FAQs

Yes! In California, colleges and universities cannot deny admission based on your immigration status.

It depends. While undocumented students can apply for any major, they may face challenges with completing some specific major requirements. For example, STEM and business majors typically require internships to complete their degree, but some internships may require work authorization. Make an academic advisement appointment with your college to review non-coursework requirements and to see if there are alternatives available.

No! The DREAM Center is not just a place that supports undocumented students and mixed status families. We strive to foster a strong and welcoming community for everyone.

While undocumented students are ineligible for federal financial aid, like FAFSA, there are alternative state-funded options for undocumented students to pay for college and university, including AB 540 and the CADAA. In addition, the DREAM Loan Program are scholarships available to undocumented students! If you’d like to learn more, schedule an appointment with the DREAM Center.

AB 540 is a California law that passed in 2001 that allows eligible students to pay in-state tuition fees, even though they are out-of-state students. It also qualifies undocumented students to apply for the CADAA.

AB 540 eligibility requirements:

• Attend 3 or more years full-time at a California high school, adult school, community college or any combination of the three (or attain the credits equivalent to attendance).
• Graduate from a California high school orobtain a GED, HiSET or TASC in California or obtain an associate degree at a California community college, or fulfill the minimum transfer requirements to transfer from a California Community College to a University of California or California State University.
• Fill out the CSU Residency Questionnaire and California Nonresident Tuition Exemption Request.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a federal program that launched in 2012 and allows eligible non-citizens to receive a work permit, SSN and protection from immigration enforcement.

Since its creation, there have been legal battles challenging DACA’s legality and to ensure that states properly grant DACA rights to undocumented immigrants. In 2017, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that they would winding down DACA and halt expansions to the program. While no new applications are accepted, current DACA recipients may continue to renewal their status. While there are still legal battles to end the program, there are also activists speaking out to protect the program and to allow more people to benefit from it. On January 17, 2025, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against the program but allowed renewals to continue. Work authorizations may be revoked for DACA recipients in the state of Texas only, pending decisions from the Southern Texas District Court. Other states are not currently impacted—current DACA work authorizations remain valid and individuals may continue to apply for DACA renewals. However, no new DACA applications are being accepted.

The California Dream Act Application (CADAA) is California’s state financial aid application that allows undocumented AB 540 students to receive private scholarships, state and university grants, and eligibility to apply for state programs (i.e., EOP and EOPS). Students can complete the CADAA without a SSN or DACA. Completing the CADAA also qualifies students to apply for Cal Grants and the Middle-Class Scholarship. To apply, students must be AB 540 eligible, but other requirements can vary based on the award that they will receive.

In short, AB 540 helps lower cost of tuition and is required to complete the CADAA. The CADAA helps pay for university. DACA grants work authorization and protection from immigration enforcement.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the federal financial aid application for U.S. citizens, permanent residents (“green card holders"), T-visa holders and specific eligible non-citizens. Undocumented students and DACA recipients are not eligible for FAFSA.

The California Dream Act Application (CADAA) is California’s state financial aid application that allows undocumented AB 540 students to receive private scholarships, state and university grants, and eligibility to apply for state programs (i.e., EOP and EOPS). Students can complete the CADAA without an SSN or DACA.

Scholarships, grants and loans are types of financial aid to help pay for college.

Scholarships and grants are both “gift aid” that do not need to be paid back. The main difference is that scholarship eligibility is based on a student’s merits and achievements, while grant eligibility is based on a student’s financial need.

Loans are funds that students may borrow to help pay for college and must be paid back with interest when a student completes or leaves school. Undocumented students are ineligible for federal loans but may apply for private loans. Private lenders may have varying eligibility requirements, including credit scores or requiring a co-signer who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Yes! Besides the direct CADAA benefits, students may still be able to receive Cal Grants if they miss the priority deadline. Please note that students may receive less aid compared to the amount they would have received if they applied before the priority deadline.

Yes! The CADAA not only offers Cal Grants eligibility, but also qualifies students for certain private scholarships, state grants and university grants!

Yes! While the CADAA opens the opportunity for some scholarships, there are still private and institutional scholarships that you can apply for that don’t require proof of citizenship. Visit the Immigrant Rising Scholarships and Fellowships website to start looking for scholarships.

Under FERPA (1974) 34 CFR PART 99, CSUN staff, faculty and other officials cannot disclose a student’s immigration status without explicit written consent from the student or a judicial order.

While most on-campus jobs require work authorization, CSUN offers alternative paid opportunities, such as DSIG, College Corps and the IMPACT Fellowship. If you’d like to learn more, schedule an appointment with the DREAM Center!

This may vary by major, career path, state of employment and employer. In 2014, California passed SB 1159, which allows undocumented immigrants to use an ITIN in place of an SSN when applying for a certificate or professional license. However, this is not the same as work authorization, so undocumented immigrants will have to find alternative work opportunities, such as independent contracting, freelance or consulting. Check what licenses are available to undocumented immigrants in different states on the Higher Ed Immigration Portal.

While it’s possible to get a professional license in California, it isn’t automatically valid in other states, as states have different regulations and requirements, even if that state allows undocumented immigrants to get a certificate of professional license. Schedule an appointment with CARECEN if you want to learn more.