Frequently Asked Questions   Residence

Who is a resident

Laws governing residence

Who pays nonresident tuition

Requirements for financial independence

Establishing intent to become a California resident

Rules for minors

Divorced or separated parents

Parental move from California

Exemptions from nonresident tuition

Temporary absence

Who should petition for residence classification

How to file a petition

Incorrect classification

Inquiries and appeals

Specific sample questions about:

     Reclaiming residence

     Financial Independence

     Intent

INTENT

These specific questions and answers are based on the assumption that the inquirer is a U.S. citizen or eligible alien. This section addresses questions on establishing intent to make California one's home. If you still have questions after reviewing this information, please contact the UC residence deputy closest to you. The UCLA residence deputy telephone number is (310) 825-1091, option 7. Hours: 9 a.m. -- 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time.

 
I am a resident of New York and a member of the U.S. military stationed in California on active duty. Am I exempt from the nonresident tuition?

If you have not been present in California for more than 366 days, you may be entitled to an exemption of the nonresident tuition fee if you meet the requirements of a member of the military.

NOTE: A military person may receive no more than one year of exemption from nonresident fees. Eligibility for the exemption begins the day you arrive in California on active duty and ends one year thereafter. To be eligible to be classified a resident when you are no longer entitled to an exemption, you should immediately on arrival in the state of California designate California as your state of legal residence on appropriate military records and establish intent to make California your home shortly after arrival.

 
I am currently a nonresident student at UCLA and will be trying to obtain residence next year. I meet the financial independence requirement and have established ties with California that will be a year old by the time I wish to be a resident. I have a terrific job working in my previous state during summers, holiday vacations, etc. If I return to work there how will this affect my residence petition?

If you return to your former place of residence (outside of California), you will be presumed to be in California solely for educational purposes and only strong evidence to the contrary will rebut this presumption. A student who is in the state solely for educational purposes will not be classified as a resident for tuition purposes regardless of the length of his or her own stay.

 
I am classified as a resident of California at the community college I attend. Does that mean that I will automatically be considered a resident at UCLA?

No. Some students transferring from California community colleges or from Cal State who where classified as residents there may be classified as nonresidents at UCLA for various reasons. Most often it is because their parents are from out of state and the students don't meet the University of California's requirements for financial independence or intent.