Information and Resources for Undocumented Students
Recent legislation in the state of Virginia has made it possible for undocumented students to
apply for both in-state tuition and state financial aid.
In-State Tuition
Students who do not qualify for in-state tuition via Virginia “Domicile” requirements, should determine whether they can qualify for in-state tuition via a Tuition Equity application. This form can be completed before or after acceptance at a university.
Requirements for a student to qualify for the Tuition Equity provision:
- Not in the US on an student (F) trainee (H3), exchange visitor (J) or vocational (M) visa
- Has attended 2 years of high school in Virginia
- Has completed high school requirements resulting in graduation or GED in Virginia on or after July 1, 2008
- Parent has filed Virginia income taxes for at least 2 years (or the student has if they are independent)
- Has registered at a Virginia public college or university
Steps to apply for Tuition Equity as a dependent student:
- Apply to a Virginia public college or university.
- Gather the following documents to provide to your college or university:
- Photo Identification for student
- Final High School Transcript (must show at least 2 years of attendance) or GED
- Federal Income Taxes of person who student depends on.
- Virginia income tax returns (VA 760) for 2 previous years
- Complete the Tuition Equity Form at your college or university, usually located on the Admissions page.
- Upload supporting documents to the college per their instructions.
Students who are unable to complete FAFSA (undocumented/DACA) now have access to state financial aid via the VASA form.
Requirements for a student to complete VASA form:
- Not in the US on an student (F) trainee (H3), exchange visitor (J) or vocational (M) visa
- Has attended 2 years of high school in Virginia
- Has completed high school requirements resulting in graduation or GED in Virginia on or after July 1, 2008
- Parent has filed Virginia income taxes for at least 2 years (or the student has if they are independent)
- Planning to attend a Virginia public college or university
Use this survey to determine whether you should complete FAFSA or VASA (Note: only complete one, not both).
Please note that if you are eligible to complete the FAFSA, you should complete the FAFSA form. If you complete both forms, the institution will ignore the results of the VASA application and use only the results of the federal FAFSA. You should only complete the VASA application if you are not eligible to complete FAFSA.
Access the VASA form here. You will click on the blue box “File the VASA Application.” Here is a list of the documents you need to complete the VASA.
For more information, refer to these frequently asked questions about VASA.
Scholarship Resources for Undocumented Students
If you need help completing the VASA, please reach out to one of our Champions on our Appointments page.