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2026-27 California Dream Act Application
2026-27 California Dream Act Application
The California Dream Act Application (CADAA) allows undocumented students, DACA recipients (valid or expired), U Visa holders and students under Temporary Protected Status (TPS), who qualify for a non-resident exemption under AB 540, SB 2000, and SB 68, 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 CA Dream Act, allows eligible students to pay in-state tuition at any public college in California.
Note: CADAA for Mixed Status Families (MSF) continues to be available for new and renewal applicants in the 2026-27 school year. Students may opt to file CADAA for MSF (instead of FAFSA) because: (1) Their non-SSN contributors are unable to successfully access and sign their student’s FAFSA, (2) They intend to file FAFSA later, (3) They only want to be considered for CA state financial aid and institutional aid.
You are eligible to complete the CADAA if you are a:
Undocumented
Have a valid or expired DACA
U Visa holders
Have Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
Meet the non-resident exemption requirements under AB 540, SB 2000, SB 68
Visit https://dream.csac.ca.gov/.
CADAA filing support at:
888-224-7268
2026-27 CADAA line-by-line_Webinar.pdf2026-27 CADAA Line-By-Line Webinar, presented by CSAC on 9/4/2025. (Download Here)
2026-27 Filing Year Resources for Students
2026-27 Filing Year Resources for Students
CSAC Undocumented Students Site: csac.ca.gov/undocumented
Access Resources, FAQs, and Info About Undocumented Student Safety
Next-Steps-After-Submitting-Your-Financial-Aid-Application.pdfNext Steps After Submitting Your Application (Download)
Immigrants Rising
Immigrants Rising
The AB 540 Quick Guide (available in English and Spanish) lists the attendance and degree required to qualify for in-state tuition. AB 540 is needed to be eligible for state financial aid through the CA Dream Act.
Get support by reaching out to your school’s Dream Resource Center or FA office. Use this map to see where your nearest dream resource center is!
Understand the Differences - In-State Tuition and CA Dream Act (Download)
Understand the Differences - In-State Tuition and CA Dream Act (Immigrants Rising).pdfSJSU UndocuSpartan Resource Center
SJSU UndocuSpartan Resource Center
Resources for UndocuAllies: Here you will find the CSU Online Training for UndocuAllies, and relevant resources for educators working with undocumented students.
Know Your Rights: Here you will find information about student rights related to campus safety, employment, immigration, and more.
Professional Development Resources for Undocumented Students: Here you will find a number of curated resources that help students navigate professional development and paid opportunities, regardless of DACA.
FREE Immigration Legal Support Services at SJSU: Students, staff, faculty, and immediate families have access to free immigration services through our program. We encourage individuals to schedule an appointment as soon as possible to learn about their immigration options.
Paying For College: In this section you will find information on resources to help undocumented students make college affordable.
You Deserve Care: Wellness, Basic Needs, & Community Support: This page highlights mental health resources for undocumented students available on and off campus.
Dream Act Service Grant (DSIG)
Dream Act Service Grant (DSIG)
The California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant (DSIG) Program provides financial assistance to eligible California Dream Act Application (CADAA) students who complete community or volunteer service. This program supports students in gaining valuable, hands on experience while earning additional financial aid.
Award Amount: Up to $4,500 per academic year ($2,250 per semester or $1,500 per quarter)
Duration: Available for up to 8 semesters or 12 quarters while the student maintains an active Cal Grant A or B award
Separate Application Required? Yes – Students must submit a DSIG application for each award year in addition to the CADAA.
Application Start & Deadline: DSIG Applications are available starting July 1 and accepted until June 30 of the academic year or until all 1,667 awards are exhausted, whichever comes first. The CADAA should be submitted by the priority deadline for state aid.
The California Student Aid Commission has strict security and confidentiality policies and procedures in place to protect the integrity and confidentiality of student records.
The California Student Aid Commission has not now, or in the past, shared any information which would indicate a student's immigration status, either documented or undocumented. The California Student Aid Commission also adheres to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99), a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records.
Pursuant to section 502 of the California Penal Code and Public Law 99-474, Title 18, United States Code unauthorized access to applicant information will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
- California Student Aid Commission © 2021 - 2024
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