Upon admittance to the University of California, your resident or nonresident classification is determined for purposes of tuition and fees only after you have completed and submitted a Statement of Legal Residence (SLR) to the campus residence deputy.
If you are not a California resident when you enroll, and you remain a dependent undergraduate, it is unlikely that you will be able to qualify as a California resident for purposes of tuition while you're an undergraduate at UC.
The term “California resident for purposes of tuition” comes from the university’s residence regulations and differs from other definitions of California residence. For example, a person who is a California resident for tax or voting purposes will not necessarily be a resident for purposes of tuition. Admissions definitions of residence also differ. They do not confer residence for purposes of tuition.
You do not become a resident for purposes of tuition simply by living in California for 366 days or more. The length of time you attend the University of California or live in California is not the sole determining factor of residency.
If you are in possession of a nonimmigrant visa, it is unlikely that you will be able to establish residence in California for purposes of tuition.(For more about these visa types, seewho's not eligible.)
The UC residence regulations require that you and your parent(s) document:
- At least 366 days of continuous physical presence in California, and
- Concurrent intentto permanently remain in the state
If your parents live outside of California and you are financially independent, you must also be able to verify financial independence for the two full years preceding the term for which you're seeking residence classification.
To prove your financial independence, you must be able to document that you have been totally self-sufficient for one full year prior to the residence determination date, supporting yourself, for example, through jobs, financial aid, commercial/institutional loans in your name only, and documentable savings from your earnings. This also means you can't havebeen claimed as an income tax dependent by any individual or have accepted gifts (cash or other support) that contributed to your subsistence for two tax years immediately preceding the term.
You normallycannotestablish California residence for purposes of tuition while maintaining legal ties to another state or country (e.g. state tax liability, driver’s license, voter’s or vehicle registration). Further, if you have moved to California primarily to attend the University of California, you are here for educational purposes and may not be eligible for a resident classification for purposes of tuition.
It is your burden to prove, by clear and convincing evidence, that you have satisfied all applicable UC residence requirements. The University of Californiacannotalter or waive the eligibility criteria for any reason. Financial hardshipcannotbe considered in evaluating whether you are able to qualify for California residence for purposes of tuition.
This is only a summary of the main UC regulations for California residence for purposes of tuition. For more detail, see the fullUC Residence Policy and Guidelines (pdf).
FAQs
What is being evaluated for California residency for tuition purposes? ›
Physical Presence
You and your parents must be physically present in California on a continuous basis for at least 366 days immediately prior to the residence determination date (the first day of instruction).
UC determines residency based on information you provide in the Statement of Legal Residence (SLR) — a form all new students submit (usually online) to the campus residence deputy in the Office of the Registrar. You submit this form after committing to a campus by filing your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR).
What are the requirements for California residency? ›To meet these requirements, you must be continuously physically present in California for more than one year (366 days) immediately prior to the residence determination date (generally the first day of classes) and intend to make California your home permanently.
How do I prove residency for California Community college? ›California regulations require that before the first day of each term, new students bring proof of 366 days of residency in the state. Examples of these are: A valid CA ID or driver's License. State 540 or 540A tax forms for the previous year with California address.
What triggers a California residency audit? ›Any activity that raises a red flag with the FTB can trigger a residency audit. It can be something as simple as living in another state and having a second home in California, to a tip-off from the IRS or another third party. (The IRS and individual states share information, BTW.)
How to determine California residency for tax purposes? ›You will be presumed to be a California resident for any taxable year in which you spend more than nine months in this state. Although you may have connections with another state, if your stay in California is for other than a temporary or transitory purpose, you are a California resident.
What is the UC 9 rule? ›The Statewide Index identifies California-resident students in the top 9 percent of California high school graduates and offers these students a guaranteed space at a UC campus, if space is available.
Do UCs prioritize California residents? ›UC in recent years has prioritized admitting and enrolling California residents in response to pressure from lawmakers and Gov. Gavin Newsom. In 2022, Newsom agreed to give UC as well as the California State University system annual funding increases of 5% for five years.
What is the 183 day rule in California? ›In fact, the purpose of time spent in California may have more weight in determining legal residency than the actual number of days spent. To classify as a nonresident, an individual has to prove that they were in the state for less than 183 days and that their purpose for being in the state was temporary.
What qualifies proof of California Residency? ›TWO different documents proving California residency that include the first and last name and mailing address that will be shown on your REAL ID driver's license or identification card. Examples include a mortgage bill, home utility or cell phone bill, vehicle registration card, and bank statement.
What are two proofs of California Residency examples? ›
- Rental or lease agreement with the signature of the owner/landlord and the tenant/resident.
- Deed or title to residential real property.
- Mortgage bill.
- Home utility bill (including cellular phone)
To be a resident for tuition purposes, undergraduate students generally must either have parent(s) who are considered California residents or must have been completely financially independent for two years.
How to establish California residency for UC? ›To establish California residence, at least 366 days prior to the term for which you request classification as a California resident, you must have established a primary and permanent domicile in California and relinquished all ties to your past place(s) of residence.
What is proof of residency for school enrollment in California? ›Current paycheck issued by employer - employer's and employee's name and address must be printed on the check. Correspondence from a government agency (WIC, Medi-Cal, or Unemployment). Valid vehicle registration (not pink slip). Monthly payments: loan, credit card, physician/dental bill, bank statement.
How do colleges know if you are a resident? ›Residency requirements are often encoded in state statute, and vary significantly from state to state. But generally, a dependent student must have at least one parent who is a state resident for at least one full year before the student matriculated in college.
Does California have free college tuition for residents? ›Eligible California residents can get tuition fee waivers under the California College Promise Grant —if they meet qualifications and maintain eligibility. The California College Promise Grant waives up to $46 per unit in enrollment fees. Candidates can qualify for the grant after submitting proof of their finances.
How do you evaluate residency programs? ›Consider a residency based on attributes such as geographic location, curriculum, unique rotation and elective opportunities, and community engagement rather than solely on the name value of the institution. DO look for the training program that best meets your unique needs and goals.
What is California resident tuition? ›In 2021-2022, the average tuition and fees for a public four-year institution was $8,559 for in-state residents of California, compared to $9,596 for the national average. For public two-year institutions, California residents' average tuition and fees was $1,281 a year.
Which parent best qualifies me for in-state tuition? ›But generally, a dependent student must have at least one parent who is a state resident for at least one full year before the student matriculated in college.