Apply as an Undocumented Student

Welcome to Sierra College! We support undocumented students throughout their journey in education. You can enroll at Sierra College regardless of your immigration status. Follow these steps to apply and gain access to your college education.

Getting Started

Before you begin the application process, gather the following materials:

Previous education information. Know the names and dates (month and year) of all high schools and colleges you’ve attended.
Email address. This is where we’ll send follow-up information about your application. If you do not have one, create one before you apply. NOTE: To avoid delays, we recommend that you do not use a yahoo email account when completing your OpenCCC application.

Special CCCApply Instructions

Here is helpful information for Step 1 in the application process.

A social security number is NOT NEEDED TO APPLY. If you have a DACA social security number or you have an ITIN, you may report it.
If you don’t have a current valid immigration status, select “Other” and “No documents” on the Citizenship/Military section of the application.
If applying for fall or summer before high school graduation, select a date when you will be graduating and respond “yes” to “Did you receive your High School diploma, GED, or certificate in California” question on the Education section of the application.

Steps to Apply

Follow these steps to apply, enroll and register for classes.

Step 1: Apply

Create an OpenCCC apply account and then complete the OpenCCC application (aplicar). The California Community College online application (OpenCCC) is designed for many student types, so some of the questions may not apply to you. If this happens, just give the best answer you can. Use the step-by-step guide or watch a video on how to complete the Sierra College online application through OpenCCC.

Step 2: Activate mySierra account

Once you’ve applied, you will receive an email with your login information to activate your mySierra account (your student portal). Once logged in, check your new mySierra email for updates. We’ll use this email to send updates moving forward. Then, start working on your “My Next Steps,” including accepting our Terms and Conditions. Need help with Sierra College technology? Contact Student Tech Support.

Step 3: Apply for Financial Aid

Complete the California Dream Act Application (CADAA). The CADAA opens Oct. 1 and must be completed by March 2 to qualify for California aid. Use the Sierra College Financial Aid CADAA Checklist or watch a video with step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Once you receive your CADAA confirmation email, create a Web Grant Account.

Step 4: Submit AB 540 (AB 200, SB 68) CA Nonresident Tuition Exemption Forms and Transcripts

Submit the Affidavit for CA Community Colleges Petition with a copy of your official high school transcript to the Admissions and Records Office at Sierra College.

Note: Use the chat option on this page or email enrollmentservices@sierracollege.edu to locate your specific Admissions and Records Technician based on the first letter of your last name. Email enrollmentservices@sierracollege.edu to submit your affidavit to them.

Step 4 (alternate): Submit CA State Residency Reclassification Application

If you identify as a DACA recipient or your application for permanent residency has been accepted by USCIS, you can potentially be reclassified as a California Resident. Please read the California State Residency Requirements for Community Colleges. If you meet the qualifying criteria, gather all documents requested and submit the Residency Reclassification application.

Step 5: Complete Your CAP Session

Log in to Canvas. Then click on “CAP: Career and Academic Planning” on the Canvas Dashboard to start. You must complete the CAP Session to register for classes. This will help you make choices based on your career goal(s) and develop your first semester Educational Plan. Make sure you accept the college terms and conditions in mySierra and submit your transcripts before completing CAP.

Step 6: Schedule a Counseling Appointment

Once you’ve completed your CAP session, be sure to schedule an appointment with a counselor to make sure you’re on the right track to meet your academic and career goals.

Step 7: Register for Classes

Before you register for classes, you must make an appointment with your counselor to create your first semester MAP.

You’ll receive an email from mySierra around your time to register that will include FAQs, articles and short how-to videos about class registration, how to add/drop classes, join a waitlist, and more. Find the class times and locations that work for you using our Class Schedule.

Step 8: Pay for Classes

Your tuition is due when you register for classes. Learn more about our payment options. Check your mySierra account to make sure your payments are on-time and complete.

More Information

California Dream Act Application (CADAA)

Deadlines

The CADAA opens Oct. 1 and must be completed by March 2 to qualify for California aid.

If you do not apply by March 2:

You may not be eligible for a Cal Grant
Universities of California (UCs) and California State Universities (CSUs) require that you submit the application by March 2 in order for eligible students to receive state financial aid during the academic year they plan to attend at that university.

There is an additional deadline of Sept. 2 for students completing the CADAA who are attending a California Community College.

Selective Services Registration Form

Students assigned male at birth between the ages of 18 and 25, must register for the Selective Service as a requirement to apply for CADAA. Learn more about Selective Service and the California Dream Act to learn where and how to complete the Selective Services Registration Form.

Resources

Download the Sierra College Financial Aid California Dream Act Application Checklist. It includes a list of the documents you need to apply, step-by-step instructions on how to apply, and the financial aid you’re potentially eligible to receive.
Watch a video on how to complete the 2021-2022 CADAA with step-by-step instructions

California Non-Resident Tuition Petition

Submit the Affidavit for CA Community Colleges Petition with a copy of your official high school transcript to the Admissions and Records Office at Sierra College.

Use the Admissions and Records Directory to locate your specific Admissions and Records Technician based on the first letter of your last name and submit your affidavit to them. For general questions, contact enrollmentservices@sierracollege.edu.

Items to Note:

Once you are ready to transfer to a private school, CSU or UC, you will need to submit a new Affidavit to that University. Download the CSU or UC affidavits here.
If you do not attend Sierra College for one semester or more, you will need to resubmit your Affidavit to Sierra College Admissions and Records office.

California State Residency Reclassification Application

If you identify as a DACA recipient or your application for Permanent Residency has been accepted by USCIS, you can potentially be reclassified as a CA Resident. Please read the California State Residency Requirements for Community Colleges. If you meet the qualifying criteria, gather all documents requested and submit the Residency Reclassification application.

Qualifying criteria includes:

You currently hold an immigration status (like DACA) that is eligible to establish California Residency and you have had (or applied for) that status at least 366 days prior to the start of the term.
You have been physically present in California with the intent to make California your home for other than a temporary purpose at least 366 days prior to the start of the term.

If you have questions regarding eligibility, please contact JD Murillo, our AB 540 liaison in Admissions and Records, at jmurillo2@sierracollege.edu.

We’re Here For You

There are so many ways we can support you through your time at Sierra College. Whether you'll need help in the classroom, with resources at home, or financially, our staff is here to make sure you succeed. Find out how we can help.

Support Services

Get in Touch

Undocumented Student Center Office

(916) 660-7557

undocu@sierracollege.edu

Rocklin

Building J, Room 8-G

Fall/Spring: M-Th, 9am – 4pm, F: 9am – 12pm; Summer: M-Th, 9am – 4pm

Schedule a student support appointment.

Schedule a financial aid appointment.