Residence for Tuition Purposes: Temporary Absence

Appeals

Contact information

Dates and deadlines

Establishing residence

Exemptions and waivers

FAQ

Financial independence

Forms

Glossary

Incorrect classification

Intent

Military

Minors

Noncitizens and aliens

Registration fees

Status change (nonresident to resident)

Temporary absence (reclaim residence)

Nonresident students who are in the process of establishing residence for tuition purposes and who return to their former home during noninstructional periods are presumed to be present in California solely for educational purposes, and only convincing 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 stay.

If a student who has been classified as a resident for tuition purposes leaves the state temporarily, the absence could result in the loss of California resident status. The burden is on the student (or parent if the student is a minor) to verify that the student did nothing inconsistent with his or her claim of a continuing California residence during that absence. Steps that the student (or parent) should take to retain a California residence include:

1. continuing to use a California permanent address on all records--educational, employment, military, etc.
2. continuing to satisfy California tax obligations. If claiming California residence, the student (or parent) is liable for payment of income taxes on total income from the date that residence is established in the state, including income earned in another state or country
3. retaining California voter registration and voting by absentee ballot
4. maintaining a California driver license and vehicle registration. If it is necessary to change license or vehicle registration, they must be changed back within the time prescribed by law

See the FAQ for questions and answers about reclaiming California residence.