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Undocumented Students

Steps for Undocumented Students Applying to Palomar College

Palomar College welcomes all students, regardless of immigration status.  We’re excited you’re applying! Please follow the steps below to successfully enroll at Palomar College. We’re here to help every step of the way.

STEP ONE:  Apply & Activate

Applying for admission to Palomar College is a two-part process.  A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER IS NOT REQUIRED to apply.

  1. First, create an OpenCCC account at CCCApply.
    • Use an email and phone number that you have access to verify your account and continue the process.
    • You will be asked to complete the ID.me section to confirm your identity.
      • If you can’t complete the ID.me section,
      • Click on “What if I can’t verify my identity with ID.me?”
      • Read the “Decline Verification” box and proceed with the application.
    • You will receive an email confirming that your profile was successfully completed.
    • If you need help getting access to the application, contact the CCC Apply Student Help Desk:
      • Phone: (877) 247-4836
      • Email: support@openccc.net
  2. Second, continue with your free Palomar College online application.
    • Citizenship/Military section:
      • If you do not have a current, valid immigration status, choose “Other” from the drop-down menu and click the box labeled “No documents.”
    • Education section:
      • If applying for Summer or Fall terms before your high school graduation, indicate your expected graduation date and answer “Yes” to “Did you receive your diploma, GED, or certificate in California.”
      • If you will have attended 3 or more years of high school in California by graduation, answer “Yes” to “Have you attended high school in California for three or more years.”
      • Note: If you met  AB 540 eligibility through attendance from high school, adult school or credit & noncredit classes from California Community Colleges, or a combination,  you can also say “Yes”
    • Complete all remaining questions & submit your application.
  3. Once your Palomar application has been submitted:
    • Be sure to write down your 8-digit application confirmation number.
    • You will receive a welcome email from the Admissions Office with your student ID, and student email a few days after completing the application.
      • You will get a different email if you need to verify  your residency status/AB 540 eligibility.
    • If you do not receive a follow-up email within 3-5 business days containing your Palomar ID number, contact the Admissions Office.
    • Set up a password on your MyPalomar student portal. This password will be used for my Palomar, your Palomar student email and Canvas.  Be sure to save this password!
  4. If you need additional support, contact the Admissions Office and have your Palomar application confirmation number. If you go in person, please bring a valid photo ID, including but not limited to a passport, school ID, matricula, etc.)

STEP TWO: Complete the AB 540 Nonresident Tuition Exemption 

  1. AB 540 allows eligible students, including undocumented students, to pay in-state tuition and be considered for state-based financial aid through the California Dream Act. This is an important step!  Eligibility is based on:
    • Attendance requirements in California for high school, adult school, and community colleges (noncredit and credit courses) and;
    • Additional degree options that extend beyond the high school diploma & GED. Get more details at AB 540 general information &  AB 540 Quick Guide.
  2. To be considered for AB 540 and become exempt from nonresident fees, students must complete an AB 540 Affidavit.
    • There are two ways to complete the affidavit. However, it’s important to complete ONLY one to avoid delays.
      • Option ONE: Print the  AB 540 Affidavit, complete it, and be sure it is signed. Submit it:
        • In person:  at the Admissions Office (San Marcos campus) or any of our Education Centers (Escondido, Fallbrook, Rancho Bernardo). 
        • By Email: Send a PDF Copy from your Palomar Student Email to admissions@palomar.edu
      • Option TWO:  Use the affidavit already included in the California Dream Act Application. Select Palomar College as your college.
      • With either option, BE SURE to follow up with the Admissions Office to make sure that your affidavit has been received and processed at Palomar College.
    • Students who do not meet AB 540 requirements yet, have the option to meet these requirements by enrolling in noncredit classes at Palomar College or taking classes at our local adult schools, which are tuition-free and open to the community.
    • Students who do not meet AB 540 eligibility can still attend credit classes at Palomar College; however, they would have to pay non-resident fees.
  3. Students with certain humanitarian visas, who are not eligible for AB 540, might still have options to pay in-state fees if they meet specific requirements. Click here for more information

STEP THREE: Apply for Financial Aid & Scholarships

All students who will be eligible for AB 540 are encouraged to apply for financial aid through the CADAA (CA Dream Act Application) or scholarships. Students who are not eligible for AB 540  can apply for scholarships and/or sign up for a payment plan.

CADAA (CA Dream Act Application)

  1. Completing the CADAA will allow you to determine your eligibility for state aid such as the California College Promise Grant,  Cal Grants, or other aid.
    • The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), administers the CADAA,  and is  committed to protecting all CADAA data to the fullest extent of the law.Information you submit on the CADAA  is not shared with the federal government.
  2. As you begin to complete the application:
  3. After you submit your CADAA, check your confirmation page and then create an account on WebGrants for Students
  4. Check out Types of Aid Available for Undocumented Students in California for more details.  Depending on your eligibility, you might be able to receive financial aid beyond having your tuition waived.
  5. If you have questions regarding your financial aid status, contact Palomar’s Financial Aid Office 
    • In person:  Student Services Center (SSC)
    • Phone: (760) 744-1150 Ext. 2366
    • Email: finaid@palomar.edu

Institutional & Private Scholarships

  1. You can also apply for scholarships, which is money you don’t have to repay. Each scholarship has different requirements. Check out the options at  Palomar College the San Diego Foundation, or  Immigrants Rising’s List of Scholarships That Does Not Require Proof of U.S> Citizenship

STEP FOUR: Launch Your Success at Palomar College

  1. Orientation
    • Complete your New Student Online Orientation by signing in to MyPalomar. You will learn more about the resources available at Palomar to help you be successful in your academic journey.
    • Questions?
      • Phone: (760) 744-1150 Ext. 3756
      • Email: recruitment@palomar.edu
  2. Achieving your Career Goals
    • Begin your career exploration now. Whether you are undeclared or secured with a major, you can visit the Career Center to get support for your career path. Review the Palomar Pathways Mapper to help guide you to a field of study that will help you achieve your college goals.
    • Questions?
      • Phone: (760) 744-1150 Ext. 2194
      • Email: careercenter@palomar.edu
  3. Complete the annual online Sexual Assault Prevention for Community Colleges training. This training is required for all community college students in California.

STEP FIVE: Review Your Placement and Schedule a Counseling Appointment to Develop an Education Plan

  1. Review Your Placement for Math and English or ESL
    • Math and English placement are determined by the information provided in  MyPalomar.
    •  If you are an English language learner and would like to select an ESL course level, you will be guided to complete an ESL self-placement as part of your placement survey in MyPalomar.
      • For questions about ESL placement: (760) 744-1150 Ext. 2272
  2. Schedule an Appointment with a Counselor to Create Your Education Plan

STEP SIX: Register & Pay for Classes

  1. For your registration appointment, check MyPalomar student portal or your school email.
    • You may enroll for classes on or after your registration date in  MyPalomar.
    • To learn more about how to register, click here.  
    • You may pay enrollment fees online at MyPalomar, at the cashier’s office, or at any of our education centers. Be sure to pay before any drop deadlines. You can also set up a payment plan that will prevent you from getting dropped.
      • If you have not yet been approved as an AB 540 student, you will see the nonresident tuition fees. Try to get your AB 540 status resolved with the Admissions Office before you pay. If you do not meet AB 540 requirements,  consider using a payment plan
    • If you applied for the CA Dream Act application, but do not see your financial aid award in your MyPalomar yet check for any outstanding items on your to-do list. You should also check the confirmation page on your CA Dream Act Application or Webgrants 4 Students . If there are no outstanding items, contact Palomar’s Financial Aid Office.

Last modified on July 22, 2026