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Initial Classification

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A student seeking to pay in-state tuition at a California State University campus as a first-time freshman, transfer, or as a post-baccalaureate/graduate student must have an eligible immigration status (LEGAL CAPACITY) to establish residency, meet PHYSICAL PRESENCE, and demonstrate INTENT to indefinitely remain in the State of California, ALL for more than one year immediately preceding the Residence Determination Date (RDD).  If the student is under the age of 19 (with limited exceptions) on the Residence Determination Date, the student’s residence status is derived from that of the parent or legal guardian.

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Residency Eligibility Criteria 

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Documents Required:

A minimum of three documents of different types is required. At least one document must be from list A, and the remaining documents may be selected from either List A or List B.

Options to meet the requirement: 

  • Option 1: One document from list A and two documents from List B
  • Option 2: Two documents from list A and one document from List B
  • Option 3: All three documents from list A (for example, CA driver's license, CA vehicle registration, and CA Voter Registration card)
     
    Please note: The campus residency specialist may require additional documents in addition to the documents listed in List A and B to determine the residence status.
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List A:

  • California State Income Tax Return
  • Ownership of residential property as a primary residence in California (must meet RDD)
  • Continuous occupancy of rented or leased property in California (must meet RDD)
  • Obtaining a California Driver's License or Identification Card (must meet RDD)
  • Registering To Vote and Voting history (must meet RDD)
  • Registering a Motor Vehicle Operated in California (must meet RDD)
  • Permanent Military Address or Home of Record on Military Records
  • Receipt of California state services (e.g., unemployment, disability, CalFresh) (must meet RDD)
  • Payment of nonresident tuition at an out-of-state institution if attended within the past year

List B:

  • Federal Income Tax Return with a California address
  • Utility bill (e.g., cell phone, gas, electrical) with same California address (must meet RDD, and only one utility ​bill will be accepted)
  • Maintaining Active Resident Memberships in Professional Organizations (e.g., police union, teacher's union) (must meet RDD)
  • Maintaining an Active Bank Account with a California address (must meet RDD)
  • Employment in California (e.g., verification of employment, W-2, pay stubs) (must meet RDD)
  • Vehicle insurance with a California address (student must be listed in the policy) (must meet RDD)
  • Selective Service Registration with a California address
    Court documents (e.g., ward of the court, divorce decree, or child support)
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Steps to Submit Request for Initial Classification

  1. Complete the CSU Residence Questionnaire.
    1. Attach supporting documents from List A/B as evidence of your Physical Presence and Intent, dated over one year before the RDD.
    2. For students under the age of 19 on the RDD, documents must contain the parent or legal guardian's name unless an exception applies.
  2. If you are a citizen of another country, attach documentation of an eligible immigration status to demonstrate your Legal Capacity.
  3. Review that you have answered all questions and attached all necessary documentation then click “submit” to send us your request packet.
    Allow 3-4 weeks review and processing time. If additional information is needed, you will be contacted at your CSUF student email address.

CSUF Residence Questionnaire​

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