Step 1: Apply for AB540 Status

Apply for AB540 Classification (Undergraduate Students Only)

Under California law AB 540, certain undocumented students may receive a waiver to avoid paying out-of-state fees.

If granted AB 540 classification, you will pay in-state tuition and avoid supplemental nonresident tuition (approximately $30,000).

An additional benefit is eligibility for state and university financial aid, which is otherwise unavailable to undocumented students.

Are You Eligible for AB540 Classification?

Students must meet all three requirements below:

1. Time and Coursework Requirement

Either:

• Attendance for three full-time years (or equivalent) at:
  • California high school
  • California adult school (including non-credit community college courses)
  • California community college (max two years credit-bearing)
• Three years of California high school coursework AND three years of attendance at a California elementary or secondary school

2. Degree or Unit Requirement

• Graduate from a California high school (or equivalent)
• Earn an associate’s degree from a California community college
• Meet transfer requirements to a UC or CSU

3. Submit Nonresident Exemption Request

Submit a signed California Nonresident Exemption Request (AB540 application) , confirming eligibility and immigration status plans.

Who Is Not Eligible for AB540?

Students with nonimmigrant visas (A, B, C, D, E, F, etc.) are not eligible.

Exceptions: T and U visa holders with approved I-485 applications may qualify under UC policy.

DACA recipients who do not meet AB 540 requirements are not eligible.

Steps to Apply

1. Complete your Statement of Legal Residence after accepting admission.
2. Submit the AB540 Affidavit if requested and provide documentation to verify eligibility.

If approved, you do not need to reapply as long as your status remains unchanged and you stay continuously enrolled.

Where to Submit Your Forms

• Undergraduate Students: Submit through the UCSD Applicant Portal.
• Graduate Students: Submit via Applicant Portal and email documents to residencedeputy@ucsd.edu.
• Programs without Applicant Portal: Email documents with your PID.
• Medical and Pharmacy Students: Email documents with your PID.

Why AB540 Matters

AB540 waives out-of-state tuition and allows undocumented students to access financial aid through the California Dream Act.

Without AB540, students are not eligible for state or UC financial aid.

Questions or Need Help?

Contact the Residency Deputy for support.