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Dream Act

The California Dream Act allows undocumented and nonresident students (U.S. Citizens and eligible non-citizens) who qualify for a non-resident exemption under Assembly Bill 540 (AB 540) to receive certain types of financial aid such as: private scholarships funded through public universities, state administered financial aid, university grants, community college fee waivers, and Cal Grants.

The California Dream Act Application allows students interested in attending eligible California Colleges, Universities and Career Education Programs to apply for state financial aid. This application is unrelated to the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

Completion of the California Dream Act Application is required to determine financial aid for California AB540 eligible students.

CASH FOR COLLEGE WEBINARS TO HELP APPLY

The Priority Deadline for the 2024-25 Dream Act is May 1, 2024

Completed and submitted applications will be processed by the California Student Aid Commission. The following questions will determine whether this is the best financial aid application for you or whether you should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

  • Do you have a social security number?
  • Did you obtain your social security number after the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) granted you Deferred Action status and you received your social security number through an Employment Authorization Card and your card states it is for work purposes only?
  • Do you meet the AB540 criteria?
  • Have you already filed a FAFSA?
  • If you are eligible to complete a Dream Act Application, you will be allowed to start the Application.

Gather the following items and information before applying

  • Driver’s license 
  • Date of Birth: Both student and parent(s)/adoptive parent(s)
  • Student and parent(s)/adoptive parent(s) ITIN numbers
  • Student and parent(s)/adoptive parent(s) Income tax return 
  • Student and parent(s)/adoptive parent(s) W-2 forms 
  • Parent(s)/adoptive parent(s) full names and marital status 
  • College Code - Allan Hancock College school code is 001111

Go to https://dream.csac.ca.gov/ and select new or returning user

Review your Dream Act Student Aid Report. If you are considered a dependent and your parent does not e-sign your Dream Act, your Dream Act Application will be rejected, and will not be used by your college(s). 

Dream Act Resources for Reference

Dream Act (English)

Dream Act (Spanish)

Dream Act Application Worksheet

Dream Act Name DOB Change Form

Dream Act Parent Signature Page

Dream Act FAQ's