The priority filing date for both the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and California Dream Act Application (CADAA) is generally March 2 of each year. For the 2024-25 academic year, it was extended to May 2, 2024, for both the FAFSA and CADAA.

CADAA filers will not see changes to the application process, but FAFSA filers will experience the changes resulting from the FAFSA Simplification Act which provides an easier, more streamlined application process for applying for federal financial aid.

The 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) will open on December 1, 2024.