California Residency

U.S. citizens can be reclassified as California residents for administrative purposes if they satisfy certain requirements during their first year at U.C. Berkeley. Once reclassified, a student is not charged non-resident tuition, effectively reducing fees by several thousand dollars per semester.

Foreign students with F or J visas cannot qualify for residency. Foreign students with permanent resident status ("green cards") may qualify under certain conditions.

The department expects all U.S. citizens to qualify for California residency. Accordingly, the department does not grant tuition waivers to U.S. citizens after the first year of attendance. It is in the interests of U.S. citizens to take the necessary steps to qualify for California residency. These students should begin collecting the necessary documents as soon as they move here, including the airplane ticket to get here (if applicable). Soon after arriving, new students should pick up the relevant information in 120 Sproul.

To be classified as a California resident for tuition purposes, a student must have relinquished prior residence and established residence in California for more than one year immediately preceding the residence determination date. When you apply for reclassification, you should be able to demonstrate physical presence, intent to reside permanently, and financial independence.

Physical presence and intent to reside permanently

Physical presence in the state for educational purposes does not result in reclassification as a California resident! You must provide evidence of your intentions to reside permanently in the state. Documents must be dated to verify that the actions were taken at least one year before the semester for which resident status is requested. Primary indicators of intent include:

• Establishing and maintaining active bank accounts in California banks
• Obtaining a California Driver License or ID card within 10 days of settling in California
• Obtaining California motor vehicle registration within 20 days of settling in California
• Registering to vote and voting in California elections
• Filing California resident income tax forms from date of entry
• Remaining in California when school is not in session
• Keeping a permanent mailing address in California.

Financial independence

You may also be required to prove that you were financially independent from your parents during the three calendar years preceding the semester you wish to be reclassified; this requirement is not imposed on students appointed as GSIs or GSRs at 49% time or greater during the first semester of reclassification. Be sure to keep good records of your tax history.

More information

The Office of the Registrar has another take.

For more information, contact the Residency Office at 39 Sproul Hall, phone (510) 642-1614. Angie may also have advice.

-- BradLuen - 20 Feb 2007