Submitting the AB 540 Affidavit Required for New Incoming Students at CCCs, CSUs, or UCs

Themes/Topics: Higher Education

Geography: California

Audience: Undocumented Youth

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What is the AB 540 Affidavit?

The AB 540 Affidavit, also known as the Nonresident Tuition Exemption Form, allows eligible students to avoid paying nonresident fees at the California Community Colleges, California State Universities, and Universities of California. Approval of an AB 540 Affidavit is also required for nonresident students to receive state-based financial aid.

Who should complete the AB 540 Affidavit?

You should fill out the AB 540 Affidavit if you are an incoming student without lawful immigration status (undocumented), including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) grantees; or with T or U nonimmigrant status, TPS, U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Residence, or other lawful residence and are classified as a nonresident. You must meet the eligibility criteria for AB 540 and all its expansions. You can read more about the eligibility requirements explained in the AB 540 Quick Guide.

How can I submit an AB 540 Affidavit?

There are two main ways to submit your affidavit:

  1. Download or complete the affidavit on the website of the college or university you are planning to attend, fill it out, and sign it. Then submit it to Admissions & Records (CCC), Admissions (CSU), or Registrar (UC);
    OR
  2. If you completed a California Dream Act Application after January 2024, the AB 540 Affidavit is now embedded within the application. The affidavit will be sent directly to all of the colleges and universities that the student listed on the CA Dream Act Application as long as the application is valid. Students must provide all documentation of their attendance and degree requirements to the college and university they are attending when requested.

What documentation will I have to submit?

All UCs, CSUs, and some CCCs, require students to submit two types of documentation with the affidavit. The remaining CCCs only require the affidavit as confirmation that all the information on the affidavit is true. The documentation includes:

  1. Official transcript(s) from a CA high school or CA Community College (CCC), a copy of your attendance records from a CCC noncredit program or an adult school or equivalent (GED, CHSPE, TASC, or HISET), or a combination. If you have three years of high school credits, and attended a combination of three years at CA elementary & secondary schools, you may also be required to submit your transcripts from these schools.
  2. Proof that you have or will have graduated with a high school diploma or the equivalent (GED, CHSPE, TASC, or HiSet), an associate’s degree from a CCC, or proof that you will have completed the minimum requirements for transfer to a CSU or UC.

When should I submit my affidavit?

You should submit your affidavit prior to the deadline listed at your school. This is usually sometime after you receive your acceptance letter and prior to your new student orientation (roughly between March and May). Check with your school for specific deadlines. Continuing students should not be required to submit a new affidavit once approved, unless they have not attended classes for a full year and need to reapply to the school.

What should I do after I submit my affidavit?

You should follow up with your school 1-2 weeks after submission to ensure that the college or university received all the necessary paperwork.

How do I complete the affidavit?

Fill out your full name, student ID number, address, email, and schools attended, including dates, month/year and number of credits or hours completed. You will also be required to attest that you meet the eligibility criteria. You must check the immigration status that pertains to you and sign the form. Read it carefully and check the correct box1&2. Most undocumented and citizen students complete the box that states:

  • I do NOT have a current nonimmigrant status as defined by federal law.
    This includes, among others, students who are undocumented, DACA recipients, have TPS, are U.S. Citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, and individuals without a current or valid immigration status.

Complete your CA Dream Act Application or print out the proper affidavit today:

[1] Students with T or U non-immigrant or refugee status should consult with their school before completing the affidavit.
[2] Students who have been admitted to the U.S. on a temporary nonimmigrant visa (with the exception of T & U Visas holders) are not eligible to apply for the nonresident tuition exemption.

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 [email protected]. Reviewed 10/2024.

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