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Undocumented Students

The Real Hope Act

For HB1079 students and DACA students who are eligible for HB1079.

Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) for undocumented students in Washington State

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 State Need Grant to non-citizens who meet the program’s eligibility requirements in addition to all three residency criteria listed below:

  1. Have graduated from a Washington high school or obtained a GED in Washington
  2. Have lived in Washington for three years prior to, and continuously since, earning the high school diploma or equivalent
  3. Sign a 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 new 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, or the WASFA—will allow non-citizens to apply for student financial aid in Washington State. “WASFA replaces the FAFSA for undocumented students in Washington State” 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 to receive the Washington State Need Grant.

*Please note that the information provided by the student to the institution and the WASFA is protected and will not be shared with a third party, since it is protected through FERPA.

The WASFA application is now available. To apply online, visit: https://wsac.wa.gov/wasfa