Assembly Bill 540 (AB-540)

What is AB-540?

In 2001, Texas became the first state to offer in-state tuition to undocumented students. California followed second by Approving Assembly Bill 540 on October 12, 2001.This bill has been in effectsince January 1, 2002 and it provides access for undocumented students of all nationalities that meet specific requironments to pay IN-STATE TUITION fees if they attend Californias Public Community Colleges, California State Universities, and University of California Institutions. In addition, U.S. Citizens and Legal Permanent Residents, who live outside of the state for over a year, to establish residency for tuition purposes.

Before the passage of this bill, undocumented students were required pay out-of state tuition at California's public universities regardless of how long they had lived in the state.

Who Qualifies for AB-540?

To qualify for AB-540 and thus be able to pay the in-state tuition in California, a student must:

  1. Attend a California high school for 3 or more years;
  2. Register or be currently enrolled in a Califronia Community College (CCC), Califronia State University (CSU), or a University of California (UC);
  3. Sign an affidavit (the Non-Resident Tuition Exception Form) with the college or university (non with ICE or USCIS) stating that the student will initiate the process to become a legal resident as soon as he or she is eligible to do so.

Note: AB-540 does not offer state and federal financial aid or loans. However there are private scholarships available that do nor require applicants to be permanent residents or U.S. Citizens.

Non-Resident Tuition Exemption Form

 

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