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

RECLAIMING CALIFORNIA RESIDENCE

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 about individuals who may have been California residents prior to leaving the state and are trying to reclaim their residence in California. 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 was born in California, but my family moved away a couple of years ago. I am currently attending high school out of state where my family lives, but my parents still own a house in California which they pay property taxes on. Does this qualify me as a resident?

If you are an unmarried minor (under age 18), the residence of the parent with whom you live will be considered to be your residence. Owning property in California is not enough to qualify you or your parents as California residents for tuition purposes. If your parents were once California residents and they consider their absence to be of a temporary nature, the burden will be on your parents to verify that they did nothing inconsistent with their claim of a continuing California residence during their absence. See temporary absence for information about retaining California residence during absences. In the event your parents are no longer California residents, you will be required to demonstrate financial independence in addition to meeting the current 366-day physical presence requirement as an adult, and intent requirements when seeking resident classification for tuition purposes.

 
I am a 24-year-old UC graduate student and left California to pursue another degree out of state. While I was in school in California I was considered a resident. Am I still a resident?

Your temporary absence from the state for business, pleasure, or educational purposes will not result in loss of California residence unless during your absence you acted inconsistently with a claim of California residence.

 
I am a 17-year-old senior in a California high school. My family moved to California from another country ten years ago when we were granted permanent residence status. Two years ago, my parents moved back to our former country to live and work there, leaving me and my older brothers in California. My brothers and I are financially dependent on our parents. My parents own the home we live in and pay Los Angeles County property taxes. Will I be a resident for tuition purposes?

No, since you are a minor and your parents are no longer California residents. Unless you are married, the residence of the parent with whom you live or last lived is considered to be your residence. If you have a parent living, you cannot change your residence by your own act, by the appointment of a legal guardian, or by the relinquishment of your parent's right of control. If you are not the dependent of a California resident parent, you will be required to demonstrate financial independence in addition to meeting the current 366-day physical presence requirement as an adult, and intent requirements when seeking residence classification for tuition purposes.

Although you will not be classified as a resident for tuition purposes, you may be eligible for an exemption from nonresident fees; see the graduate of a California high school exemption.