Students are automatically classified as resident or non-resident based on the answers the student provided on the statewide admissions application (CCCApply). State laws and regulations require that students wishing to change that residency status to do so through the residency reclassification process at their local community college. Students cannot submit a new application to change their status and students cannot go back and change the answers they provided on the application after the application is submitted.
Students classified as nonresident students are subject to nonresident/out-of-state/international tuition and to the capital outlay fee. Some nonresident students may qualify for a nonresident tuition exemption that waives tuition and capital outlay fees.
Under the California Education Code, the general residency rule is that:
- the student must have been a legal California resident for at least one (1) year and one (1) day prior to the start of the semester or session the student is attempting to reclassify;
- the student must have demonstrated intent to establish California residency for a minimum of two years;
- the student has not engaged in conduct that is inconsistent with a claim for California residence; and
- the student is not prohibited by law from establishing California residency.
Please note that citizenship status may preclude the student from establishing residence in the United States. For more information on the reclassification process, please review the residency reclassification article. Students can schedule an online appointment with an Admissions and Records Technician for assistance with residency reclassification or AB 540 form submission.
AP 5013 Students in the Military
AP 5015 Residence Determination
AP 5020 Nonresident Tuition
AP 5030 Fees
Related Articles: