOLD is placed on your Account
A hold from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will prevent all financial aid from being awarded. Proof of citizenship or lawful presence per FAFSA will be required to release the hold.	A Residency Hold will prevent all state financial aid from being awarded. AB 540/ SB 68 status will be required to release the hold.

How to Release the HOLD and Receive Your Financaila Aid

Contact Financial Aid office at 805-678-5828

If the wrong application was submitted, be sure to complete the correct application. Then work with CSAC to complete the Application Conversion Form. After that, show a copy of this form to your financial aid counselor so they can:

1) Delete the incorrect application

2) Bring in the correct application

3) Create a financial aid award

Based on your status, this will include federal or state financial aid or both. Once the proper application has been processed, you should be able to receive all financial aid for which you are eligible. For more information, contact CSAC at 1-888-294-7268.

VERIFYING YOUR INCOME FOR THE CA DREAM ACT APPLICATION

The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) requires a certain percentage of students to verify the information reported on the California Dream Application. Students are informed if they need to complete this process via email or on the student portal at the universities listed on the application. Income verification means the student (and if required, their parents or spouse) must submit to the college or university that they plan to attend: 1) household verification worksheet and 2) a copy of their 2021 tax return transcripts, if taxes were filed. Additional documentation may also be required by the school. The financial aid office will update the student’s CA Dream Application to match the household size and income per CSAC’s guidelines. The verification process can take 3-4 weeks, once all documentation has been received.

DEPENDENT vs INDEPENDENT Students for the CA Dream Application

Dependent Students are under 24 years old or were born after 1/1/98, are single, have no children or other dependents, and are pursuing an undergraduate degree. MUST provide student and parental household information regardless of whether you live with your parents or receive their financial support. Some exceptions apply. Contact your school for details.

Independent Students meet at least one of the following conditions: are over 24 years old or were born before 1/1/98, are married, have children or other dependents for whom they provide 50% of their support, are a veteran or active duty, are an orphan or ward of the court, are at risk of homelessness, have a special circumstance or are pursuing a graduate degree. MUST provide student household information.

Income Verification for Tax Filers vs Non-Tax Filers

Tax Filers: If the parent and/or student worked and filed taxes, you are required to submit a copy of the 2021 tax return transcript. Be sure to request the IRS tax return transcript, not the tax account transcript. 1040 Tax Forms are not acceptable. Tax return transcripts are available for free by contacting the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) via the internet or phone. The person requesting the transcript must be the one who signed the taxes. If you have trouble obtaining a transcript, contact IRS customer service. Note: Tax Return Transcripts are not available until three weeks after filing if you file electronically, or up to six weeks if you file by mail. Dependent students and parents must submit their own transcripts if they filed taxes separately.

Non-Tax Filers: If you are a non-tax filer, be sure to list all 2021 household income earned, as well as financial assistance or benefits received on the income verification worksheet. Include a copy of your W-2 form(s). If you earned cash, and do not have a W-2 form, explain the circumstances on the worksheet. You may be required to include proof of non-filing from the IRS. Also, be aware that if you or your parents earned over the IRS income filing limits, you may be required to file taxes in order to receive a financial aid award.

Independent Students are over 24 years old or born before 1/1/98, are married, have children or other dependents for whom they provide 50% of their support, are a veteran or active duty, orphan or ward of the court, at risk of homelessness, have a special circumstance or are pursuing a graduate degree. MUST provide student household information.

Standard Income Verification Worksheet

Household Size: The rules of the CA Dream Application define households as the student; the biological or adoptive parents; siblings under the age of 24 in most cases; and/or other dependents for whom the parents are financially responsible. Additional family members or individuals that live within the home, but do not meet these requirements should not be included in the household.

Marital Status: Indicate whether the parent or student is single, married, separated or divorced, or widowed. Parents who are living together, but are not married should choose that option.

Tax Filing Status: Indicate whether the student and/or parent or spouse is a tax filer or a non-tax filer.

Financial Aid Received: List the amount of grants or scholarships received by the student during 2021 and the school(s) attended.

Child Support Paid: List the amount of any child support paid in 2021, including the child’s name, the name of the person who paid child support, and the name of person to whom it was paid.

SNAP Benefits Received: Indicate whether you and/or your parents received SNAP benefits in 2021 or 2022. Documentation from the agency that issued SNAP benefits may be required upon request.

Certification and Signature: By signing the verification worksheet, the parent and/or student certify that all the information is true. Signing also authorizes the Financial Aid Office to update the student’s California Dream Application per CSAC guidelines and the information provided.

Additional Documentation: The college or university has the right to ask for additional documentation regarding household size or income earned if it is necessary to gain an adequate understanding of how household expenses were met for 2021.

Multiple Schools: If you listed more than one school on the CA Dream Application, you will be required to complete income verification at each school individually.

MIXED STATUS HOUSEHOLDS

Are you a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident (LPR) or eligible non-citizen, but your parent(s) are undocumented?

If you and your parents live in California, find out what’s necessary to be eligible to pay resident fees and receive federal and state financial aid at a CCC, CSU or UC. Follow the steps below. Be proactive. Advocate for yourself.

1. Paying Resident Fees at a CCC, CSU or UC

Residency for Tuition Purposes in CCCs, CSUs, and UCs can be based on the residency of the parent when the student is under a specific age. This is also true when the college or university determines that students are financially dependent on their parent(s).

However, students who are citizens, legal permanent residents, or eligible non-citizens but whose parents are undocumented should be classified as residents in most instances if their parents meet all other residency requirements for tuition purposes. This is a complicated process and not all students are accurately classified.

If you are classified as a non-resident but believe that you meet the residency requirements for tuition purposes in CA, contact the residency officer at your campus. If you are unable to resolve it at that level, contact the Chancellor’s Office of the CCC, CSU, or the President’s Office of the UC regarding their policy on residency for students who are U.S. citizens with undocumented parents.¹

If you cannot be classified as a resident, check to see if you meet the eligibility for AB 540/SB 68 and submit the nonresident tuition exemption form (AB 540 affidavit), along with any required proof (transcripts).

Being classified as a resident for tuition purposes or AB 540/SB 68 student is key to paying resident fees and being able to receive state-based financial aid.

2. Submitting the FAFSA Application

Students who are citizens, legal permanent residents, or eligible non-citizens, but whose parent(s) is/ are undocumented are eligible to submit the FAFSA application and receive federal financial aid.

Student should apply at fafsa.ed.gov but must pay attention to these specific details if their parents are undocumented:

• Student should obtain their own FSA ID.

• Parents should include their information, if required

• Parents should be sure to use 000’s for the Social Security Number (SSN) if they do not have a valid SSN. They should not use an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN). The application will request confirmation if you use zeros. Say yes.

• Student should sign the FAFSA with their FSA ID.

• Parents should “Print signature page” to sign the FAFSA because they cannot obtain an FSA ID.2

• Students should save one copy of the signature page and mail the other to FAFSA. It can take up to six weeks to process, so send it early!

• Student should check on www.fafsa.ed.gov to confirm that the parent signature has been received. The student’s FAFSA application cannot be processed until the parent signature is successfully added. Under FERPA protections, all information on the FAFSA should only be used for educational purposes

3. Receiving Federal and State Financial Aid at a CCC, CSU or UC

Students who filled out the FAFSA but were admitted as non-residents usually do not see CA state financial aid in their original financial aid award—only federal financial aid. Once approval of their residency classification or AB 540 status is approved, students must contact the Financial Aid department to ensure that all state financial aid for which they are eligible is added to their financial aid award. Check out our Types of CA State Financial Aid for more details

________

1 Stipulated Statement of the Law (2006), Students Advocating for Higher Education vs. CSU Case PK-06- 506755 2 or UC Residence Policy and Guidelines (2020)

2 Undocumented individuals cannot obtain a FSA ID because their signature needs to be validated by the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security

AB540

What is AB-540?

The California Dream Act Application Process

Financial Aid Awards Available to AB540 Students:

TYPES OF CA STATE FINANCIAL AID

Selective Service & CA DREAM ACT

FAFSA vs CA DREAM ACT: Apply to the correct Financial Aid in CA

VERIFYING YOUR INCOME FOR THE CA DREAM ACT APPLICATION

DEPENDENT vs INDEPENDENT Students for the CA Dream Application

Income Verification for Tax Filers vs Non-Tax Filers

Standard Income Verification Worksheet

MIXED STATUS HOUSEHOLDS

1. Paying Resident Fees at a CCC, CSU or UC

2. Submitting the FAFSA Application

3. Receiving Federal and State Financial Aid at a CCC, CSU or UC

OC Dream Resource Center

Maria Ruth Cervantes

Fidelia Flores

AB540

What is AB-540?

California Dream Act of 2011

AB 540

Dream Act Application Workshops

SCHOLARSHIP & FELLOWSHIP LISTS

Resources Link

The California Dream Act Application Process

Financial Aid Awards Available to AB540 Students:

TYPES OF CA STATE FINANCIAL AID

Selective Service & CA DREAM ACT

WHAT IS THE SELECTIVE SERVICE AND DO I NEED TO REGISTER?

ARE THERE ANY RISKS IN REGISTERING FOR THE SELECTIVE SERVICE?

HOW DO I REGISTER?

HOW LONG DOES THE PROCESS TAKE?

HOW DO I PROVIDE PROOF TO MY COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY?

MEN 26 AND OLDER

MEN 18 AND UNDER

FAFSA vs CA DREAM ACT: Apply to the correct Financial Aid in CA

Who is Eligible?

Who is NOT Eligible?

Requirements for Financial Aid to Be Awarded

Requirements for Financial Aid to Be Released to Pay Outstanding Balances

What Happens If You Fill out the Wrong Application?

VERIFYING YOUR INCOME FOR THE CA DREAM ACT APPLICATION

Income verification

DEPENDENT vs INDEPENDENT Students for the CA Dream Application

Income Verification for Tax Filers vs Non-Tax Filers

MIXED STATUS HOUSEHOLDS

HOW TO APPLY FOR IN-STATE TUITION & FINANCIAL AID IN CA

1. Paying Resident Fees at a CCC, CSU or UC

2. Submitting the FAFSA Application

3. Receiving Federal and State Financial Aid at a CCC, CSU or UC

OC Dream Resource Center

Maria Ruth Cervantes

Fidelia Flores

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