Residency for in-state tuition (split)

[zuluweta 250]

Here's my experience as a former F-1 myself.

I decided to take one class at a local community college in California last fall. Alas due to pending AOS they said I need a green card in order to be considered for instate tuition. My argument that I have been living in California for more then the last 10 years, prior as an F-1 but now out of status did not change anything.

I dropped the class and went back early February this year with my green card in order to have the classification to be changed to California resident. But what a bummer, the college then told me that due to state and federal laws I would need to be a permanent resident for at least one year before I can pay the lesser tuition fees.

I tried a different community college district to see if they would accept my LPR status but again, ran into the same problem.

So it really depends on the state and how much the schools enforce the policies. Be aware you may not be able to attend school at a lower tuition until over a year from now since you even haven't received your green card. It sure sux, as who doesn't want to pay $27 per unit compared to over $100.

Maxximus

Is this how the one year residency requirement for in-state tuitiion in California is determined? One year living in CA from the date the green card is received? Or is it one year from the date of establishing residency (say, lease as proof of having lived for 1 year in CA)?

I entered on K-1 fiance visa (and thus as intending immigrant) and my AOS papers will be submitted first week of June. I want to go back to school and finish my graduate degree but I want to take advantage of in-state tuition.

[Penguin_ie 5,996]

**** split from 3 year old thread and moved to Moving Here forum as more appropriate *****

[Dave&Roza 748]

To establish in-state residency for the state of Kansas, I had to show that I was a resident and self sufficient--i.e. since my parents lived in Colorado, I had to show enough income for the last year to cover all expenses including tuition. Since most all colleges have only two tuition levels--i.e. in-state and out-of-state--they make it very hard for someone from another state to gain the benefit of paying the lower in-state rate as those colleges get money from state tax revenue and they want to make certain you are paying your fair share.

This is dependent on each University and you must satisfy their requirements in order to pay in-state tuition. I managed to get Graduate Teaching Assistant tuition rate until they changed the rules and then I had to pay in-state rates. Thankfully I went to all the trouble to get my status changed--they will not do it for you most of the time. It is up to YOU to prove that you qualify to pay in-state rates. You may be classified as a resident of that state, but the University may not classify you as a resident for in-state tuition.

Good luck,

Dave

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

California it is one year of physical presence. So one year after you enter the US and start living in CA.

[AnotherLostSoul 167]

CA is one year from your AOS. Not actual physical presence. You could be on an F1 visa for 5 years you'll never get in-state tuition fees. And as above, if you apply for green card you won't automatically charged in-state just because you've been here for 5 years. Your physical presence is counted from your AOS and from there is one year. Then you can file for residency for tuition purposes...so you won't want to start school this coming fall even if you got your green card as you'll be still charged international fee.

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

Joseph got in state one year after he arrived to Ca not one year from his green card. He arrived end of Dec got a green card in march and got in state tuition the following January

[NikLR 13,232]

IMHO it's best to call the individual admissions center at the University or College and inquire what exactly their rules are.

[AnotherLostSoul 167]

Hmm...that's interesting...I guess then it depends more on institution rather than state law. In our case this was not the case...it was from the date we filed AOS one year later from that date. (not the actual green card delivery/approval, but the receipt notice date of the AOS package to USCIS). But I guess then it differs by institution not by state...glad we're attending a UC. LOL

Joseph got in state one year after he arrived to Ca not one year from his green card. He arrived end of Dec got a green card in march and got in state tuition the following January

[Messybrownhair 251]

FYI if you are in the military you can waive this requirement. Because my hubby was AD i got in-state tuition 3 months after arrival to the US but I had to present his orders

[Super King 26]

FYI if you are in the military you can waive this requirement. Because my hubby was AD i got in-state tuition 3 months after arrival to the US but I had to present his orders

Do you mean your spouse has to be deployed or spouse being active military is sufficient to waive this requirement?

[Messybrownhair 251]

Do you mean your spouse has to be deployed or spouse being active military is sufficient to waive this requirement?

Being active duty should be enough. My husband was not deployed when I went to school, initially. He deployed closer to my graduation. You just have to tell your school that your husband is active duty and stationed in that state. They have to grant you in-state tuition

[Messybrownhair 251]

http://www.militaryfamily.org/get-info/spouse-education/financial-assistance/in-state-tuition.html

[Super King 26]

http://www.militaryfamily.org/get-info/spouse-education/financial-assistance/in-state-tuition.html

Awesome. Thanks for the valuable info Messybrownhair.

[zuluweta 250]

Ok, so how does one prove the one year residency? Grocery receipts showing where purchases were made good enough?

[Messybrownhair 251]

Ok, so how does one prove the one year residency? Grocery receipts showing where purchases were made good enough?

What does a grocery bill prove? You could have picked that from the trash. Here is what they ask for in CA

(from a quick google search- best to ask your school) :

Acceptable proofs of California Residence: (not 2 of the same)

• California voter’s registration card
• California (540) tax returns giving California as the home address (with acceptable dates)
• Paycheck stub OR letter of employment verification on company letterhead (signed by a manager of the personnel department)
• California Driver’s License OR California ID card OR DMV printout
• California Bank account – checking or savings statements
• Marriage license or divorce decree issued in California
• License or certificate issued by the State (with issue & expiration dates)
• California utility bill (DWP, gas, telephone, cable - all utility bills count as one proof)
• California State Aid or Social Welfare
• Car registration and/or car insurance (California company)
• California health insurance OR Medi-Cal ID
• Military discharge papers (DD214) OR Leave and Earnings statement (indicating California as State of Record)
• California property taxes (student’s name only)
• Union membership in a California local
• California public library membership (verified by letter or printout with letterhead or branch stamp).

Unacceptable Proofs of Residence:

• School transcripts, school registration, school ID, school housing contract
• Credit cards or credit statement
• Declaration by a California school classifying the student as a resident
• Affidavits indicating student's physical presence in the State
• Rental receipts, personal mail, medical or dental bills
• Lease Agreements or a letter from a landlord (manager) verifying tenancy

In PA, I showed my DL, Utility Bills, recent tax return and also hubby's military orders.

Edited June 2, 2014 by Messybrownhair