If you are applying to DVC as a first time student, please start the process by reviewing the steps to enroll page.  In addition, below are some helpful tips for going through the application process as an undocumented student.

Social Security Number

• If you have a valid Social Security Number (SSN) — for instance, because of immigration proceedings — enter that on the application.
• If you have an SSN for work purposes (usually through DACA), use that where the application asks for an SSN.
• If you don’t have a valid SSN or SSN for work purposes, but do have an Individual Tax Payer Identification Number (ITIN), use the ITIN in place of an SSN on the application.
• If you don’t have a valid SSN, SSN for work purposes, or ITIN, leave this item blank.

Make sure that the number you use on this item in the application is the same as the SSN or ITIN you enter on your California DREAM Act Application.

Citizenship and Immigration

As an undocumented student, you may choose “other” from the drop down menu under Citizenship and Immigration and check the box labeled "No documents". This option is considered a valid response and we recommend this choice for undocumented applicants, including those with DACA status. By choosing “No documents,” you’ll avoid being asked other questions about permanent residency and visa status that are not applicable to you. Remember, this information is kept private and will only be shared with District colleges and the State Chancellor's Office.

California Residency

The application will ask you a series of questions to determine if you are eligible for California residency for the purpose of admissions. Keep in mind: Being a California resident for admissions purposes does not necessarily mean you will be considered a resident for tuition purposes. Find out if you are eligible for a nonresident tuition exemption (AB540).

Concurrently enrolled students (high school students enrolled in college classes) who are classified as non-resident students for tuition purposes may be eligible for the SB150 waiver of non-resident tuition while still in high school. Students must be special admit part-time (enrolled in 11 units or less) students who currently reside in California and are attending high school in California. Students wishing to take advantage of this exemption should complete the residency reclassification process and submit a copy of high school transcripts showing current enrollment. Forms and attachments must be submitted to the Admissions and Records Office.  

Undocumented students attending DVC are charged out-of-state tuition fees ($321 per unit). To qualify for reduced tuition ($46 per unit), students must provide proof of AB540 eligibility by submitting the Non-resident Tuition Exemption Request Form to DVC Admissions with a copy of official high school transcripts. If you have any questions about Assembly Bill (AB) 540, please contact DVC Admissions and Records at admissions@dvc.edu.

Undocumented students who meet AB540 requirements are eligible to apply for financial aid and EOPS.

Below are the steps to apply for financial aid as an undocumented student:

1. Apply for the California Dream Act

Complete the California Dream Act Application online and make sure DVC is listed as a college on the application. The California Dream Act allows undocumented students who qualify for a non-resident exemption under Assembly Bill 540 (AB 540) to receive certain types of financial aid. Ideally, students should apply between October 1 - March 2nd and the application must be renewed every year.

2. Submit AB540 form to Admissions

To qualify for the California Dream Act, students must provide proof of AB540 eligibility by submitting the Non-resident Tuition Exemption Request Form to DVC Admissions with a copy of high school transcripts.

3. Check Insite Portal for updates

About two weeks after submitting the California Dream Act Application online, the DVC Financial Aid Office will send a follow-up email to your InSite account with more instructions. You may be required to complete and submit additional forms or documents to Financial Aid. To find out, log into InSite and click on the Financial Aid icon.

4. Submit required documents

After you have printed, gathered, and completed all documents listed on the Financial Aid Checklist, contact the undocumented student liaison in the financial aid office to submit your documents:

• Phoebe Keesey—pkeesey@dvc.edu; (925) 969-2124

5. Select how you want to receive your aid

If you are eligible for financial aid, you will need to select your disbursement preference. To select your preference, visit www.4cd.edu/bankmobile.

6. Review your award letter

You will receive a financial aid award offer email in your InSite account about 2-4 weeks after submitting your documents. The award letter will be posted to your InSite account and list the type and amount of financial aid you qualified to receive.

Questions?

Check out these additional resources:

• CA Dream Act - steps to apply
• CA Dream Act - list of potential awards
• AB540 Checklist
• Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions about financial aid programs for undocumented students or the status of your California Dream Act application, please contact the Dreamers Alliance at dreamers@dvc.edu.

DVC hosts the Welcome Day event for new incoming students every semester. It is a great way to explore the campus, learn about resources, mingle with other students and meet the DVC community. Dreamers are highly encouraged to attend this event to maximize your student experience at DVC!

Learn more about Welcome Day!

Don't go it alone! If you'd like to work with other students and friendly faculty who share your interests and concerns, then check out DVC's learning communities.

In a learning community, you take a set of classes (two or more) together, which gives you a great opportunity to make friends. Even better, these shared classes are specifically designed to help you do your best as a college student. Classes in a learning community are linked by common themes or student interest. Check out the list below to find a community that works for you. Visit our Learning Community website to view the full list of learning communities you can join at DVC!

FYE

The First Year Experience Program curriculum is designed to engage students by offering various Learning Communities pathways that are both challenging and collaborative. The spirit of the Learning communities is to educate, as you might expect, but to also build community amongst students and faculty.

MESA

MESA (Math, Engineering, Science Achievement) is a statewide program for educationally and economically underrepresented students majoring in calculus- based Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) fields.

Puente

The Puente Project combines English instruction, with a focus on the Mexican American/Latino experience, Counseling, and mentorship to help Puentistas transfer to colleges and universities.

Community of Pride

Community of Pride is a new learning community that focuses on LGBTQ+ history, activism, and also meets your general education requirements. 

Umoja

Umoja (a Kiswahili word meaning unity) is a statewide community of educators and learners committed to the academic success, personal growth and self-actualization of African American and other students.