International Students And Idaho Residency: What's The Verdict?

International students in Idaho are issued Limited Term Identification Cards or Driver's Licenses, which are typically valid for one or two years. To establish Idaho residency for tuition purposes, there are two components: Pathway and Domicile. A student must first determine which Pathway they meet the conditions for and then, if required by the selected Pathway, the second Domicile requirement. To apply for or certify residency, a student must submit a worksheet for review. The student must provide clear and convincing evidence that they satisfy the Idaho residency requirements.

International students can only get a Limited Term ID or Driver's License, which is typically valid for one year

International students at the University of Idaho are issued Limited Term Identification Cards or Driver's Licenses. These types of identification are typically only valid for one year, sometimes two years depending on the student's program status. When renewing, they must bring all their documents except proof of residency, even if they have moved and have a new address. Appointments for renewal are available online through the Idaho Transportation Department.

The process for international students to obtain a driver's license in Idaho is slightly different from that of US citizens. While US citizens can transfer their driver's licenses from another state, international students must apply for a new license. In addition, international students are required to take a written test and a skills test to obtain their license. The written test can be exempted if the student has a qualifying driver's license.

It is important to note that when moving to Idaho, individuals are required to apply for an Idaho driver's license within 90 days of residing in the state. This is a legal requirement for anyone operating a motor vehicle on the public roads in Idaho. There are only four international driver's licenses that currently transfer in the same way as US driver's licenses: North Korea, South Korea, Germany, and Taiwan. For individuals holding other international driver's licenses, the process is slightly different, and they will be required to take a driving skills test.

The University of Idaho provides resources and support for international students throughout their time at the university, including guidance on obtaining the necessary identification and licenses. The International Programs Office offers helpful tips and information for students who plan to drive in Idaho, ensuring they have the correct documentation and are aware of the relevant procedures and requirements.

To be considered an Idaho resident, an individual must have lived in the state for at least 12 months

Firstly, students must be US citizens or permanent residents to be eligible for Idaho residency. Secondly, students must have lived in Idaho for at least 12 months prior to the term they are applying for residency. This 12-month period is counted from the date of application for residency, not 12 months before enrolling in a program. Students must also demonstrate that they have established residency in Idaho with a 'bona fide domicile', which means they intend to make Idaho their permanent home. This can be proven with various documents, including bank statements, tax forms, lease agreements, and voter registration, which must be dated at least 12 months prior.

Additionally, students must meet either the 'Pathway' or 'Domicile' requirements. Dependent students must be dependents of a parent or legal guardian who has been domiciled in Idaho for at least 12 months. The parent or guardian must provide proof of their Idaho residency. Independent students who are not dependents must demonstrate that they have continuously resided in Idaho for at least 12 months for purposes other than education.

It is important to note that simply living in Idaho for 12 months does not automatically qualify an individual as a resident. The requirements are more stringent for students, and the burden of proof rests with the applicant to provide clear and convincing evidence that they satisfy the residency requirements.

Non-US citizens are not eligible for Idaho residency for tuition purposes

International students at the University of Idaho are issued Limited Term Identification Cards or Driver's Licenses. These types of identification are typically valid for one year, sometimes two years depending on the student's program status. Non-US citizens are not eligible for Idaho residency for tuition purposes.

Residency classification for tuition determination at the University of Idaho is governed by Idaho Statute §33-3717B. When students apply to the University of Idaho, their application materials are used by the Admissions Office to determine their status as a resident or non-resident for tuition purposes.

There are two components to establishing Idaho residency for tuition purposes: Pathway and Domicile. Applicants first determine which Pathway (1 through 8) all conditions are met for, and then the second domicile requirements only if noted as required by the selected Pathway. Some pathways do not require domicile.

A student who wishes to apply for or certify residency must submit a worksheet for review. The burden of proof rests with the applicant to provide clear and convincing evidence of satisfying the Idaho residency requirements. Submitting a worksheet does not guarantee classification as a resident for tuition purposes.

Students are not eligible for Idaho residency for tuition purposes when they are not US citizens or permanent residents, or are not otherwise lawfully present in the US.

A bona fide domicile is a legal term used to describe an individual's permanent home

International students cannot claim Idaho residency. To be considered an Idaho resident, a student must be a US citizen or permanent resident or otherwise lawfully present in the US.

To establish a bona fide domicile in a particular state, a person must demonstrate that they have established residence in that state for a minimum of 90 days. The specific requirements for establishing a bona fide domicile vary depending on the state and the purpose for which residency is being claimed (e.g., tuition purposes or tax purposes). For example, to establish Idaho residency for tuition purposes at the University of Idaho, a student must first determine which Pathway they meet the conditions for and then, if required by the selected Pathway, demonstrate that they meet the domicile requirements. To satisfy the domicile requirements, a student must demonstrate that they have continuously resided in Idaho for purposes other than education for at least 12 months prior to the term they are applying for residency.

To prove that they have satisfied the Idaho residency requirements, a student must submit a worksheet for review. The student bears the burden of proof and must provide clear and convincing evidence that they meet the requirements.

Idaho residency requirements must be met at the time of certification for professional programs

Dependent Students

A dependent student must be a dependent of a parent or legal guardian who has been domiciled in Idaho for at least 12 months before the term the student is applying for residency. The parent or guardian must demonstrate that they have maintained a bona fide domicile in Idaho for at least 12 months. A "bona fide domicile" is a legal term used to describe an individual's permanent home, or the place where the person intends to remain and expects to return to if visiting elsewhere for short periods of time (less than 30 days).

Independent Students

An independent student is not a dependent of a parent or legal guardian. They must have continuously resided in and be able to demonstrate the maintenance of a bona fide domicile in Idaho for purposes other than education for at least 12 months before the term they are applying for residency.

International Students

International students who are not US citizens or permanent residents are not eligible for Idaho residency for tuition purposes. However, an international student with "refugee", "asylee", or "conditional entrant" status (or dependent children of such a refugee, asylee, or conditional entrant) who comes directly to Idaho from a refugee facility or port of debarkation and has not established domicile in another state is considered an Idaho resident for tuition purposes.

Documentation

Students must submit a residency determination worksheet for review, and the burden of proof rests with the applicant to provide clear and convincing evidence of satisfying the Idaho residency requirements. All documents must be in the name of the person on whom residency is being based (student, spouse, or parent/guardian). The following documents can be used as proof of residency:

• Idaho tax return
• Idaho driver's license
• Idaho Motor Vehicle Registration
• Idaho Voter Registration
• Lease
• Tax statement
• Bank statements
• Home utility bills
• Notarized statement from an employer on business letterhead

Frequently asked questions