Immigration Information
A student seeking to pay in-state tuition at a California State University campus as a first-time freshman, transfer, or post-baccalaureate/graduate student must have an eligible immigration status to establish residency. Therefore, the student must be a United States citizen, a permanent resident (Green Card holder), or hold an eligible visa status (see list). If a student does not qualify as a California resident, the student may be eligible for certain exceptions and exemptions.
Nonimmigrant Statuses and Other Categories that are Eligible to Establish California Residency for Tuition Purposes
The Immigration and Nationality Act allows individuals of certain nonimmigrant statuses to establish permanent residency in the United States. Therefore, they are entitled to establish California residency for tuition purposes. Students must hold an eligible visa status at least one year before the Residence Determination Date to be eligible to establish California residency for tuition purposes. Review the
Nonimmigrant list for a complete list of eligible visas and other eligible categories.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
Students with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) are also eligible to establish residency for tuition purposes. Also, students adjusting their immigration status, such as asylum, may qualify for residency depending on where they are in the application process.
California Nonresident Tuition Exemption (AB 540 Exemption)
Nonresident students (including US citizens, permanent residents, and undocumented individuals, including students with a T visa U visa, DACA, or TPS) may be exempted from paying nonresident tuition. Students seeking the AB 540 Exemption must satisfy attendance and graduation/transfer requirements from a California school (e.g., K-12, adult school, and community college).
The California Dream Act allows certain students who have been granted the AB 540 Exemption to qualify for California financial aid. Students wanting to be eligible for the California Dream Act must have an AB 540 Exemption affidavit on file and remain classified as nonresidents. It is encouraged for students, particularly students with DACA or TPS, to review the eligibility requirements and seek financial aid advice from the campus Financial Aid Office to learn more about the California Dream Act.
Non-Eligible Statuses
International Students With an F-1 or J-1 Visa
Most nonimmigrant visa holders, such as an F-1 or J-1 visa holders, are not eligible to establish California residency for tuition purposes. Students with a visa or without an immigration status should contact the campus Admissions Office.
B-1/B-2 Visitors Who Want to Enroll in a CSU
Campus
According to federal regulations
8 CFR § 214.2(b), B-1 and B-2 visas are "visitors" visas. Nonimmigrant visas permit individuals to enter the United States
temporarily for business (B-1) or pleasure or medical treatment (B-2). These nonimmigrant visas generally allow an individual to enter the US for a short period of time, generally no longer than six months.
B-1 and B-2 visa holders
are prohibited from enrolling in the course of study at a US Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school. Enrolling in the course of study constitutes a violation of the individual's B-1 or B-2 status and has serious consequences for the individual, even including possible deportation/removal.
If you are a B visa holder interested in attending a California State University campus, you should consult with an immigration attorney to discuss your specific situation and the options available to you. The following providers may be able to provide you with a confidential consultation,
Immigrant Legal Defense,
Central American Resource Center,
The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, and
Jewish Family Service of San Diego.
If you have an expired visa, please refer to the Undocumented Students section.