Future UndocuSpartans

San José State University welcomes all students regardless of immigration status! If you are undocumented and considering applying to SJSU, there are a few things you should keep in mind as you are navigating the CSU admissions application, financial aid, and the new student enrollment process. In this page you will find general information and resources to support undocumented students who are applying to SJSU. 

The priority filing period for CSU admissions is October 1 - November 30. Visit Cal State Apply​ for up-to-date information. 

Jump to:

• CSU Application
• Paying for College
• Support for Newly Accepted Students

Things to Consider When Filling Out the CSU Application

• Citizenship

  • When filling out the CSU Admissions Application, indicate your citizenship status, your country of citizenship, and when you entered the US. 

    Undocumented students (including DACA) should select “none”. 

• Social Security Number Question

  • The application will ask you to enter your Social Security number (SSN). If you have been issued a SSN through a work permit (ex. DACA, TPS, EAD, etc), you are required to enter that number on your application.

    If you do not have a SSN, you can leave that item blank on the application and SJSU will assign you a temporary number.

• Residency Question

  • This refers to the state the student currently resides in. Students eligible for AB 540 should select “yes” for California residency.

    If you qualify for AB 540, you are considered a resident of California for tuition purposes.

    AB 540/ Residency Resources and FAQs:

    • CSU Residency Requirements for Tuition Purposes

    • SJSU Office of the Registrar Residency Information

• AB 540 and the In-State Tuition Eligibility Process

  • All newly admitted students, including transfer students, must submit the CA Non-Resident Tuition Exemption form along with supporting documents to be considered for in-state tuition, and therefore the CA Dream Act. 

    Visit our AB 540 page to learn more about in-state tuition eligibility for undocumented students.

• Student Privacy

  • San Jose State University does not release information from student records to third parties without a written consent from the student. See FERPA

Related Links

• CSU Admissions Process: Get general information about completing the CSU Admissions Application.
• Cal State Apply Applicant Help Center: Questions about the CSU Admissions application? Professional staff are available to help students and families navigate the admissions application. 
• (11/28) Webinar Recording: Navigating SJSU Admissions and Beyond: Presentation for Undocumented Students and Families.

Pre-Admissions Guidance

• Undergraduate Pre-Admissions Counseling (SOAR): If you have questions about applying to SJSU, you can meet with a pre-admissions counselor through the Student Outreach and Recruitment (SOAR) department. Connect with SOAR to learn about the SJSU admissions requirements and to receive assistance with the application process. 

• College of Graduate Studies Outreach & Recruitment: Interested in completing a graduate degree at SJSU? The Graduate Enrollment Management (GEM) team offers virtual information sessions and virtual and in-person drop-in sessions.

Paying for College

There are many resources available for undocumented students to make college affordable. Undocumented students may be eligible to pay the in-state tuition rate and obtain state and university aid by demonstrating time living and attending school in California. Visit our Paying for College page for more information about AB 540, CA Dream Act, and other opportunities.

State Aid for UndocuSpartans

Support for Newly Admitted Students

Connect with the USRC

Undocumented and mixed-status students that have been accepted to SJSU can schedule an appointment with the USRC to connect with a staff member in person or via zoom.  

If you have not applied to SJSU and you want to know more about the CSU Admissions process, please visit the Student Outreach and Recruitment office to connect with a Pre-Admissions Counselor.

SPARK:  First-Year Peer Mentoring Program for Undocumented Students

We invite newly admitted undergraduates to become part of Spartans Promoting Advocacy, Resources, and Knowledge (SPARK), a peer mentorship program that seeks to support undocumented students as they navigate their first year at SJSU.

Through mentor-mentee connections, community-building activities, and informative workshops, SPARK strives to cultivate a nurturing environment that kindles a sense of belonging and empowerment amongst UndocuSpartans. 

Those accepted into SPARK will have the opportunity to participate in the SPARK Summer Academy which will take place on Monday, July 29th through Friday, August 2nd.

Visit the SPARK page to learn more about the program and apply for the 2024-2025 cohort.

Note: This program is only available for undergraduate students admitted for the Fall semester.