Undocumented Students

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You Are Welcome Here!

Bellevue College is committed to protecting the safety, security, and well-being of every student and member of the college community, whether documented or undocumented. Our faculty and staff are committed to providing you with a safe, welcoming, and supportive learning community. To apply for admission to Bellevue College please visit the following Page.

Apply to Bellevue College

Residency Information for Undocumented Students

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 2014-2015 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:

  • Sign a HB 1079 affidavit (written promise) to file an application to become a permanent resident of the United States when eligible to apply
  • 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
Learn about Washington State Residency

Washington Application for State Financial Aid

The Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) is for people who choose not to file a federal FAFSA application. If you have completed the FAFSA, you have already applied for federal and state financial aid and do not need to complete the WASFA unless your college asks you to.

People who complete a WASFA are applying only for state aid. If you are eligible for federal aid, completing the FAFSA could maximize your potential financial aid awards.

Should you complete a FAFSA or a WASFA?

If you are unsure if you should complete a FAFSA or a WASFA, complete the WASFA Questionnaire for more information; however, anyone uncomfortable with submitting a federal FAFSA form can use the WASFA to apply only for state aid.

There are various reasons people may choose to complete a WASFA instead of a FAFSA. For example: 

  • You or your parent(s) are undocumented or do not qualify for federal financial aid because of your immigration status.
  • Your parent(s) or family member(s) do not wish to file a FAFSA.
  • You have privacy concerns about filing a FAFSA.
  • You or your parent(s) do not and will not file federal income taxes.
  • You have federal loans that are in default.
  • You owe a repayment on federal grants.
Learn if you’re eligible for WASFA
Apply for WASFA

A note on privacy: Students and families are asked to provide personal information when applying for financial aid. It’s a necessary part of the process, but it’s natural to have concerns about privacy. Anyone uncomfortable with submitting a federal FAFSA form can use the WASFA to apply only for state aid; however, they will miss out on any federal aid they could be eligible for. Whether applying with FAFSA or WASFA, students and families should read any available privacy statements to understand where their data is going and how it is used.

City, State, and National Resources

Sea Mar provides health services for immigrant communities. They also provide affordable primary health and dental care. Serves Spanish speaking and low-income children and adults.

Learn more about Sea Mar

Northwest Immigrant Rights Project promotes justice by defending and advancing the rights of immigrants through direct legal services, systemic advocacy, and community education.

Their values include dignity, fairness, solidarity, self-determination, safety, and inclusion.

Learn more about the NWIRP and their resources

The mission of the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA) is to improve the lives of Seattle’s immigrant and refugee communities through policies, programs, services, and community engagement.

Learn more about OIRA, their programs, and services
Get the latest DACA Updates

United We Dream is an immigrant youth-led organization is the largest in the nation. It is a powerful nonpartisan network made up of 52 affiliate organizations in 25 states. They organize and advocate for the dignity and fair treatment of immigrant youth and families, regardless of immigration status. They provide information, resources and assistance.

Learn more about United we Dream