RESIDENCY FOR TUITION PURPOSES
GENERAL OVERVIEW
(Revised April 19, 2021: substantive changes/additions highlighted in yellow)
Resident
(Ed. Code §§ 68017, 68062; Cal. Code Regs., tit. 5 §§ 54020, 54026)
A student who has been physically present in the state for more than one year
immediately preceding the residence determination date (one year and one day), and has
demonstrated an intent to make California a permanent home.
Nonresident
(Ed. Code § 68018)
A student who does not have residence in the state for more than one year immediately
preceding the residence determination date.
Residence Classification
(Ed. Code §§ 68040, 68086, 68101; Cal. Code Regs., tit. 5 § 54010)
Residency classification shall be made for each student, except students seeking to enroll
in only noncredit courses, at the time applications for admission are accepted and
whenever a student has not been in attendance for more than one semester or quarter.
To be clear, if a student misses at least two, not one, semesters or quarters, then he or she
must again go through the residence classification process. Summer or other
intersessions are not included in this consideration. However, please note that districts
can and some do make new residency determinations for students missing only one
semester even though not required by title 5. Whatever is determined by the district in
this regard, including a more restrictive policy, should be included in the districts local
rules and policies relating to residency determination and should be uniformly
administered for all applicable nonresident students.
A community college district may accept the residency determination of another
community college district pursuant to a process established by the Chancellor’s Office,
or if the student is cross-enrolling in a course offered through the Online Education
Initiative Consortium. Note: This language was added by AB 3255 (Postsecondary
Omnibus Bill, 2018). The CCCCO is working to develop a process that enables a
community college district to accept the residence determination of another community
college district. Once this process is finalized, a memorandum will be sent to the districts
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describing the process and any required documentation that should be maintained for
audit purposes.
Residence determination date
(Ed. Code § 68023; Cal. Code Regs., tit. 5 § 54002)
“Residence Determination Date” is that day immediately preceding the opening day of
instruction of the quarter, semester, or other session as set by the district governing
board, during which the student proposes to attend a college. Enrollments in late starting
classes within a term are subject to this uniform residence determination date (each term
only one has one residence determination date).
Residence
(Ed. Code §§ 68017, 68062; Cal. Code Regs., tit. 5 § 54020)
In order to establish a residence, it is necessary that there be a union of act and
intent. To establish residence, a person capable of establishing residence in California
must couple his/her physical presence in California with objective evidence that the
physical presence is with the intent to make California the home for other than a
temporary purpose.
Physical presence
(Ed. Code §§ 68017, 68070; Cal. Code Regs., tit. 5 § 54022)
a. A person capable of establishing residence in California must be physically present in
California for one year prior to the residence determination date to be classified as a
resident student.
b. A temporary absence for business, education or pleasure will not result in loss of
California residence if, during the absence, the person always intended to return to
California and did nothing inconsistent with that intent.
c. Physical presence within the state solely for educational purposes does not constitute
establishing California residence regardless of length of that presence.
General rules – Residency Criteria
To determine a person’s place of residence, reference is made to the following statutory
rules:
a. Every person has, in law, a residence. (Education Code § 68060)
b. Every person who is married or 18 years of age, or older, and not precluded by law
from doing so, may establish residence. (Education Code § 68061)
c. In determining the place of residence the following rules are to be observed:
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(Education Code § 68062)
(1) There can only be one residence.
(2) A residence is the place where one remains when not called elsewhere for labor
or other special or temporary purpose, and to which one returns in seasons of
repose.
(3) A residence cannot be lost until another is gained.
(4) The residence can be changed only by the union of act and intent.
(5) A man or woman may establish his/her residence. A person’s residence shall not
be derivative from that of his or her spouse. Many of the objective
manifestations of the two may be shared, but each may have some evidence of
intent that is not shared, which may indicate different residences.
(6) The residence of the parent with whom an unmarried minor child maintains
his/her place of abode is the residence of the unmarried minor child. When the
minor lives with neither parent, his/her residence is that of the parent with
whom he or she maintained his/her last place of abode. The minor may
establish his/her residence when both parents are deceased and a legal guardian
has not been appointed.
Note: The conditions in c (6) apply unless the Immigration and Nationality Act
preclude the minor from establishing domicile (residence) in the United States.
(7) The residence of an unmarried minor who has a parent living cannot be changed
by his/her own act, by the appointment of a legal guardian, or by relinquishment
of a parent’s right of control, unless the student qualifies under the Self-Support
(Education Code § 68071) or the Two-Year Care and Control exceptions
(Education Code § 68073; Cal. Code Regs., tit. 5 § 54047).
(8) An alien, including an unmarried minor alien, may establish his or her residence
unless precluded by the Immigration and Nationality Act from establishing
residence in the United States. (See subsection 6, above)
(9) Physical presence within California solely for educational purposes does not
allow a student to establish residence, regardless of the length of time present in
the state (Education Code § 68043; Cal. Code Regs., tit. 5 § 54022(c)).
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Evidence of Intent
(Ed. Code § 68041; Cal. Code Regs., tit. 5 § 54024)
a. Intent to make California the home, for other than a temporary purpose, may be
manifest in many ways. No one factor is controlling.
b. A student who is 19 years of age or older and who has maintained a home in California
continuously for the last two years, shall be presumed to have the intent to make
California the home for other than a temporary purpose, unless the student has
evidenced a contrary intent by having engaged in any of the activities listed in
subdivision “f” of this section.
c. A student who is under 19 years of age, shall be presumed to have the intent to make
California the home for other than a temporary purpose if both the student and
his/her parent have maintained a home in California continuously for the last two
years, unless the student has evidenced a contrary intent by having engaged in any of
the activities listed in subdivision “f” of this section.
d. A student who does not meet the requirements of subdivision “b” or “c” of this section
shall be required to provide evidence of intent to make California the home for other
than a temporary purpose, as specified in subdivision ”e” of this section.
e. Objective manifestations of intent to establish California residence include, but are
not limited to:
1. Ownership of residential property or continuous occupancy of rented or leased
property in California.
2. Registering to vote and voting in California.
3. Licensing from California for professional practice.
4. Active membership in California professional, religious, merchant, service
organizations or social clubs.
5. Presence of spouse, children, or other close relatives in the state.
6. Showing California as home address on federal income tax forms.
7. Payment of California state income tax as a resident.
8. Maintaining California motor vehicle license plates/registration.
9. Maintaining a California driver’s license or California ID.
10. Maintaining permanent military address, or home of record in California while in
armed forces.
11. Establishing and maintaining active California bank accounts.
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12. Being a petitioner of divorce in California.
13. Remaining in California during academic breaks.
14. Registering for the Selective Service in California (indicating California address).
f. Conduct inconsistent with a claim of California residence includes, but is not
limited to:
1. Maintaining voter registration and voting in another state.
2. Being the petitioner for a divorce in another state.
3. Attending an out-of-state educational institution as a resident of that other state.
4. Declaring nonresidence for state income tax purposes; paying taxes in another
state or country as a resident of that state or country or not fulfilling tax
obligations to the State of California.
One-year waiting period
(Cal. Code Regs., tit. 5 § 54028)
The one year residence period, which a student must meet to be classified as a resident,
does not begin to run until the student is both present in California and has manifested
clear intent to become a California resident.
Burden
(Cal. Code Regs., tit. 5 § 54026)
The burden is on the student to demonstrate clearly both physical presence in California
and intent to establish California residence.
Reestablished residence
(Cal. Code Regs., tit. 5 § 54030)
If a student, or the parents of a minor student, relinquish California residence after
moving from the state, one full year of physical presence, coupled with one full year of
demonstrated intent to be a California resident, is required to reestablish residence for
tuition purposes, except as provided by Education Code section 68070 [Student who
remains in state after parent moves elsewhere].
Financial independence
(Ed. Code § 68044; Cal. Code Regs., tit. 5 § 54032)
a. A student seeking reclassification, as a resident, who was classified as a nonresident in
the preceding term, shall be determined financially independent or dependent in
accordance with Education Code section 68044 and title 5 section 54032. The law
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requires that financial independence be “among the factors to be considered” in
reclassification and specifies how financial independence should be balanced against
other factors, such as the passage of time, parent’s residence, and the student’s intent
to establish residence elsewhere.
b. A student shall be considered financially independent for purposes of this section if
the applicant meets all of the following requirements:
I. Has not and will not be claimed as an exemption for state and/or federal tax
purposes by his or her parent in the calendar year the reclassification
application is made and in any of the three calendar years prior to the
reclassification application,
II. Has not and will not receive more than seven hundred fifty dollars ($750) per
year in financial assistance from his or her parent, in the calendar year the
reclassification application is made and in any of the three calendar years prior
to the reclassification application, and
III. Has not lived and will not live for more than six weeks in the home of his or her
parent during the calendar year the reclassification application is made and in
any of the three calendar years prior to the reclassification application.
IV. Relevant documentation to support a finding of financial independence may
include tax returns from the student to verify the student’s income and from
parents to verify the student was not included as a dependent, W-2’s,
apartment rental contracts for leases, and copies of other necessary financial
documentation (bank statements, loans, trusts, etc.) to verify the sources of
the student’s income/savings. In terms of appropriate tax returns to use in
review, you would request the latest returns available (for example, for the
2012-13 academic year, including spring term reclassifications, you would at a
minimum expect to be provided tax returns for 2009, 2010, and 2011).
c. A student who has established financial independence may be reclassified as a
resident, if the student has met the requirements of section 54020 (union of act and
intent), for one year prior to the residence determination date.
d. In determining whether the student has objectively manifested intent to establish
California residence, financial independence shall weigh in favor of finding California
residence and financial dependence shall weigh against finding California residence.
e. Financial dependence in the current or preceding calendar year shall weigh more
heavily against finding California residence, than shall financial dependence in earlier
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calendar years. Financial dependence in the current or preceding calendar year shall
be overcome only if (1) the parent on whom the student is dependent is a California
resident, or (2) there is no evidence of the student’s continuing residence in another
state. The title 5 section 54032(d) a district to disregard a finding of financial
dependence where there is not intent to establish (or maintain) residence in another
state. The ultimate question is whether the student has demonstrated intent to
become a California resident. Since financial status is only one factor to be considered
and districts may still wish to require some further affirmative showing of objective
intent to become a California resident.
1. What if a student (citizen or permanent resident) is supported by an out of country parent?
The pertinent statute and regulation do not differentiate between in-country and out-of-
country parental support. Thus, the requirements noted above apply in both cases.
2. If financial assistance is received from a relative or sponsor (not the parent), is a student
considered financially dependent?
Education Code section 68044 focuses on parental support aspects of financial
independence, but also permits district governing boards to define other factors which
may be considered in making residency reclassifications, such as support from family
members other than the parent(s). The intent of the financial independence provisions is
to determine if the student has supported his/her own self with own resources
(employment, commercial/institutional loans in student’s name only, financial aid and
savings from earnings, all of which require official documentation). In making this
determination, the district should follow the criteria indicated in Education Code section
68044 and any other factors that have been appropriately established by the local
governing board for purposes of making that determination.
3. If a student is not claimed as a dependent on their parents’ income taxes and does not
receive support from the parent, is there a minimum amount of income they need to earn
to be considered financially independent?
No, there is no minimum amount of income that a student needs to earn to be considered
financially independent. Each student’s circumstances will be different as it relates to the
resources that will be needed to demonstrate that a student has supported his/her own
self with own resources.
4. Can a student be considered financially independent if they are not working but have
savings in the bank?
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In this type of situation, the district should request documentation from the student to
verify the source of the student’s savings in the bank. If the source of the savings exceed
$750 per year and is determined to be from a parent, the student would not be considered
financially independent.
Alien Students
(Ed. Code § 68062(h); Cal. Code Regs., tit. 5 § 54045)
An alien, including an unmarried minor alien, may establish his/her residence unless
precluded by the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101, et seq.] from
establishing domicile in the United States; provided that the student has had residence in
California for more than one year prior to the residence determination date for the
semester, quarter, or other session for which attendance at the college is proposed.
In general, an alien is precluded from establishing domicile in the United States if he/she
entered the United States illegally, or under a visa which requires residence outside the
United States, or if he/she entered the United States solely for a temporary purpose. Such
an alien shall not be classified as a resident unless and until he or she has taken
appropriate steps to obtain a change of status from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
Services (“USCIS,” formerly Immigration and Naturalization Services) to a classification
which does not preclude establishing domicile, and has residence in California for more
than one year as noted above. (Ed. Code, § 68062 (h) and (i); Cal.Code Regs., tit. 5, §
54045, 8 U.S.C. 1101 (a)(15), and Regents of the University of California v. Superior Court
[Bradford], 225 Cal.App.3d 972 (1991).) Note: This document uses the terms “alien” and
“noncitizen” interchangeably. The term “alien” is used primarily when needed to be
consistent with pertinent statutory and regulatory language.
5. Which noncitizen visa or immigration statuses are “precluded” from establishing domicile
in the United States?
ST
UDENTS INELIGIBLE TO ESTABLISH RESIDENCE
The following visa/immigration statuses PRECLUDE a student from establishing
residency, regardless of the length of time in California:
B-1, B-2 Visitor for business or pleasure
C-1 to C-4 Transit Visa
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D-1, D-2 Crewmember Visa
F-1, F-2, F-3 Academic student, spouse and children (F-3 students are border
commuter students who maintain actual residence and place of
abode in the country of nationality)
H-1B1 Temporary Worker nonimmigrant visa for citizens of Singapore
and Chile. Spouses and/or children on derivative H-4 may not
establish residence.
H-2A, H-2B, H-3, H-4 Temporary Workers (Agricultural; skilled and unskilled) and
workers in training. (Special Note for H-4 [Spouse or child of H-
1B, H-1B1 H1-C, H2-A, H-2B, and H-3]: Only spouse and child of
H-1B and H-1C may establish residency. Spouse and child of H-
1B1, H-2A, H-2B, and H-3 may not establish residence.)
J-1, J-2 Exchange visitor, spouse and children
M-1, M-2, M-3 Nonacademic or vocational student, spouse and children (M-3
students are border commuter students who maintain actual
residence and place of abode in the country of nationality)
O-2, O-3 Foreign National with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts,
education, business or athletics (arrives with O-1, but is not
related). Spouse or child of O-2 may not establish residence.
P-1 Internationally recognized athlete or entertainer
P-2 Artist or entertainer entering the United States to perform under
a reciprocal exchange program
P-3 Artist or entertainer entering the United States to perform under
a program that is culturally unique
P-4 Spouse or child of P-1, P-2, or P-3 visa holder
Q-1 to Q-3 International cultural exchange program
S-5, S-6, S-7 Informant of criminal organization; informant of terrorism
information (S-7 is a derivative “S” classification for a noncitizen
spouse, married or unmarried son or daughter or parent of a
noncitizen witness or informant under an S-5 or S-6 visa)
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TN/TD Business persons and professionals who are citizens of Canada &
Mexico under the North American Free Trade Agreement
(NAFTA)
TWOV Transit Without Visa (Passenger/Crew)
• Noncitizens under an “Order of Supervision” are also not able to establish
California residence for tuition purposes. Noncitizens are released from custody
under an “order of supervision” when they are subject to a “final order of removal”
that the INS is unable or unwilling to execute. Noncitizens that are subject to an
order of removal are those that have been determined inadmissible or removable
according to various provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
• With the exception of “advance parole” for individuals with a pending I-485
(Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), Noncitizens on
“parole” status are admitted only on a temporary basis and as such are not eligible
to establish California Residency.
• Visitors possessing a Border Crossing Card (BCC), Bering Straits (BE agreement
entrants, Visa Waiver Program (VWP) entrants under nonimmigrant categories WB
and WT.
• Any Noncitizen whose very presence is unlawful, or those who overstay his/her
visa (Undocumented or Out-of-Status).
6. In order to be classified as a resident, what steps must be taken by a noncitizen who is
holding one of the visas or immigration status listed above, is out-of-status or is
undocumented?
(a) He or she must present evidence (usually from USCIS), documenting that he or she
has taken appropriate steps to obtain a change of status to a classification which
does not preclude establishing domicile through one of the following actions:
(1) Applying for permanent resident status
(2) Applying for and being granted a change of status to a visa category that
permits establishing domicile
(3) Applying for and being granted “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals”
(DACA) status
(4) Applying for asylum
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(5) Applying for refugee status [Note: A refugee may be entitled to an
immediate exemption from the nonresident tuition fee if upon entry to the
United States, the refugee first settled in California pursuant to the
provisions of Education Code section 68075.6 (effective January 1, 2018).
This exemption is only for the length of time he or she lives in this state up
to the minimum time necessary to become a resident (one year and one
day).]
(6) Applying for the Family Unity Program
(7) Applying for Temporary Protected Status
(8) Applying for VAWA Self-Petition. (Available for battered spouses or children
of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.) Authorized under the
immigration provisions of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
(9) Applying for the Family Unity Program, LIFE Act (LIFE Legalization), and
LIFE Act Family Unit Provisions
(10) Applying for “withholding of removal” (formerly called “withholding of
deportation”) under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA 241(b)(3)) or
under the Convention Against Torture (“CAT”). CAT protections relate to
the obligations of the United States under Article 3 of the United Nations
Convention Against Torture.
(b) He or she must meet the requirements of one-year physical presence, coupled
with the intent to make California home for other than a temporary purpose. The
one-year duration may not begin until application has been made for a change of
status noted in (a) above.
(c) However, noncitizens seeking a change to a visa category that permits establishing
residency under (a)(2) or seeking DACA status under (a)(3), above, cannot be
classified as a resident until the application for a new visa or DACA status, as the
case may be, has been granted. Once the application has been granted, the one-
year durational requirement may be counted from the date of application.
7. Which noncitizen visa statuses are considered eligible to establish residence?
STUDENTS ELIGIBLE TO ESTABLISH RESIDENCE
The following citizenship/immigration statuses ALLOW a student to establish
residency as long as the student also meets the criteria regarding physical presence
and intent to make California home for other than temporary purposes.
• U.S. Citizens
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• Permanent Resident Aliens, including conditional permanent residents, and
applicants for permanent resident status or to adjust status (Form I-485)
• Applicants for legalization pursuant to Immigration Reform and Control Act
(IRCA)
• Asylees and asylum applicants
• Refugee applicants [Note: A refugee may be entitled to an immediate
exemption from the nonresident tuition fee if upon entry to the United States,
the refugee first settled in California pursuant to the provisions of Education
Code section 68075.6 (effective January 1, 2018). This exemption is only for the
length of time he or she lives in this state up to the minimum time necessary to
become a resident (one year and one day).]
• Applicants for “withholding of removal” (formerly called ”withholding of
deportation”) under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA 241(b)(3)) or
under the Convention Against Torture (“CAT”). CAT protections relate to the
obligations of the United States under Article 3 of the United Nations
Convention Against Torture.
• Applicants for the Family Unity Program, LIFE Act (LIFE Legalization), and LIFE
Act Family Unity Provisions
• Applicants for Temporary Protected Status
• Applicants for VAWA Self-Petition - Battered spouse or child of U.S. citizens or
lawful permanent residents with pending or approved self-petition (Form I-
360). Authorized under the immigration provisions of the Violence Against
Women Act (VAWA) passed by Congress in 1994.
• Persons from Guam or Puerto Rico (Trust Territories), the Federated States of
Micronesia, Palau, Kofrae, Ponape, Truk, Yap, Marshall Islands, American
Samoa, and Tonga do not have visas, but are eligible to establish residence,
unless they have applied for an F-1 (Student visa), which would preclude
establishing domicile in the United States.
• Under the “Jay Treaty,” American Indians born in Canada have the right to pass
and re-pass into the United States. They are subject to regulations of the
United States Immigration and Naturalization Service. Only Indians who
possess at least one-half degree of American Indian blood can take advantage
of the border crossing provision of the Treaty. (Canada does not recognize this
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Treaty and considers American Indians to be subject to the provisions of their
Immigration Act.)
• Students granted the “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals” (DACA) status
(see questions 6, 15, and 16)
• Noncitizens admitted to the United States on an immigrant visa status would
be considered eligible to establish residence even if a particular visa number is
not listed below.
The following visa statuses MAY establish residency:
A-1 to A-3 Foreign government officials, employees, family and
servants
E-1, E-2, E-2C, E-3 E-1 and E-2 relate to treaty trader and treaty investor,
spouse and children and E-2C relates to long-term
foreign investors in the CNMI (Commonwealth of
Northern Mariana Islands). The E-3 visa program is for
Australian nationals that work in the U.S. in
"specialty occupations" and in terms of provisions for
presence in the United States is similar to that of the E-1
and E-2 visa types.
G-1 to G-5 Representatives of foreign government, officers, and
employees of international organizations
H-1B, H-1C, H-4 Temporary worker/trainee (Special Note for H-4 [Spouse
or child of H-1B, H-1B1, H-1C, H-2A, H-2B, and H-3]: Only
spouse and child of H-1B and H-1C may establish
residency. Spouse and child of H-1B1, H-2A, H-2B, and H-
3 may not establish residence.)
I Foreign information media, spouse and children
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K-1, K-2, K-3, K-4 Fiancé and fiancée of U.S. Citizen; Spouse and children of
a U.S. Citizen (LIFE Act)
L-1A, L-1B, L-2 Intra-company transferee, spouse and children
N-8, N-9 Parent of a special immigrant child (Classified SK-3) and
Child of a special immigrant (Classified N-8, SK-1, SK-2,
SK-3
NATO 1 to 7 NATO representatives, staff, family, expert employees
and civilians accompanying NATO members
O-1, O-3 Foreign National with extraordinary abilities in science,
arts, business, athletics, spouse, and children (Special
note for O-3 [spouse or child of O-1 or O-2]: Only spouse
and child of O-1 may establish residence. Spouse or child
of Visa O-2 may not establish residence)
R-1, R-2, R-3 Religious workers; spouse or child
SIV Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) Special immigrant
Afghanistan or Iraq national who worked with the U.S. a
rmed forces as a translator (Public Law 109-163); Special
immigrant Iraq national who was employed by or on
behalf of the U.S. government (Public Law 110-181); and
Special immigrant Afghanistan national who was
employed by or on behalf of the U.S. government or in
the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in
Afghanistan (Public Law 111-8, Title VI, Sec. 602). [Note:
May be entitled to an immediate exemption from the
nonresident tuition fee if upon entry to the United States,
the SIV visa holder first settled in California pursuant to
the provisions of Education Code section 68075.6
(effective January 1, 2018). This exemption is only for the
length of time he or she lives in this state up to the
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minimum time necessary to become a resident (one year
and one day).]
T-1 to T-6 Victims of a severe form of trafficking in persons; spouse
or child; parent of T-1 if T-1 victim is under 21 years of
age. [Note: May be entitled to an immediate exemption
from the nonresident tuition fee if upon entry to the
United States, the T visa holder first settled in California
pursuant to the provisions of Education Code section
68075.6 and 68122 (effective January 1, 2018). This
exemption is only for the length of time he or she lives in
this state up to the minimum time necessary to become a
resident (one year and one day).]
U-1 to U-5 Victims of certain crimes; spouse or child; parent of U-1
victim if U-1 is under 21 years of age. [Note: May be
entitled to an immediate exemption from the
nonresident tuition fee if upon entry to the United States,
the U visa holder first settled in California pursuant to the
provisions of Education Code section 68075.6 and 68122
(effective January 1, 2018). This exemption is only for the
length of time he or she lives in this state up to the
minimum time necessary to become a resident (one year
and one day).]
V-1, V-2, V-3 Spouse/child/derivative child of a Lawful Permanent
Resident who is the principal beneficiary of a family-
based petition (Form I-130) which was filed prior to Dec.
21, 2000, and has been pending for at least three years;
NOTE: Noncitizens admitted to the United States on an immigrant visa status would
be considered eligible to establish residence even if a particular visa number is not
listed above.
8. What can a student do if he or she does not have documentation from the USCIS as
discussed above?
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In some circumstances, students may not have the appropriate documents from the
USCIS. In such cases, districts may wish to develop policies for permitting alternative
methods of documenting that an application has been filed (e.g., an affidavit from an
attorney).
9. When an noncitizen student holds an Employment Authorization Document Card (EAD), is
he or she capable of establishing residence?
Please note that in October 2009, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced
that the following I-688 EAD’s were all expired and they would no longer verify the
noncitizen information found on these forms:
• I-688 (Temporary Resident Card)
• I-688A (Employment Authorization Card)
• I-688B (Employment Authorization Card)
Therefore, the I-766 EAD is currently the only EAD card issued by USCIS. It is issued to
noncitizens who have been granted temporary permission to work in the United States,
and was designed to replace the I-688B. It allows the recipient to remain and work in the
United States, but does not grant any other benefits. In addition to other noncitizen
information displayed on the EAD card, the I-766 includes immigration the category/code
allowing the noncitizen to work in the United States, which may or may not be eligible to
establish residency for tuition purposes. If the district is not able to readily determine
whether the indicated immigration category/code is capable of establishing residency for
tuition purposes, a request by the admissions office for further information substantiating
the person’s status would be in order.
10. Can an unmarried minor on a visa that precludes establishing residence derive residence
from a parent who is a California resident?
Generally, the residence of an unmarried minor alien may be immediately derived from
his/her parents. However, minors who are in this country on visas that preclude
establishing domicile or are undocumented, are residents of their country of origin as a
matter of federal law. Since there can only be one residence, such alien minors cannot be
residents of California, even though state law would otherwise permit them to derive
residence from their parents. Once steps are taken to change their status to one that
allows residence, they would derive the parent’s residence status immediately (no waiting
period).
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11. What residence status would be given a minor child who is born in the United States and is
a citizen, but whose parents are precluded from establishing domicile in the United States
(for instance, the parents may be undocumented or on visas that preclude establishing
domicile)?
The minor children of alien parents who are precluded from establishing domicile, are
allowed to establish residence separately from their parents if the children were born in
the United States, and are thus citizens, and otherwise meet applicable residency laws.
(Note: These individuals are entitled to the full rights that United States citizenship
brings.)
12. Are noncitizens required to provide their Permanent Resident Card (green card) to the
admissions staff?
No. However, the burden of proof of status is with the student. The district may indicate
what kind of documentation it needs in the way of proof, but it is inappropriate to just ask
to see the green card unless the student volunteers to show it. There must be some
evidence that the student is legally in the United States. This means the person should
have documents from the USCIS showing that he/she was admitted legally and/or has
applied for permanent status (and will probably voluntarily show the “green card”).
13. Are “B” visitor visa students permitted to attend or enroll in California community
colleges?
As indicated in Legal Advisory 18-02 (Q&A 26), please note that federal immigration law
provides that: “An alien who is admitted as, or changes status to, a B-1 or B-2
nonimmigrant on or after April 12, 2002, or who files a request to extend the period of
authorized stay in B-1 or B-2 nonimmigrant status on or after such date, violates the
conditions of his or her B-1 or B-2 status if the alien enrolls in a course of study.” (8 C.F.R. §
214.2(b)(7).) Colleges should consult their legal counsel about the ramifications of the
federal restrictions on the admission and enrollment of students who enter the United
States in visitor status.
14. What is the difference between an “out of status” and “undocumented” alien – is there a
difference?
“Out of Status” refers to a visa holder who violates his visa status by not following the
visa requirements, staying longer than the expiration date of the I-94 and/or visa,
becoming 21 (aging out), or engaging in activities not permitted for the visa. Students
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should not be allowed to establish residence only by showing that they have violated the
terms of their visa or stayed in this country beyond the period permitted by law.
An “Undocumented Alien” is one who entered the country illegally and has not applied
for legalization pursuant to provisions of federal law. Undocumented aliens cannot
become California residents for tuition purposes because they are precluded by federal
law from establishing domicile in the United States.
15. Under the federal government’s “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals” (DACA) program,
students may be approved to receive a deferral of deportation and may apply for
employment authorization. Does approval under DACA preclude students from qualifying
for the AB540 nonresident tuition fee exemption?
As it relates to the question concerning AB 540 eligibility for DACA approved students,
Legal Advisory 07-01 provides the following concerning the AB 540 Nonresident Tuition
Fee exemption:
“This benefit is available to all U.S. citizens, permanent residents of the U.S., and aliens
who are not nonimmigrants (including those who are undocumented), who meet all
other eligibility criteria.” [emphasis added]
Undocumented students that are being granted “Deferred Action” under the DACA
program are not being granted “nonimmigrant” status (“nonimmigrant” status refers to
individuals that are permitted to enter the U.S. on a temporary basis, whether for tourism,
business, temporary work, or study). Instead, the USCIS DACA FAQs webpage indicates
that “Deferred action is a discretionary determination to defer removal action of an
individual as an act of prosecutorial discretion” and that “Deferred action does not confer
a lawful immigration status.” [emphasis added] Therefore, being approved for DACA
does not preclude a student from qualifying for the AB 540 nonresident tuition fee
exemption because they do not gain “nonimmigrant” status through DACA approval. For
additional information concerning AB 540, please refer to Question 23 (item 1) of this
document.
16. Are students approved for the “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals” (DACA) program
eligible to establish California residence for tuition purposes?
The DACA program was established by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
in June 2012. Under this program, individuals meeting specified requirements can apply
to have a deportation action deferred for two years, subject to renewal for an additional
two years. Students under DACA status are considered by DHS to be lawfully present in
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the United States during the period of deferred action (DACA approved students will
receive an I-821 Approval Notice indicating dates through which DACA status is valid).
On June 5, 2014, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated
its Frequently Asked Questions regarding Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood
Arrivals (DACA). Of significance, the USCIS clarified that “individuals granted deferred
action are not precluded by federal law from establishing domicile in the U.S.”
(Frequently Asked Questions, #5.) Based on this clarification, we have concluded that
students who have been granted DACA status have taken appropriate steps to obtain a
change of status from the applicable federal agency to a classification which does not
preclude establishing domicile. (See, Cal. Code Regs., tit. 5, § 54045(c).) Thus, for
residency determinations made for terms starting on or after June 5, 2014, if the student
otherwise meets the requirements of California law related to physical presence and the
intent to make California home for other than a temporary purpose, the student can be
classified as resident for purposes of assessing tuition, awarding Board of Governors Fee
Waivers, and determining eligibility for services that require California residency. See
Item 6 above for specific criteria.
While DACA status is conferred for only two years, subject to renewal, as a general rule
residency classification will not be impacted by the renewal requirement. Once a student
has been classified as a resident, colleges are not required to determine the student’s
classification again unless the student has not been in attendance for more than one
semester or quarter. (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 5, 54010(a).)
See item number 6 above for specific steps that must be taken by DACA approved
students, and other noncitizen students, to be classified as a resident.
On September 5th 2017, the Trump Administration announced its intention to phase out
and end the federal DACA program. This decision was challenged and the DACA program
is still being discussed in court. In administering the admission of students approved for
DACA, districts should obtain the latest information and/or court decisions from the U.S.
Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Note: According to a February 17, 2015 USCIS statement, the existing DACA program
discussed above was not affected by a federal District Court’s temporary injunction issued
February 16, 2015, which only pertained to the “DAPA” [Deferred Action for Parent’s of
Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents] and the “expanded” DACA programs
(ultimately, this temporary injunction was made permanent after the U.S. Supreme Court
split 4-4 in a case appealing a nationwide injunction on the DAPA and “expanded” DACA
programs).
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17. What is the residence capability of persons from Guam or Puerto Rico (Trust Territories),
the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Kofrae, Ponape, Truk, Yap, Marshall Islands,
American Samoa, and Tonga?
Persons from these geographic areas do not have visas, but are eligible to establish
residence, unless they have applied for an F-1 (Student visa), which would preclude
establishing domicile in the United States.
Entitlement to Residence Classification
18. Are certain students entitled to “automatic” residence classification?
Yes. The California Legislature has granted residence classification to certain persons
without the need to prove that they have met the durational or intent requirements
usually associated with establishing residence. Of course, if a student claims to fall within
one of these exceptions, he or she must be able to provide proof of eligibility.
As discussed below, districts also have the option of granting residence classification in
some circumstances. Districts are also required or permitted to exempt certain
nonresident students from the payment of nonresident tuition. Full information on all of
these matters is beyond the scope of this document, districts should also be familiar with
all applicable statutes and regulations that cannot be fully described in this format.
19. Are military personnel and their dependents still entitled to resident classification?
Yes, but the law changed somewhat effective January 1, 2013, to allow for a longer period
of residence classification for discharged members of the military stationed in California.
Additionally, for dependents of active duty military members, effective January 1, 2018,
being “admitted to” a community college is also an appropriate basis for granting the
residency exception for this group of students (see “Dependents of Active Military
Members” section below). See also discussion below related to law changes concerning
nonresident veterans and in-state tuition eligibility (SB 85 approved by Governor Brown
on June 27, 2017, which, among other things, modified Education Code section 68075.7 to
reflect changes in related federal law).
Military Students Stationed in California
(Ed. Code § 68075; Cal. Code Regs., tit. 5 § 54042)
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Students who are members of the armed forces of the United States domiciled or
stationed in California as of the residence determination date are entitled to resident
classification for purposes of determining the amount of tuition and fees for the duration
of their attendance at a community college. For purposes of this section, “Armed Forces
of the United States” means the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, and the
reserve components of each of those forces, the California National Guard, the California
State Military Reserve, and the California Naval Militia. If that member of the armed forces
of the United States who is in attendance at an institution is thereafter transferred on
military orders to a place outside this state where the member continues to serve in the
Armed Forces of the United States, he or she shall not lose his or her resident
classification so long as he or she remains continuously enrolled at that community
college. Please note that exclusions or limitations from residency classification for active
duty military students related to students “seeking a graduate degree” or “members of
the armed forces who were assigned for educational purposes to state-supported
institutions of higher education” are no longer applicable under the current statute and
federal law. ---
CCCCO Legal Opinion 10-05 analyzes the effect of the 2008 reauthorization of the federal
Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) on tuition rates for members of the armed forces
on active duty, their spouses, and dependent children. As indicated in Legal Opinion 10-05,
the federal law changes in the HEOA have broadened the applicable situations in which a
member of the armed forces and his or her dependents may receive the benefit of state
resident status for purpose of tuition and fees, including where the military member is
“domiciled” in this state, but not stationed in California on active duty.
Dependents of Active Duty Military Members
(Ed. Code § 68074; Cal. Code Regs., tit. 5 § 54041)
A student who is a natural or adopted child, stepchild, or spouse and who is a dependent
of a member of the armed forces of the United States domiciled or stationed in California
on active duty is entitled to resident classification for the purposes of determining the
amount of tuition and fees. There is no limitation on the length of the resident
classification. If that member of the armed forces, whose dependent is in attendance at,
or has been admitted to (“admitted to” basis added by AB 172 (Chavez, 2017) and
effective January 1, 2018), a community college, is thereafter transferred on military
orders to a place outside this state where the member continues on active duty or is
thereafter retired as an active member of the armed forces of the United States, the
student dependent shall not lose his or her resident classification so long as he or she
remains continuously enrolled at that community college. As noted above, see Legal
Opinion 10-05.
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Discharged Members of the Armed Forces
(Ed. Code § 68075.5; Cal. Code Regs., tit. 5 § 54041)
A student who was a member of the armed forces of the United States stationed in
California on active duty for more than one year immediately prior to being discharged
shall be exempt from paying nonresident tuition for up to one year if he or she files an
affidavit with the community college stating that he or she intends to establish residency
in California as soon as possible. This one year exemption shall be used while the student
lives in this state and within two years of being discharged (effective January 1, 2013, AB
2478 amended Education Code section 68075.5 to give the student two years to start the
one year exemption period as the student may need to temporarily to return to their
home state after discharge and may not be able to immediately start their education in
California). A former member of the armed forces of the United States who received a
dishonorable or bad conduct discharge shall not be eligible for this exemption.
Nonresident Veterans
(Title 38, U.S. Code 3679(c); Ed. Code §§ 68075.5, 68075.7)
In August 2014, the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (VACA Act) was
signed into federal law (updated in 2016 by Public Law 114-315). This required the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to disapprove programs of education under the
Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty (MGIB-AD) and Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefit
programs (Chapters 30 or 33, respectively, of Title 38, U.S. Code) at public institutions of
higher learning if the school charges qualifying nonresident veterans and other qualifying
individuals (“covered individuals”) tuition and fees in excess of the in-state rate for
resident students for terms beginning after July 1, 2015 therefore, California Community
Colleges proceeded to implement “in-state” rates for “covered individuals” effective for
academic terms beginning after July, 1 2015 as required by enacted Education Code
section 68075.7 (AB 81, 2015; SB 85, 2017). For the specific criteria for determining
eligibility for “covered individual status” and other VACA Act implementation guidance,
please refer to Title 38, U.S. Code, section 3679(c) and Education Code section 68075.7.
Please note the VACA Act was further amended in September 2018 by Pub.L. No 115-251,
which added a new category of covered individuals. The new category includes
individuals eligible for rehabilitation under 38 U.S. Code § 3102 pursuing a course of
education with education assistance from the Training and Rehabilitation for Veterans
with Service-Connected Disabilities (Chapter 31) education benefits program. The CCCCO
is currently working to amend Education Code section 68075.7 to reflect the change in
federal law. In the meantime, districts should refer to the federal statute (38 U.S.C.
3679(c)) for the complete list of covered individuals under the VACA Act. The change was
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effective for courses or terms beginning after March 1, 2019, however, on March 4, 2019,
the Department of Veterans Affairs issued a waiver extending the deadline for state
compliance to September 30, 2019. Colleges should exempt the new group of covered
individuals from nonresident tuition effective immediately.
Effect of Military Resident Classification
(Ed. Code §§ 68074; 68075)
Please note that the resident classification granted under sections 68074 and 68075 is
restricted to tuition and fee purposes, such that a student could not, for example, qualify
to serve as a student governing board member under Education Code section 72023.5
(which requires that student members be California residents) unless the student
otherwise met residency standards.
20. Can the spouse of a member of the military become a California resident if the military
spouse has not taken steps to change his/her residence?
Yes, two people who are married do not always have the same residence. Each student’s
residence must be independently determined. If the student came to California in the
company of his/her spouse, who is in the military, transferred to this state, there is a
presumption that the student is a nonresident.
21. Are there special provisions for the military person who was a California resident and was
transferred on military orders out of the state or country; and, who upon return to
California, enrolls at a community college? Is this person automatically considered to be
a resident?
The person would remain a California resident if his/her “Leave and Earnings Statement”
continues to indicate California as the residence, and the person has done nothing while
out of state to relinquish residence.
Members of the military who are stationed out of California are automatically exempt
from payment of California state taxes for the time they are absent from the state, if the
military income is the sole income. If the military person had income from other sources,
the person is subject to California taxes, on all other income wherever earned.
Permissive Grants of Residence Classification
22. Are districts permitted to grant resident status to some students?
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Yes. In addition to those instances when districts must grant resident status, there are
circumstances when districts are allowed to grant resident status to students who would
not otherwise meet the durational and intent restrictions of residency.
For example, a district may classify a student who has been hired by a California public
agency as a peace officer as a resident for purposes of enrollment in police academy
training courses. (Ed. Code, § 76140.5.)
A district may classify a student as a resident if he or she lives with a parent who meets the
requirements for agricultural laborers, or the student meets the requirements for an
agricultural laborer. (Ed. Code, § 68100; Cal. Code Regs., tit. 5 § 54048.)
A district may grant resident classification to students who are full-time employees of an
institution or state agency or to students who are children or spouses of full-time
employees of an institution or state agency until they have resided in California for the
minimum time necessary to become a resident. The term “institution” refers to any
university or college of the California State University or Colleges (including the California
Maritime Academy), the University of California, or any California Community College.
(Caution: under this section, an employee of any state agency is one who is assigned to
work outside the state.) (Ed. Code, § 68079.)
Education Code section 68085 also permits the California Community colleges, and other
California public postsecondary segments, to classify a foster youth student as a resident
for tuition purposes until he or she has resided in the state for the minimum time needed
to become a resident, if the student meets the following requirements:
1) Currently resides in California
2) Is 19 years of age or younger
3) Is currently a dependent or ward of the state through California’s child welfare
system, or was served by this system and is no longer being served either due to
emancipation or aging out of the system
As it relates to determining student eligibility for the foster youth residency exception,
and as required for numerous other residency exceptions, districts will need to rely on
actual evidence and not a self-certification that the student is or was a dependent or ward
of the state through California's child welfare system (e.g., standardized documentation
currently given to foster youth by county welfare departments as evidence of this
transition for financial aid or other purposes, including “Ward of the Court” letters or
“Proof of Dependency” cards). Please note that the form of documentation may vary by
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county, but should include certain essential information, such as “Youth Name,” “Date of
Birth,” “Current Mailing Address and ILP Contact Number,” “County Identification
Number” or “Probation Identification Number,” and “Dependency/Wardship Start Date.”
The form of documentation provided to emancipating youth by each county is optional.
However, a laminated, wallet-sized card is the State Department of Social Services
recommended form of dependency verification.
For students who have not emancipated or aged out of care, similar foster care
verification can also be obtained from the county welfare departments by the applying
student. Districts permitting this residency exception may want to revise its local
residency questionnaire to help identify potentially eligible students.
Exceptions to Payment of Nonresident Tuition
23. Are there times when persons who are not California residents are nevertheless excused
from paying nonresident tuition?
Yes. Although the usual consequence of being classified as a nonresident is the
requirement to pay nonresident tuition, there are times when nonresident students must
be excused from paying nonresident tuition (e.g., AB 540 students), and there are other
times when a district has the option of exempting students from paying nonresident
tuition (e.g., a district adopts a policy that “all nonresidents who enroll for six or fewer
units” will be exempted from nonresident tuition pursuant to Education Code section
76140(a)(1)---see question 24). It is important to remember that being excused from the
payment of nonresident tuition does not mean that the student has been classified as a
resident and it may also mean that apportionment may not be claimed.
24. When must a district excuse the payment of nonresident tuition?
1. One major exception from the payment of nonresident tuition is often referred to
as the “AB 540” exemption. Assembly Bill (AB) 540 added section 68130.5 to the
Education Code, which was modified in 2014 with the passage of AB 2000 (Gomez),
and again in 2017 with the passage of SB 68 (Lara). (Ed. Code, § 68130.5; Cal.Code
Regs., tit. 5, §§ 54045.5 and 58003.6) This section requires community college
districts to exempt eligible students from nonresident tuition if they meet all of the
following requirements:
Requirement 1: Attendance at California Schools
This requirement may be met in either of the following two ways:
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• Total attendance (or attainment of credits earned) in California equivalent to
three or more years of full-time attendance at California high schools,
California adult schools, campuses of the California Community Colleges, or a
combination of these; or
• Three or more years of full-time high school coursework in California, and a
total of three or more years of attendance in California elementary schools
and/or California secondary schools.
Note: Attendance in credit courses at a California community college counted
toward this requirement shall not exceed a total of two years of full-time
attendance.
Requirement 2: Completion of a Course of Study
This requirement can be met in any of the following ways:
• Graduation from a California high school or equivalent; or
• Attainment of an associate degree from a California community college; or
• Fulfillment of the minimum transfer requirements established for the
University of California or the California State University for students
transferring from a California community college
Requirement 3: Registration
Requires registration as an entering student at, or current enrollment at, an
accredited institution of higher education in California. (Ed. Code, § 68130.5, subd.
(a)(3).)
Requirement 4: Affidavit of student without lawful immigration status
Students without lawful immigration status must file an affidavit with their college
or university stating that the student has either filed an application to legalize his
or her immigration status, or will file an application as soon as he or she is eligible
to do so. (Ed. Code, § 68130.5, subd. (a)(4).)
Nonimmigrant alien students (other than “T” or “U” nonimmigrant visa holders in
accordance with Education Code section 68122 and effective January 1, 2013
pursuant to AB 1899 of 2012), as defined by federal law, are not eligible for the AB
540 exemption. Students who are exempt from the payment of nonresident
tuition under Education Code section 68130.5 may be reported by a community
college district as a full-time equivalent student for apportionment purposes.
Although these students are exempted from paying nonresident tuition, they
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remain nonresidents until such time as they change their immigration status to
one that allows establishing a domicile in the United States.
The Chancellor's Office has issued updated guidelines (Legal Advisory 18-02) which
supersedes the previously issued (Legal Advisory 07-01). This advisory includes
guidance on the implementation of Education Code section 68130.5, which was
recently revised to reflect the newly enacted SB 68 (Lara, 2017). Legal Advisory 18-
02 also includes guidance on AB 1899 which made “T” and “U” visa holders to be
eligible for AB 540 in the same way as refugees, and AB 130 and 131 (2011-the
“California Dream Act”), which allows AB 540 eligible students to apply for and
receive student financial aid from publicly administered student financial aid
sources. The guidelines provide a greater level of detail and address specific
issues that may arise under the section and may be useful to districts in meeting
their responsibilities.
2. Assembly Bill 343, effective January 1, 2018 added section 68075.6 to the
Education Code. This section grants an immediate Nonresident Tuition fee
exemption to eligible Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders and refugee students
admitted to the United States under Section 1157 of Title 8 of the United States
Code. SIV Visa holders include Iraqi and Afghan citizens or nationals (and their
spouses and children) who were employed by or on behalf of the United States
Government in Iraq (Public Law 110-181, § 1244), and who meet certain criteria,
and also translators (and their spouses and children) who worked directly with the
United States Armed Forces (Public Law 109-163, § 1059), and who meet certain
criteria. SIV Visa holders also include Afghanistan nationals who were employed by
or on behalf of the U.S. government or in the International Security Assistance
Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan.
Eligibility for this exemption includes the requirement that “upon entering the
United States, [the Student] settled in California”. Students who settled elsewhere
in the United States, and then moved to California would not be eligible for this
exemption and would be required to either establish residency or pay nonresident
tuition. AB 343 also states that this exemption is only granted for the minimum
time it would take for the student to establish residence. That time, and therefore
any nonresident tuition exemption, will expire one year from the date the student
settled in California upon entering the United States. (Ed. Code, § 68017.) For
minors, the exception expires one year from the date the student becomes 18
years of age (to age 19) (Ed. Code, § 68075.6, subd. (b)(1).). Upon expiration of the
nonresident tuition exemption, the student will either have established residency
in California, or will have an intention to reside elsewhere, and be subject to
nonresident tuition.
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This nonresident tuition exemption is intended for all refugees, not just those
admitted under the SIV program. It is also important to note that eligible T and U
Visa holders are also eligible for this immediate exemption based on the provisions
of Education Code section 68122, which ties their exemption status to that of
refugees.
Districts are authorized to claim state apportionment for FTES generated by
nonresident students exempted under this provision and their attendance should
be reported as resident FTES for state apportionment purposes. (Ed. Code, §
68075.6, subd. (b)(2).)
AB 2210 (McCarty, 2018) added section 68075.65 to the Education Code requiring
each community college to post on its internet site a notice that sets forth which
persons are exempt from paying nonresident tuition pursuant to section 68075.6.
The Chancellor’s Office issued Legal Advisory 19-02 which contains sample
language that colleges may post to community college websites to comply with
the requirements set forth in AB 2210.
3. Pursuant to AB 2364 (Holden, Chapter 299, Statutes of 2016; Ed. Code, § 76140)
and effective January 1, 2017, a district must exempt all qualifying nonresident
special “part-time” students (other than those with a non-immigrant status, such
as those present in the United States on a B Visitor Visa *) from the nonresident
tuition fee and expressly allows districts to report their attendance as resident
FTES for apportionment purposes. Under an AB 288 (Holden, Chapter 618,
Statutes of 2015) College and Career Access Pathways Partnership (CCAP) dual
enrollment agreement with a school district, qualifying special part-time student
status permits enrollment up to 15 credit units and the units may not constitute
more than four community college courses per term in accordance with Education
Code section 76004(p). Under non-CCAP dual enrollment, qualifying special part-
time student status permits enrollment up to 11 credit units per term in
accordance with Education Code section 76001(d).
Please note that the AB 2364 provisions described above modified the provisions
of previously approved SB 150 (Lara, Chapter 575, Statutes of 2013). SB 150
provided that the nonresident tuition exemption applicable to eligible special
part-time students was permissive, which under AB 2364 has now been modified
to be mandatory. Additionally, under SB 150 the attendance generated by
exempted students was not eligible to be reported for apportionment purposes,
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but under AB 2364 attendance generated by exempted students is eligible to be
reported for apportionment purposes. As was the case with SB 150, the only
nonresident special part-time students that would not be eligible would be those
with a nonimmigrant status*, such as those present in the United States on a B
Visitor Visa or an F Student Visa.
[* As an interpretation of AB 2364, please note that the Chancellor's Office has
determined that nonresident special part-time students that hold a “T” or “U”
non-immigrant visa would NOT be excluded from this required nonresident tuition
fee exemption and that eligible special part-time students must reside in California
during the period of attendance.]
4. Pursuant to SB 141 (Correa, Chapter 576, Statutes of 2013) and effective January 1,
2014, districts are required to exempt from nonresident tuition a nonresident
student who is a U.S. citizen and who resides in a foreign country, if that student
meets all of the following requirements:
i. Demonstrates a financial need for the exemption.
ii. Has a parent or guardian who has been deported or was permitted to
depart voluntarily under the federal Immigration and Nationality Act.
iii. Moved abroad as a result of the deportation or voluntary departure.
iv. Lived in California immediately before moving abroad.
v. Attended a public or private secondary school in California for three or
more years.
vi. Upon enrollment, will be in his or her first academic year as a matriculated
student in California public higher education.
vii. Will be living in California and will file an affidavit with the community
college stating that he or she intends to establish residency in California as
soon as possible.
viii. Documentation shall be provided by the student as required by statute as
specified in Education Code section 76140(a)(5).
Districts are authorized to claim state apportionment for FTES generated by
nonresident students exempted under this provision and their attendance should
be reported as resident FTES for state apportionment purposes.
A student receiving a nonresident tuition exemption under SB 141 does not receive
resident status for the purpose of fees or financial aid. Rather they are exempt
from nonresident tuition fees under this law. These students do not qualify for the
BOG Fee Waiver or any other state financial aid until they establish California
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residency. As citizens, SB 141 students may apply and qualify for federal financial
assistance such as Pell, FSEOG and federal student loans.
5. Another important exemption from the payment of nonresident tuition is for
dependents of any individual killed in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on
the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon building in Washington,
D.C., or the crash of United Airlines Flight 93 in southwestern Pennsylvania. The
exemption applies if the dependent meets the financial need requirements for the
Cal Grant A Program under Education Code section 69432.7 and either the
dependent was a resident of California on September 11, 2001, or the individual
killed in the attacks was a resident of California on September 11, 2001. (Ed. Code,
§§ 68121, 76300(j)-(l).)
6. Districts are required to exempt students taking noncredit courses from payment
of nonresident tuition. (Ed. Code, § 76380.)
7. Districts are required to exempt apprentices taking classes of related or
supplemental instruction from payment of nonresident tuition. (Ed. Code, §76350
and Lab. Code, §3074.) A student claiming an exemption as an apprentice should
provide documentation such as a card or certification from the Joint
Apprenticeship Committee, or the student’s employer, evidencing apprentice
status. Special part-time students who are enrolled only for high school credit
should not be charged nonresident tuition because they are covered by the “free
school” provisions of the California constitution
25. When does a district have the option of excusing a student from paying nonresident
tuition?
1. A district may exempt all nonresidents who enroll for six or fewer units. This is an
“all or nothing” exemption - districts cannot exempt some students taking six or
fewer units and charge nonresident tuition to other students who are taking six or
fewer units. (Ed. Code, §76140(a)(1).)
2. A district may exempt not more than 10% of its nonresident students who are
citizens and residents of a foreign country from nonresident tuition IF the students
demonstrate financial need. (Ed. Code, §76140(a)(2).)
It is important to note that the above optional exemptions do not authorize
districts to claim apportionment funding for nonresident students who are
exempted from nonresident tuition under these provisions.
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Collection of Residency Data
26. Are students required to sign the residency questionnaire?
Yes, the California Code of Regulations, title 5 specifies that each student shall be
classified as to residence at the time applications for admission are accepted and
whenever a student has not been in attendance for more than one semester or
quarter; and, title 5, section 54010 clearly requires that the information on which
residency determinations are made is to be certified under oath or penalty of perjury
by the applicant. Districts should verify to students that if they knowingly provide
false information, they may be subject to discipline.
However, pursuant to California Code of Regulations, title 5, section 54300, a district
may authorize the electronic submission of any form or document and the use of
digital signatures for any documents requiring a signature. Please refer to this section
for the technical specifications and standards that must be met in order to use
electronic signatures in lieu of manual signatures. The current electronic signatures
standard became effective May 9, 2015.
27. Is it necessary to collect residency information from students enrolling only in noncredit
classes?
All students should fill out enrollment forms. However, AB 3101 (Carillo, 2018) added
Education Code section 68086, which exempts students enrolled in only noncredit
courses from the residency classification requirements. CCC Apply is being updated to
reflect this statutory change. Colleges should have a process to ensure that these
students complete the residency classification process prior to enrolling in any credit
course.
28. Is it necessary to collect residency information on students enrolled in distance education
courses?
Students enrolled in distance education courses are subject to the same residence
determination requirements and exemptions as traditional students. If a student
enrolling in a distance education course is deemed to be a non-resident, that student
is subject to nonresident tuition unless otherwise exempted.
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Please also be aware that the Chancellor's Office has determined that the AB 540
exemption from Nonresident Tuition (see item 23, above) is not available for persons
who are absent from California, but who are taking distance education courses from
California Community Colleges.
29. Is it necessary to collect residency information on special part-time or full-time K-12
students enrolled in college courses?
All special part-time or full-time students enrolled in community college courses are
subject to the same residence determination requirements as traditional students. If
a student enrolls for college credit, he or she is subject to nonresident tuition unless
he or she is entitled to resident classification or an exemption from paying
nonresident tuition or unless the district has elected to grant resident classification or
an exemption under discretionary statutes. See question 23 (item 2) for mandatory
exemption applicable to special part-time students.
30. Is it necessary to collect residency information on students enrolled in contract education
courses?
Yes, all students, even via contract education, need to have their resident status
determined in accordance with Education Code section 68040. Also consider that
although resident students that enroll in Credit contract education can be exempted
from the regular enrollment fee pursuant to Education Code section 76300(e)(3), there
is no express exemption provided for nonresident students from the nonresident
tuition fee, even when enrolling in contract education. Thus, as indicated in legal
opinion 01-19, community college districts must charge and report nonresident
tuition for students enrolled in for-credit contract education courses who are
residents of another state or a foreign country.
Residence Determinations
31. Would someone (other than a member of the military or military dependent) who
provides residency documentation of having lived outside of California and earned
income, but did not file a California resident income tax return, be classified as a resident?
Generally, no. A California resident must file a California income tax return on all
income, wherever earned. Claiming an exemption from state income tax as a
nonresident is inconsistent with a claim of residency for tuition purposes.
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32. Do students who have been determined to be residents by community colleges
automatically retain that status when they transfer to CSU or UC?
No. CSU and UC make residence determinations for all their students, including
transfer students.
The basic laws governing residency determination are generally the same for all three
systems of public higher education. However, because CSU and UC have their own
regulations and are subject to some different laws, students who were considered
residents at a community college or who did not pay nonresident tuition at a
community college may find that they must pay nonresident tuition at CSU or UC,
often due to the financial independence requirement.
For example, UC-Santa Barbara notifies its students that “University residence
regulations require that students who will not reach 24 years of age by December 31st
of the calendar year of the term for which classification as a resident is requested, and
who are not dependent upon a California resident parent, demonstrate financial
independence in addition to the 366 day physical presence and intent requirements.
It should be noted that this requirement makes it extremely difficult for most
undergraduates who are not dependent on a parent whose principal place of residence
is California, including transfer students from community colleges and other post-
secondary institutions, to qualify for classification as a resident at a University of
California campus.”
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