How to apply to UC and Cal State as an undocumented student

This page covers the two applications. It is general information, not legal advice. For college costs and aid, see Paying for college in California. For the whole picture, see College, whatever your status.

Can I apply without papers?

Yes. UC has a guide for undocumented applicants, and Cal State says undocumented students who meet the AB 540 rules can be exempt from nonresident tuition (CSU). You do not need DACA (CSAC).

We know these forms can feel risky. UC says immigration status will not be used outside the application process other than for legitimate educational interests, such as health care, counseling, job placement and financial aid (UC).

A federal lawsuit, United States v. Newsom, challenges California's in state tuition and Dream Act aid. As of October 21, 2026 we found no ruling, and AB 540 and Dream Act aid remain in effect. Apply as normal. See College, whatever your status for updates.

When do I apply?

Do not wait until the last day. Websites slow down near deadlines.

How do I answer the UC application questions?

These are the parts that are different for you (UC guide, checked October 19 to 21, 2026):

Citizenship. "No Selection" is a valid answer. If you choose it, you will not be asked about permanent residency or visa status. UC does not say on that page whether this choice affects your admission decision.

Social Security number. Enter a valid Social Security number, a Social Security number for work purposes (usually from DACA), or an ITIN if you have one. If you have none, leave it blank. Whatever you use must match the number on your CA Dream Act Application.

Parents' citizenship. These questions are optional. UC says skipping them will not affect your admission decision. UC uses the answers only to decide tuition residency.

California residency. The application asks where you live. UC says being a California resident for admission does not automatically make you a resident for tuition. For the in state price, you use AB 540.

Talking about your status. You can mention it in your personal insight answers if you want. UC says it is not required, but it can give more context.

Fee waiver. AB 540 eligible undocumented students who meet the income rules can get fees waived for up to four campuses. You will see it in the application right away. Each campus beyond your waiver is $80. Fee waivers cannot cover more than four campuses, whatever their source.

How do I answer the Cal State Apply questions?

Cal State Apply is one online application for all Cal State campuses. You get a Cal State Apply ID by email, and you do not have to finish in one sitting (Immigrants Rising CSU quick guide).

Citizenship. A community college guide for undocumented applicants tells students to choose "None" for U.S. citizenship status (Butte College guide). Read every choice carefully. Pick the one that is true for you.

Social Security number. If you have one, for example through DACA, enter it. If not, leave it blank. The guide says the campus will give you a temporary number.

Fee and waiver. Cal State charges $70 per campus. You are considered for a fee waiver automatically once your application is complete. Cal State Apply's help center says AB 540 students without lawful status can be eligible if they are first year or transfer undergraduates and have lived in California more than one year, for up to four campuses a term. Report your family income carefully. Each campus handles appeals.

Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). If you are low income and first generation, look at EOP on the application. Cal State lists the EOP Grant among aid for undocumented students (CSU financial aid).

What should I never do?

Never claim to be a U.S. citizen on any form if you are not one. A false claim to U.S. citizenship can make a person inadmissible under federal immigration law, which can block a future green card (8 U.S.C. 1182). This holds even if a counselor or friend tells you "just check citizen so it goes through." If a question is unclear, leave it, choose "No Selection" where offered, or ask the campus.

Also avoid:

• Using a Social Security number that is not yours
• Using a different number on your college application than on your CA Dream Act Application
• Paying someone to fill out your application for you. Free help is listed below.

What do I do after I apply?

Submitting is half the job. These steps get you the in state price and state aid.

1. File the California Dream Act Application by March 2, 2027 (CSAC). It is free. It has a short section for the AB 540 affidavit. See How to apply for the CA Dream Act.
2. Make sure each school has your AB 540 paperwork. Cal State and community colleges must accept the affidavit you submit through the CA Dream Act Application (AB 1540, 2023). UC says students who completed the affidavit in the CA Dream Act Application do not need a separate UC affidavit (UC RPG 2026-27). Some campuses, like San José State, still need your official final transcripts (SJSU).
3. At Cal State, if your campus asks, send the Nonresident Tuition Exemption form with your official transcript. Applying does not change your duty to pay any nonresident fees due before your exemption is approved, so ask about timing (CSUMB form).
4. At UC, after you accept, submit your Statement of Legal Residence to the campus residence deputy by its deadline. If you miss it, UC will not pay back nonresident tuition later (UC RPG 2026-27).
5. Check your portals every week. Missing documents can hold up your admission or aid.
6. Compare offers with our worksheet before you accept.

Questions people ask

Do I need DACA to get in state tuition or aid? No. AB 540 and the CA Dream Act do not require DACA (CSAC).

Can I apply to private colleges too? Yes. Their rules and aid differ. Ask each school.

My parents are afraid to put their information on forms. On the UC application, parent citizenship questions are optional. For the CA Dream Act Application, talk to your Dream Center about what is asked and why. See ICE, college records and your rights.

I have TPS or a U visa. Is it the same? You can still use AB 540 for the in state price. Some statuses can also lead to full residency over time. See How to become a California resident for tuition after your status changes.

Who can help?

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

• Your high school counselor or community college transfer center
• College Dream Centers and Dreamer Resource Liaisons: every community college and Cal State campus must have a liaison (Education Code 66021.8). Bay Area list: Dream Centers
• UC undocumented applicant questions: undoc@ucop.edu
• CSAC Cash for College workshops (California): free, October 1 to June 30 (Cash for College). CSAC student support: (888) 224-7268
• UC Immigrant Legal Services Center: free immigration legal help for UC students and their immediate family on nine campuses; filing fees may apply (UC ILSC)

Is there a checklist I can print?