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System Status: 

How to Apply for a Change of Classification

Find out how to apply for a Change of Classification from nonresident status to resident status for tuition purposes.

Residence Deputy Availability

The Residence Deputies are unavailable for in-person or phone advising. Please review the contact information located at the bottom of this page for other ways to connect with a Residence Deputy.

Note: All information is subject to change without notice.

Change of Classification Filing Periods 

Spring 2024 Fall 2024 Winter 2025 Spring 2025

February 2, 2024

through

February 23, 2024

July 26, 2024

through

August 16, 2024

November 1, 2024

through

November 22, 2024

January 31, 2025

through

February 21, 2025

Each quarter has a specific filing period. Petitions and supporting documentation must be submitted online only by 4:30 p.m. on the deadline day. In-person, faxed, emailed, mailed, etc. documentation will not be accepted.

Students are encouraged to apply as soon as the filing period begins. Materials submitted at the end of the filing period are not guaranteed review before the fee payment deadline. Students are responsible for payment of all fees by the applicable fee payment deadline. Late submissions are not accepted.

Change of Classification Petition Submission Requirements

To apply for a change of classification, students will need to submit a Change of Classification Petition Form and all applicable supporting documentation as outlined on the Required Documentation List and in the sections below.

For students applying to be evaluated for the Financial Independence provision, you will also need to complete and upload a Budget Worksheet for Financial Independence to submit along with your documentation. 

Students are responsible for submitting a complete packet to include: all relevant information, requested documentation, written explanations, and clarifications to support an in-state residency request by the deadline. A deputy will not reach out to request missing documents. 


Dependent Undergraduate Students

Dependent Undergraduate Residency Requirements

Please be sure to review the residency requirements for Dependent Undergraduates thoroughly to ensure that you meet all  requirements before submitting your application.

As a reminder, to receive a Resident Classification for purposes of UC tuition, the Student and Parent(s)* must:

  • be in an eligible immigration status for at least one-year immediately prior to the Residence Determination Date
  • establish a primary and permanent Domicile in California and fulfill the physical presence requirement for at least one year immediately prior to the Residence Determination Date
  • fulfill the intent requirements by the relevant deadlines

*All Undergraduate Students under the age of 24 are presumed to be Dependent Students, which requires that both Students and Parents must satisfy all applicable Residency Requirements. Please note that in two-parent households, both parents and the Student must fulfil the residency requirements.

Prepare Your Materials and Submit 

Please follow the steps below carefully to ensure that you provide a completed packet.

1. Complete your Petition

Download the Change of Classification petition (PDF). Complete all applicable information. Sign and date the bottom of the form.

 

2. Compile your Supporting Documents

Verify eligible immigration status, physical presence, and intent for the past year for yourself and your parent(s) by providing all applicable documents listed below and including an explanation for all missing or late dated documents. Black out social security numbers on any or all documents.
  1. California Driver's License or a California ID card. The DMV has very specific rules; see their information for persons new to California. Operating a vehicle in California that is not owned by you still requires you to obtain a California driver's license and proof of California car insurance.
  2. Voter registration card or affidavit from Registrar of Voters. Contact Registrar of Voters at (800) 696-0136, or check status and apply online at the County of San Diego's website.
  3. Bank/Credit/Debit Card statements with a California address for the past 12 months demonstrating ALL consistent itemized transactions in the state of California
  4. California car registration and car insurance card. The DMV has very specific rules; see their information for persons new to California. Operating a vehicle in California that  is not owned by you still requires you to obtain a California driver's license and proof of California car insurance.
  5. All pages of federal and California state tax documents for the most recent tax year OR W2’s/earning statements only if you have not filed taxes yet. Your residency will be questioned if, during the period you are claiming to be a California resident, you file a full-year resident tax return in another state or file a full-year nonresident California state tax return. If you filed a California Part-Year Resident return (Form 540NR), be sure to include your Schedule CA page (540NR).  Black out all social security numbers on all tax documents. If you did not keep copies, call Franchise Tax Board for copies of state tax return and the IRS for your federal tax return at least 90 days before you submit your packet.
  6. Copies of all your housing contracts, monthly rental agreements, lease or proof of property ownership for the past year, or verification in writing from property owner of housing agreement.
  7. Proof of physical move to CA such as airline tickets, moving receipts, bill of lading, etc. (if applicable)
  8. Non-US citizens must provide proof of eligible USCIS status in the US (permanent resident card, I-94 record for the past year, I-821D DACA approval notice, etc.).

Note:

Attach a written statement as to the circumstances of any missing or late-dated documents. Make copies of all documentation to keep for your records.

3. Submit your Petition and Documentation

Submit your petition via the link located at the bottom of this webpage. Please note that the link will become active at 8:00 am and the opening date of the filing period and will become inactive at 4:30 pm on the closing date of the filing period.

Graduate Students

Graduate Student Residency Requirements

Please be sure to review the residency requirements for Graduate Students thoroughly to ensure that you meet all  requirements before submitting your application.

As a reminder, to receive a Resident Classification for purposes of UC tuition, the Student must:

  • be in an eligible immigration status for at least one-year immediately prior to the Residence Determination Date
  • establish a primary and permanent Domicile in California and fulfill the physical presence requirement for at least one year immediately prior to the Residence Determination Date
  • fulfill the intent requirements by the relevant deadlines

Graduate Students are considered as Independent regardless as to age and will be evaluated without regard to Parents or source of financial support. 

Prepare Your Materials and Submit 

Please follow the steps below carefully to ensure that you provide a completed packet.

1. Complete your Petition

Download the Change of Classification petition (PDF). Complete all applicable information. Sign and date the bottom of the form.

 

2. Compile your Supporting Documents

Verify eligible immigration status, physical presence, and intent for the past year for yourself by providing all applicable documents listed below and including an explanation for all missing or late dated documents. Black out social security numbers on any or all documents.
  1. California Driver's License or a California ID card. The DMV has very specific rules; see their information for persons new to California. Operating a vehicle in California that is not owned by you still requires you to obtain a California driver's license and proof of California car insurance.
  2. Voter registration card or affidavit from Registrar of Voters. Contact Registrar of Voters at (800) 696-0136, or check status and apply online at the County of San Diego's website.
  3. Bank/Credit/Debit Card statements with a California address for the past 12 months demonstrating ALL consistent itemized transactions in the state of California
  4. California car registration and car insurance card. The DMV has very specific rules; see their information for persons new to California. Operating a vehicle in California that  is not owned by you still requires you to obtain a California driver's license and proof of California car insurance.
  5. All pages of federal and California state tax documents for the most recent tax year OR W2’s/earning statements only if you have not filed taxes yet. Your residency will be questioned if, during the period you are claiming to be a California resident, you file a full-year resident tax return in another state or file a full-year nonresident California state tax return. If you filed a California Part-Year Resident return (Form 540NR), be sure to include your Schedule CA page (540NR).  Black out all social security numbers on all tax documents. If you did not keep copies, call Franchise Tax Board for copies of state tax return and the IRS for your federal tax return at least 90 days before you submit your packet.
  6. Copies of all your housing contracts, monthly rental agreements, lease or proof of property ownership for the past year, or verification in writing from property owner of housing agreement.
  7. Proof of physical move to CA such as airline tickets, moving receipts, bill of lading, etc. 
  8. Non-US citizens must provide proof of eligible USCIS status in the US (permanent resident card, I-94 record for the past year, I-821D DACA approval notice, etc.).
  9. If you were on an out-of-state research appointment during the summer prior to petitioning for a Change of Classification, please provide a letter from your department endorsing your absence.
Summer actions count! A student's actions during the entire year, including the summer, affect the determination made regarding residence status for tuition purposes. A student who is in California solely for educational purposes is not eligible for California residence for tuition purposes regardless of the length of his or her stay.
A student seeking to establish California residence who accepts employment or conducts research outside of California will be questioned regarding his or her attempts to find employment and/ or conduct research within California. Leaving the state for a unique research opportunity or for special circumstances (such as a medical emergency) may not preclude the student from being classified as a resident, but the burden will be on the student to provide convincing evidence that leaving the state was not inconsistent with his or her claim of permanent residence.

Note:

Attach a written statement as to the circumstances of any missing or late-dated documents. Make copies of all documentation to keep for your records.

3. Submit your Petition and Documentation

Submit your petition via the link located at the bottom of this webpage. Please note that the link will become active at 8:00 am on the opening date of the filing period and will become inactive at 4:30 pm on the closing date of the filing period.

Financially Independent Undergraduate Students

Financially Independent Undergraduate Residency Requirements

Please be sure to review the UC Residency Policy Financial Independence provision thoroughly to ensure that you meet all requirements before submitting your application.

As a reminder, to receive a Resident Classification for purposes of UC tuition, the Student must:

  • be in an eligible immigration status for at least one-year immediately prior to the Residence Determination Date
  • establish a primary and permanent Domicile in California and fulfill the physical presence requirement for at least one year immediately prior to the Residence Determination Date
  • fulfill the intent requirements by the relevant deadlines

In addition to the fulfillment of physical presence and intent, a Dependent Student who wishes to qualify as an Independent Student on the basis of financial independence must demonstrate the Student has been fully self-supporting beginning at least one-year prior to the applicable Residence Determination Date and continuing. 

Prepare Your Materials and Submit 

Please follow the steps below carefully to ensure that you provide a completed packet.

1. Complete your Petition

Download the Change of Classification petition (PDF). Complete all applicable information. Sign and date the bottom of the form.

 

2. Compile your Supporting Documents

Verify fulfillment of the Financial Independence provision requirements, eligible immigration status, physical presence, and intent for the past year for yourself by providing all applicable documents listed below and including an explanation for all missing or late dated documents. Black out social security numbers on any or all documents.
  1. California Driver's License or a California ID card. The DMV has very specific rules; see their information for persons new to California. Operating a vehicle in California that is not owned by you still requires you to obtain a California driver's license and proof of California car insurance.
  2. Voter registration card or affidavit from Registrar of Voters. Contact Registrar of Voters at (800) 696-0136, or check status and apply online at the County of San Diego's website.
  3. Bank/Credit/Debit Card statements with a California address for the past 12 months showing ALL consistent itemized transactions in the state of California
  4. California car registration and car insurance card. The DMV has very specific rules; see their information for persons new to California. Operating a vehicle in California that  is not owned by you still requires you to obtain a California driver's license and proof of California car insurance.
  5. All pages of federal and California state tax documents for the most recent tax year OR W2’s/earning statements only if you have not filed taxes yet. Your residency will be questioned if, during the period you are claiming to be a California resident, you file a full-year resident tax return in another state or file a full-year nonresident California state tax return. If you filed a California Part-Year Resident return (Form 540NR), be sure to include your Schedule CA page (540NR).  Black out all social security numbers on all tax documents. If you did not keep copies, call Franchise Tax Board for copies of state tax return and the IRS for your federal tax return at least 90 days before you submit your packet.
  6. Copies of all your housing contracts, monthly rental agreements, lease or proof of property ownership for the past year, or verification in writing from property owner of housing agreement.
  7. Proof of physical move to CA such as airline tickets, moving receipts, bill of lading, etc. (if applicable)
  8. Parent federal and state tax documents for the most recent tax year.
  9. Non-US citizens must provide proof of eligible USCIS status in the US (permanent resident card, I-94 record for the past year, I-821D DACA approval notice, etc.).
  10. Budget Worksheet (PDF). Be sure to document all sources of income reported on your worksheet (e.g. financial documentation for loans, trusts accounts, college accounts, etc.).

Note:

Attach a written statement as to the circumstances of any missing or late-dated documents. Make copies of all documentation to keep for your records.

3. Submit your Petition and Documentation

Submit your petition via the link located at the bottom of this webpage. Please note that the link will become active at 8:00 am on the opening date of the filing period and will become inactive at 4:30 pm on the closing date of the filing period.

Submit your Petition and Documentation

Closed for Spring 2024

The link becomes active on 02/02/2024 at 8:00 am and inactive on 02/23/2024 at 4:30 pm.

The student is responsible for submitting all relevant information, requested documentation, written explanations, and clarifications to support an in-state residency request by the deadline.

Residence Determination Dates and Deadlines to Acquire Intent

2023 - 2024 Academic Year Residence Determination Date Deadline to Acquire Intent
Fall Quarter 09/28/2023 12/09/2022
Winter Quarter 01/08/2024 03/24/2023
Spring Quarter 04/01/2024 06/16/2023
2024 - 2025 Academic Year Residence Determination Date Deadline to Acquire Intent
Fall Quarter 09/26/2024 12/15/2023
Winter Quarter 01/06/2025 03/22/2024
Spring Quarter 03/31/2025 06/14/2024
Changes may be made to the residence requirements between the publication of this page and the relevant Residence Determination Date. Students should review the UC Residence Policy and Guidelines prior to applying for a Residency Classification to ensure compliance with the most recent requirements for the relevant academic term.

Contact Us


Prospective students may email the Residence Deputy or drop-in to Zoom for virtual office hours from April 1st - April 26th.

Current UC San Diego students may email the Residence Deputy or drop-in to Zoom for virtual office hours. 


Zoom Office Hours:
Now - March 29th: 
Wednesdays 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. | Thursdays 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
April 1st - April 26th: 
Tuesdays 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. | Wednesdays 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. | Thursdays 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Beginning April 29th: 
Wednesdays 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. | Thursdays 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.