Related Legislation
On February 26, 2014, Governor Jay Inslee signed into law the REAL Hope Act (SB 6523), also known as the Washington Dream Act. Beginning with the 2014-15 academic year, this new law expands eligibility for the Washington College Grant to non-citizens who meet the program’s eligibility requirements in addition to all three residency criteria listed below:
- Have graduated from a Washington high school or obtained a GED in Washington
- Have lived in Washington for three years prior to, and continuously since, earning the high school diploma or equivalent
- Sign an HB 1079 affidavit (written promise) to file an application to become a permanent resident of the United States when eligible to apply
*Students granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) must also complete and sign the HB 1079 affidavit.
The Washington Student Achievement Council has provided a state application for students who are unable to complete a FAFSA due to their immigration status. This free application—known as the Washington Application for State Financial Aid, (WASFA)—will allow non-citizens to apply for student financial aid in Washington State. WASFA allows students who are not eligible to complete the FAFSA due to immigration status to apply for Washington State financial aid. Upon successful completion of a WASFA, the college(s) chosen by the student will use the financial information provided in the application to determine eligibility for Washington State financial aid programs, including the Washington College Grant.
*Please note that the information provided by the student to the institution and the WASFA is protected under FERPA and applicable state privacy laws and will not be shared with third parties except as permitted or required by law. Applying for WASFA does not affect a student’s immigration status.
Visit the WASFA application website to learn more and apply.
Effective July 25, 2021, Senate Bill 5194 significantly changes Washington’s tuition equity law. Section nine of the bill amends RCW 28B.15.012(2)(e), making it easier for all Washingtonians, including and especially undocumented students, to meet residency requirements for tuition and state financial aid. Since 2003, this part of residency law has been known informally as “HB 1079” for the bill that created it. This law may be met by any student, regardless of citizenship or legal immigration status. It is one of the many ways that students can meet residency requirements. The other ways to meet residency requirements still exist.
Requirements for SB 5194
To be a resident student under this law, students must:
- Earn a high school diploma, GED, or diploma equivalent before their first term at the college determining residency,
- Maintain a primary residence in Washington for at least 12 consecutive months immediately before their first term at the college determining residency, and
- Sign an affidavit saying they meet the above requirements and that one of the following is true:
They will file an application to become a permanent resident of the United States as soon as they are eligible to apply. And, that they are willing to engage in activities designed to prepare them for citizenship, including citizenship or civics review courses or
- They are a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S. permanent resident.
Claiming residency under SB 5194
Complete and submit an application for admission and the Washington Higher Education Residency Affidavit. The affidavit is a confidential statement verifying that the student qualifies to pay resident tuition, that he/she will seek legal permanent residency of the United States as soon as eligible to apply, and is willing to engage in activities designed to prepare for citizenship, including citizenship or civics review courses.
If you have questions or need support, please email ResidencyNorth@seattlecolleges.edu.
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program helps undocumented young people (who meet certain requirements) gain temporary immigration protections, including a work permit and protection from deportation. Students with DACA status may qualify for state residency. For more information, please see the Residency and Citizenship information on the WASFA website.
For additional information, you may consult outside resources including, The National Immigration Law Center or the Northwest Immigration Rights Project.
Status as of April 2026: Due to ongoing federal court decisions, new (initial) DACA requests are not currently being approved, although renewal requests may continue to be processed.