What is AB 540?

Assembly Bill 540 is a law that was passed in 2001 by the California legislature. This law is written for students who are undocumented or a U.S. Citizen/Permanent Resident who went to High School in California. If students meet specific requirements, including attending a California public institution of higher education, they are able to pay ‘resident fees’ instead of ‘non-resident fees.’


  • Attended a California high school for a minimum of three years


  • Graduate from a California high school OR pass the California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE) OR obtain a General Equivalency Diploma (GED, also called General Educational Development test)


  • Enroll in an accredited California institution of higher education (CCC, CSU, or UC)


File a “Non-Resident Tuition Exemption” Affidavit with the school. In the case of students without legal immigration status, they must state that they have filed or will file an application to legalize their immigration status as soon as they are eligible to do so. Download the form  submit a completed copy to Admissions and Records (Building 9, 1st floor).


 Recursos en Español


Información General AB 540: Un documento que proveé información en general sobre el acceso a la educación universitaria en California para estudiantes sin documentación legal de estatus migratorio.


Guia de Apoyo Para Estudiantes AB 540:


Mapa de el California Dream Act: Pasos Para Aplicar con Éxito