Residency Determination

The student residency classification determines the enrollment or tuition fee to enroll in a class. In addition, the student residency status determines student eligibility for the California College Promise Grant (formerly known as the BOG Fee Waiver).

A California resident must have resided In California for one (1) year and one (1) day prior to the student’s residence determination date. The residence determination date is defined as the day before the first day of instruction.

Students who do not meet the California residency requirement as of the residence determination date is classified as a Non-Resident. Non-Resident students must pay the additional Out-of-State tuition fees. International students with F1 or M1 Visa status are also classified as non-residents and will be required to pay International tuition, medical insurance and other fees.

Students may appeal the initial determination of their residency status by completing the Supplemental Residency Questionnaire Form. The form must be submitted within thirty (30) calendar days of non-resident notification and prior to the start of the first semester term of attendance.

Undocumented individuals, T and U visa holders, U.S. citizens, and lawfully present immigrants that meet eligibility criteria can apply for a California Tuition Exemption Request. Individuals with international student visas, or other “non-immigrant” statuses are not eligible to apply.

To be considered for the nonresident tuition exemption under SB 68, students must meet 2 requirements:

1. Length of time & coursework completed per school; and

2. Degree Completion, Unit Requirements or a GED

Assembly Bill 2210 Nonresident Tuition

Education Code section 68075.6 grants an immediate nonresident tuition fee exemption to eligible Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders and refugee students living in California. The nonresident tuition fee exemption is granted for one year from the date the individual began living in California.

The exemption applies to the following:

• Iraqi citizens or nationals (and their spouse and children) who were employed by or on behalf of the United States Government in Iraq (Pub. L. No 110-181, & 1244)
• Afghan and Iraqi translators (and their spouses and children) who worked directly with the United States Armed Forces (Pub. L. No. 109-163 &1059)
• Afghanistan nationals who were employed by or on behalf of the U.S. government or in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan (Pub. L. No 111-8 & 602)
• Refugee students admitted to the United States under Section 1157 of Title 8 of the United States Code

To apply for a Special Immigrant Visa holder or refugee nonresident tuition fee exemption, please visit the Admissions & Records Office and complete a Supplemental Residency Questionnaire.& You must demonstrate both physical presence in California and provide documentation of your Special Immigrant Visa or refugee status.