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Dream Act FAQs

This FAQ page provides answers to common questions about the California Dream Act (CADAA), AB540 status, and finanacial aid options for undocumented students. Learn about eligibility, application deadlines, and resources available to support your education.

  • California Assembly Bill AB 540 is a California law passed in 2001 that exempts students (including undocumented students) who meet eligibility requirements from out-of-state tuition fees.
  • Please visit the Chabot Dream Center website for further information regarding eligibility criteria.
  1. Fill out the California Nonresident Tuition Excemption Request (AB 540 form) and submit it to the Admissions and Records Office. Additional documentation may be needed.
  2. Submit the CA Dream Act Application by the March 2nd priority deadline every year.
  • Assembly Bill 130 (AB 130) allows students who meet AB 540 criteria to apply for and receive non-state funded scholarships for public colleges and universities.
  • Assembly Bill 131 (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.
  • To be eligible to apply for Cal Grant, please be sure to complete the CA Dream Application by the March 2nd priority deadline.
  • No, undocumented students, including those with DACA status, are not eligible for federal financial aid such as Pell Grants, Work-Study, or federal student loans. However, undocumented students in California may qualify for state financial aid through the California Dream Act if they meet AB 540 requirements.
  • While you cannot apply for state financial aid without AB 540 eligibility, there are scholarships and other resources available for undocumented students.
  • No, DACA is not required to apply for the California Dream Act.
  • No, FAFSA is only for U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens (e.g., permanent residents, refugees, or asylees). Instead, undocumented students should complete the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) to apply for state financial aid.
  • If you don’t qualify for AB 540, you won’t be eligible for state financial aid like Cal Grants or the California College Promise Grant. However, you can explore private scholarships, tuition payment plans, and community resources to support your education.
  • The CADAA allows undocumented students in California to apply for state financial aid programs, including Cal Grants, CCPG, and more. It is the alternative to the FAFSA for undocumented students.
  • The priority deadline is April 2 of each year. Submitting by this date ensures you are considered for all available state financial aid programs, including Cal Grants.
  • Yes, you can still submit the CADAA after the April 2 deadline, but you may miss out on certain grants like Cal Grants, which have limited funding. It’s best to apply as early as possible.
  • Yes, you can still attend Chabot College. Payment plans are available to help make tuition more manageable.