How do I request the AB 540 exemption form?

This page covers California public colleges. This is general information, not legal advice.

What is the AB 540 form?

It is a short signed statement. It tells your college you meet the AB 540 rules, so you can pay the in state price instead of the much higher nonresident tuition. Its official name is the California Nonresident Tuition Exemption Request (Chancellor's Office flyer).

If you do not have lawful immigration status, your signature also says you have filed, or will file, to legalize your status as soon as you are eligible. The form goes to your college, not to immigration.

The information you give is confidential under state law (Education Code 68130.5(d)).

Is there an easier way?

Yes, often. Since 2024, the AB 540 affidavit is built into the California Dream Act Application. CSAC sends it to every college you list.

• Community colleges and Cal State must accept the affidavit sent through the CA Dream Act Application, under AB 1540 (2023).
• UC (residence guidelines) says students who completed the affidavit in their CA Dream Act Application do not need a separate UC affidavit.

Your college may still ask for transcripts or proof that you graduated. If you are not filing the CA Dream Act Application, use the college's own form.

Where do I get the form?

At a community college Go to the Admissions Office at the college where you are enrolled or plan to enroll. Some colleges also post it online. Turn it in to that same office. The college may ask for more papers, like transcripts.

At Cal State Get the form from your campus admissions office or its website. Turn it in to the campus Office of Admissions and Records with official transcripts or attendance records that prove what you checked.

For example, San Jose State asks you to:

1. download its exemption form,
2. have official final transcripts sent to SJSU, and
3. email the form to residency@sjsu.edu.

SJSU says students who completed the CA Dream Act Application do not need the separate form, but still must send final transcripts. Its deadline is the last day of the semester you want the lower tuition for. Late forms count for the next term.

At UC After you accept an offer of admission, send your Statement of Legal Residence to the campus residence deputy. Be ready to give official California school transcripts and proof of high school graduation. If you miss UC's deadline, UC will not pay back the nonresident tuition you were charged.

What papers should I gather?

• Unofficial transcripts or attendance records from every California high school, adult school and community college you attended. Use them to fill in years and dates.
• Proof you graduated, or finished a GED, HiSET or CHSPE, or an associate degree.
• Official final transcripts when the college asks. Order them early.

What if my college says it has nothing on file?

1. Ask what they have. Sometimes the affidavit arrived but a transcript is missing.
2. Send it again. If you filed through the CA Dream Act Application, give the date you filed. Or fill out the college's own form and turn it in.
3. Pay or set up a payment plan by the due date so you are not dropped. The CSU form says the request does not pause what you owe.
4. Ask for the nonresident charge to come off once the exemption is approved for that term.
5. Get help from your Dream Resource Center if it is not fixed within a week or two.

Is this still the law?

Yes. In November 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice sued California over AB 540 (United States v. Newsom). The case is still open. A national case tracker updated October 5, 2026 says "Awaiting order," and we found no news of a ruling as of October 21, 2026. Colleges still apply the exemption. Details are on Can I still go to college in California as an undocumented student?

Do I have to do this every year?

Usually not. CSU's form says you keep the exemption as long as you still meet the rules. UC says you do not need to reapply while you stay continuously enrolled and nothing changes. If you transfer or start graduate school, the new college may ask for its own form. Tell your college if your status changes.

Who can help?

These are free. Contact them to confirm hours, languages and openings. Being listed here is not a referral or a promise of service.

• Your college's admissions or residence office: whether your affidavit is on file and which papers they need.
• Your college's Dream Resource Center or undocumented student program: help with forms.
• Your high school counselor: transcripts and proof of graduation.
• California Student Aid Commission: call (888) 224-7268 or email studentsupport@csac.ca.gov.

One form, turned in on time, can save you thousands of dollars a year. Do it this week.

Related questions

• Do I meet the AB 540 requirements?
• How do I get the CSU tuition exemption?
• How do I fill out the AB 540 affidavit?