Military Personnel
Military personnel are considered residents while stationed in California for active duty. The spouse and dependents are considered residents during the first year in which active duty began in California, but must provide proof that residency has been established thereafter. Military students may submit the Residency Reclassification Petition to request a military tuition exemption. Students can schedule an online appointment with an Admissions and Records Technician for assistance with residency reclassification or AB 540 form submission.
AB 540 Nonresident Tuition Exemption
In accordance with AB 540, students other than nonimmigrant persons with valid visas who attended a California high school for a minimum of three years and graduated from a California high school or attained the equivalent, may be eligible for an exemption from the nonresident tuition fee. The California Nonresident Tuition Exemption Request Form is available on the student portal website.
Dream Act students should visit Resources for California Dream Act Students for additional information. Students can schedule an online appointment with an Admissions and Records Technician for assistance with residency reclassification or AB 540 form submission.
Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) Holders and Refugee Students
In addition, Education Code section 68075.6 grants an immediate nonresident tuition fee exemption to eligible special immigrant visa (SIV) holders and refugee students who settled in California upon entering the United States. This exemption is granted to one year from the date the student settled in California upon entering the United States. This exemption applies to the following:
- Iraqi citizens or nationals (and their spouses and children) who were employed by or on behalf of the United States Government in Iraq
- Afghan and Iraqi translators (and their spouses and children) who worked directly with the United States Armed Forces
- Afghanistan nationals who were employed by or on behalf of the U.S. government or in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan
- Refugee students admitted to the United States under Section 1157 of Title 8 of the United States Code
SIV and refugee students may submit the Residency Reclassification Petition to request the SIV/Refugee tuition exemption. Students can schedule an online appointment with an Admissions and Records Technician for assistance with residency reclassification or AB 540 form submission.
College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP)/Early College
Nonresident special part-time students that are part of a CCAP/Early College program are exempted from the nonresident tuition fees pursuant to Education Code section 76004. Please note that this exemption does not apply to other nonresident K-12 students who enroll outside of the CCAP/Early College program.
AP 5011 Admission and Concurrent Enrollment of High School and Other Young Students
AP 5013 Students in the Military
AP 5015 Residence Determination
AP 5020 Nonresident Tuition
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How is California Residency determined?