Step 2: Cal Grant Checklist

Themes/Topics: Higher Education

Geography: California

Audience: Educator, Undocumented Youth

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Verify your GPA: mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov
Priority Filing Deadline: December 2024 to March 3, 2025

Step 2: Make Sure You Are Considered for Cal Grants (GPA Verification)

Applying for the CA Dream Act as a high school senior or transfer student is the only opportunity AB 540 and undocumented students have to receive the Cal Grant. This checklist helps students identify the necessary steps to apply for the Cal Grant.

Remember: You must first complete the California Dream Act Application in order to be considered for all state financial aid, including the Cal Grant and Middle-Class Scholarship. Use Step 1: CA Dream Act Application Checklist to complete the CA Dream Act Application.
  1. Successfully submit the CA Dream Act Application by March 3, an important priority deadline for all state grants.
    NOTE: Students attending community colleges can apply until September 2, 2025, and still be eligible for Cal Grants.
  2. Be sure your GPA has been verified before March 3 (or September 2) at mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov. Your high school or community college should have verified this information with the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). This is required to be considered for a Cal Grant.
    • If not, complete the student portion of the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form and have your high school counselor or college official fill out their part. Your school official should then email it to studentsupport@csac.ca.gov with the subject “Cal Grant GPA Verification Form G-4.”
  3. Always check your award status online at mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov and verify the school you are/will be attending.
  4. Choose the college or university you plan to attend. Cal grants will only be shown at one school. You must “change schools” if the school you are/will be attending is not listed on mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov.
  5. Complete any necessary steps or paperwork from your school to receive financial aid at your college or university.
  6. Ensure your school has received your AB 540 Non-Resident Tuition Exemption form if you are a new incoming student. You may also be asked to submit final official transcripts or attendance records to prove eligibility and become classified as a student with AB 540 status. Check with your campus for specific deadlines. To be eligible, you must:
    • Meet the attendance and degree requirements.
    • Be undocumented (including those with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or Temporary Protected Status (TPS)), a T or U visa holder, a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident. U visa holders or students with TPS must provide immigration documents to the admissions or registrar’s department at your school.

Other Things To Know for Community College Students

  1. Cal Grant A will be placed on hold for two years if the student attends a community college. If you are/will be studying in a community college for more than two years, you must re-apply.
  2. Students can use Cal Grant B and Cal Grant C if they attend a community college.
  3. Community College Entitlement Grants (CCEG) do not have an age limit.

Immigrants Rising helps you make decisions based on your potential, not your perceived limits. Visit our website so you can see what’s possible: immigrantsrising.org. For inquiries regarding this resource, please contact Madeleine Villanueva, Interim Director of Higher Education, at madeleine@immigrantsrising.org. Revised 11/2024.

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