AB 540 (CA Nonresident Tuition Exemption)

The California Nonresident Tuition Exemption (AB 540) allows eligible non-California residents (including U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and undocumented individuals) to pay in-state tuition at public colleges and universities in California. 

To qualify, students must have attended at least three years, graduated, or earned an equivalent degree from a California school.

To learn if you qualify, read the eligibility requirements and the FAQs on the CA Nonresident Tuition Exemption form [pdf].

Questions? Contact the Office of the Registrar at [email protected] or the Residency Coordinator, Sophie Lanh at [email protected].

Two Ways to Apply for AB 540:

1. Submit PDF form

How:

1. 1. Obtain and fill out the CA Nonresident Tuition Exemption form [pdf].
   2. Submit your official final transcript(s) to prove your school attendance & graduation. If you already submitted it, please write “final transcript submitted” across the top of the affidavit form.
   3. Submit the completed CA Nonresident Tuition Exemption form via email to the Office of the Registrar at [email protected] or to Residency Coordinator Sophie Lanh at [email protected].

2. Via CA Dream Act Application

How:

• • Beginning Fall 2024, the CA Nonresident Tuition Exemption for (AB 540) will be included in the CA Dream Act Application (CADAA). The undocumented students who have completed the CADAA will not need to submit a separate form.
  • Submit your official final transcript(s) to prove your school attendance & graduation. If you already submitted your final transcript then no further action is needed. 

Note:

• • If you are not filing a CADAA and wish to be considered for the AB 540 Exemption, you must submit the PDF form, see item 1. above.
  • For CA Dream Act application and Financial Aid questions, please visit the Financial Aid Office website or contact the Financial Aid Office.

Where to Submit Official Transcripts:

Please have your high school and/ or community college(s) submit them by:

1. Email to [email protected] (preferred method), or
2. Mail to:

• • • • San Jose State University
        Office of the Registrar
        Attn: Residency Coordinator
        One Washington Square 
        San Jose, CA 95192-0009

Deadline:

You must submit the CA Nonresident Tuition Exemption form by the last day of the semester to which you want in-state tuition applied (end of semester day on the Provost Calendar). If you submit it after this deadline, the exemption will apply to the next term.

Additional Resources:

• The UndocuSpartan Student Resource Center offers support to undocumented and mixed-status students. 
• Immigrants Rising provides Systemwide AB 540 FAQs [pdf] to help students better understand AB 540 eligibility across the CSU, UC, and CCC. 
• CA Dream Act Application