The California Dream Act

1. CADAA online application is available October 1st.
2. Be aware of AB 540/ SB 68 requirements. Check the requirements with UCI Registrar’s Office.
3. Create a username and password for the CADAA. Don’t share it, and don’t forget it.
4. Do not wait to complete the application. March 2nd is the most important deadline.
5. Gather your important documents:
   • Social Security (if you have one)
   • Your, your parents, and/or your spouse (if married) federal income tax information, records of untaxed income, bank account balances, and investment information
   • The CADAA collects information from prior-prior year. For example, for your 2021-22 CADAA you will need to use income from your 2019 Federal Income Tax form.
6. If you are a Dependent student: Ensure your parent signs the application, by creating a PIN (personal identification number). Keep it in a safe place, and don’t share it. Verify with CSAC WebGrants that your GPA has been submitted. Read more about GPA requirements for new Cal Grant applicants.

Choose the CADAA if you are: 

• Undocumented
• Have a valid or expired DACA
• U Visa holders
• Have Temporary Proctected Status (TPS)
• Meet the non-resident exemption requirements under AB 540

Whether you are a new or continuing student, the process is the same. It’s online, it’s free and easy to complete. The application is available on October 1st of every year. Just remember to apply every academic year by the March 2nd priority deadline.

Under California law AB 540, certain nonresident students are exempt from paying nonresident supplemental tuition. If you're granted an AB 540 exemption, your in-state tuition and fees will be waived, and you will qualify for state financial aid . You are required to submit an AB 540 Application and Affidavit to the UCI Registrar’s Office. Once they approve your exemption, the Financial Aid Office will be informed. Check with them early in the Summer before the Fall Term starts to make sure you’re covered.

When you submit your California Dream Act application, and you include UCI (Code 001314), the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) will process your aid application and will provide you with a Student Aid Report (SAR), and UCI will also be informed.

The information on your SAR is the same we will receive. That information will help the Financial Aid Office to determine what financial assistance you’re eligible for—like state grants, University-based loans, work-study jobs and some scholarships. There’s no income cutoff to apply for financial aid, so you never know how much you qualify for until you apply. You’ll need to fill it out every year of your college career.

Once you‘ve submitted the CADAA, you’ll get an EFC (Expected Family Contribution) telling you how much your family is expected to contribute towards paying for college. We’ll then look at those numbers to assess your financial aid eligibility.

You may be eligible for a range of grants, university scholarships, and some private scholarships.

• Cal Grant*, Chafee Grant, Middle Class Scholarship
• UC Grants, State University Grants State-funded college work-study
• Some University scholarships
• Some private scholarships administered by campuses

*A certified GPA is also necessary for Cal Grant consideration. Get your information submitted before the March 2nd deadline.

This section must be completed accurately to ensure that the colleges and universities you have applied to will receive your California Dream Act application information. You must indicate at least one California college or university to be considered for a Cal Grant. To help the California Student Aid Commission determine your Cal Grant eligibility, it’s best to list a UC campus or other California four-year college or university first. The federal school code for UCI is 001314.