There are four requirements you must fulfill in order to be a California resident for purposes of tuition at UC.All these requirements must be met by the residence determination date (generally the first day of classes) of the term for which you request a resident classification.
1. Physical presence
You must be continuously physically present in California for more than one year (366 days) immediately prior to the residence determination date of the term for which you request resident status. If you moved to California primarily to attend the University of California, you are here for educational purposes and may not be eligible for a resident classification for purposes of tuition.
Read the full policy on physical presence (pdf)
2. Intent to remain in California
You must establish your intent to make California your home more than one year prior to the residence determination date of the term for which you request resident status.
Read the full policy on intent to remain in California (pdf)
3. Financial independence
If you’re an unmarried undergraduate under the age of 24 and your parent(s) are not California residents, you must be able to verifyfinancial independenceforonefull yearimmediately preceding the term you wish to enroll. Graduate students are presumed to be financially independent.
Read the full policy on financial independence (pdf)
4. Immigration status
You must have the legal ability to establish a permanent domicile in the United States, meaning that you must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States or hold a valid, qualifying nonimmigrant visa.
