Am I Eligible for the California Dream Act or FAFSA?

Students should only complete one of the applications (not both), according to the citizenship requirements below:

1. You are eligible to complete the FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov if you are a:

• U.S Citizen
• Permanent Resident
• Eligible non-citizen
• T Visa holder

2. You are eligible to complete the CADAA at https://dream.csac.ca.gov if you are:

• Undocumented
• Have a valid or expired DACA
• U Visa holders
• Have Temporary Protected Status (TPS) 2
• Meet the non-resident exemption requirements under AB 540, SB 2000, SB 68

Note: If you have further questions, including how to ensure you are completing the correct financial aid application, you can visit the Immigrants Rising website and review the document titled, “FAFSA VS CA Dream Act: Apply to the Correct Financial Aid,” at https://immigrantsrising.org/resource/fafsa-vs-ca-dream-act-apply-to-the-correct-financial-aid-in-ca/

How to Fill Out Your CADAA

 In order to apply for financial aid with the CADAA, there are a few items that you need:

• A valid and permanent email address (do not use an email provided to you by your school)
• Copies of tax information from 2 years before the award year you are applying for (if applicable) for you and your parent(s) or spouse

How to apply for financial aid using the CADAA: 

1. Visit the CADAA Application website: https://dream.csac.ca.gov/landing
2. Create a new account. You’ll need to answer a few pre-registration questions to confirm that you are eligible to apply
3. Once your CADAA account is created, you and your parent(s) or spouse, (if applicable) will complete the application questions
4. Electronically sign the CADAA. If parent information is required, only one parent’s electronic signature will be needed
5. Within a few days of submitting the CADAA, CSAC will process the application