Becoming A Texas Resident While At University

University students at the University of Texas can become residents of Texas, but it depends on a few factors. Texas law classifies each person who applies for admission to a Texas public college or university as either a resident of Texas or a foreign/international student. This classification is important because it determines whether a student pays non-resident tuition rates or in-state rates, and it also qualifies them to apply for financial aid awarded by the state.

There are two basic ways to establish residency in Texas: by establishing domicile or by graduating from high school. The option related to establishing domicile is available to citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. and to international students who hold certain types of visas. To establish domicile, a person must live in Texas for 12 consecutive months and either be independent for tax purposes or be claimed as a dependent on their parent's/guardian's federal income tax return.

The other option for establishing residency is by graduating from high school. To qualify, a student must graduate from a Texas high school or receive a GED in Texas, live in Texas for 36 months before high school graduation, and live in Texas for 12 months before the census date of the semester in which they enroll at the university. This option is available to both citizens and permanent residents of the U.S., as well as international students.

It's important to note that the rules for Texas residency classification for university tuition are different from the rules for voting, obtaining a Texas driver's license, or tax purposes.

High School Graduation

The Old Requirements

The previous system consisted of three tracks with different sets of requirements: the Recommended High School Program, the Distinguished Achievement Program, and the Minimum High School Program.

The Recommended High School Program mandates 26 credit hours with the following breakdown:

• Four credits in English, Math, Science, and Social Studies
• Two credits in a second language
• One credit in fine arts
• Half a credit in speech
• Five and a half credits in electives

In addition, students must pass STAAR tests in algebra I, biology, US history, English I, and English II.

The Distinguished Achievement Program, designed for academically gifted students, has similar requirements but includes a third language credit. To qualify for a Distinguished Achievement Diploma, students must meet four out of seven criteria, including an original research project, a PSAT score that qualifies for the "Commended Scholar" rank, and a score of 3 or higher on an AP exam.

The Minimum High School Program requires 22 credits and is for students who are 16 or older, have taken at least two credits in each of the four core subjects, or have failed ninth grade at least once.

The New Requirements: Foundation High School Program

The new program, which applies to students entering high school in 2014 and beyond, offers a single academic track with the option to add one or more of five "endorsements." The basic track requires 22 credit hours, but with an endorsement, the total is 26 credit hours.

The five endorsements available are: STEM, Business and Industry, Public Services, Arts and Humanities, and Multidisciplinary Studies. Students can also pursue multiple endorsements by completing four credits each of math and science and two additional elective credits.

Graduation Requirements for University of Texas Admissions and Residency

To establish Texas residency through high school graduation for admissions to the University of Texas, students must meet the following requirements:

• Graduate from a Texas high school or receive a GED in Texas
• Live in Texas for 36 months immediately before high school graduation
• Live in Texas for 12 months immediately before the census date of the semester in which the student enrolls at the University of Texas

Non-U.S. citizens seeking residency through high school graduation must submit a Residency Affidavit stating that they will apply for permanent residency when eligible.

Establishing Domicile

Who is eligible?

• Citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. (non-citizens and non-permanent residents may also use this option if they have an application for permanent residency on file with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service)
• International students who possess an eligible visa

How to establish domicile:

If you are independent for tax purposes, you may gain resident status if you establish domicile in the state. If you are claimed as a dependent on the federal income tax return of a parent or legal guardian, they must establish domicile in the state for you to claim residency.

To establish domicile, you or your parent/legal guardian must meet the following criteria:

• Live in Texas for 12 consecutive months
• Establish and maintain domicile for 12 consecutive months, as evidenced by one of the following:
• Gainful employment in Texas (student jobs do not qualify)
• Sole or joint marital ownership of residential real property in Texas by the person seeking to enrol or the dependent's parent/legal guardian, having established and maintained a domicile at the residence
• Ownership and operation of a business in Texas
• Marriage for one year to a person who has established domicile in Texas

Residency Affidavit

The residency classification of a student is important as it determines whether they pay non-resident tuition rates or in-state rates. Being a resident also qualifies a student to apply for financial aid awarded by the state.

Determining Residency

When students apply for admission, the university uses the information they provide on the admissions application to make an initial determination for residency classification. This determination will remain on the student’s record and continue each semester in which a student is enrolled if no changes are made.

Establishing Texas Residency

High School Graduation

To establish residency through high school graduation, a student must meet the following requirements:

• Graduate from a Texas high school or receive a GED in Texas
• Live in Texas for the 36 months immediately before high school graduation
• Live in Texas for the 12 months immediately prior to the census date of the semester in which the student enrolls at a Texas public college or university

If you are a non-U.S. Citizen student seeking residency through high school graduation, in addition to the supporting documentation requirement, you must submit a Residency Affidavit. The affidavit must be completed, signed, and notarized.

Establishing Domicile

This option for establishing Texas Residency is available to:

• Citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. (Non-citizens and non-permanent residents may also use this option if they have an application for permanent residency on file with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for at least 1 year without being denied)
• International students who hold an eligible visa or immigration status to domicile in the U.S. continuously in the state for the 12 months immediately preceding the census date of the academic semester in which you enroll

If you are independent for tax purposes, you may gain resident status if you establish domicile in the state. If your parent(s) or legal guardian claim you as a dependent on their federal income tax return, they must establish domicile in the state for you to claim residency.

To establish domicile, you or your parent/legal guardian must meet the following criteria:

• Live in Texas for 12 consecutive months
• Establish and maintain domicile for 12 consecutive months, as evidenced by:
• Gainful employment in Texas; or
• Sole or joint marital ownership of residential real property in Texas by the person seeking to enrol or the dependent’s parents, having established and maintained a domicile at the residence; or
• Ownership and operation of a business in Texas; or
• Marriage for one year to a person who has established domicile in Texas

Documentation & Forms

The Residency Office will review the core residency questionnaire and the supporting documentation. After the initial review, and throughout the review process, additional documentation may be requested.

Requesting Reclassification

If a student currently classified as a nonresident believes they qualify for Texas Residency, they have the option to request residency reclassification.

To initiate this request, a student must submit a completed Core Residency Questionnaire form. Along with the form, the student should submit supporting documentation that proves they or their parent or legal guardian (if a dependent) have met the requirements to be classified as a Texas Resident.

Core Residency Questionnaire

This questionnaire is designed to help determine your residency status for tuition purposes at the University of Texas. Please answer all questions as accurately and completely as possible. Incomplete or incorrect information may result in a delay in processing your request.

Personal Information:

• Full Name:
• Date of Birth:
• Social Security Number (if applicable):
• Student ID Number:
• Address:
• Phone Number:
• Email Address:
• Citizenship Status:

Educational Background:

• Are you currently enrolled at the University of Texas? Yes/No
• If yes, please provide your student ID number and major.
• Have you previously attended any other colleges or universities in Texas? Yes/No
• If yes, please list the names of the institutions and the dates of attendance.
• Did you graduate from a Texas high school or receive a GED in Texas? Yes/No
• If yes, please provide the date of graduation and a copy of your high school transcript or GED certificate.
• Have you resided in Texas for at least 36 months prior to your high school graduation or receipt of your GED? Yes/No
• Have you resided in Texas for at least 12 months prior to the census date of the semester in which you are enrolling? Yes/No

Residency Information:

• Are you a dependent on your parent's or legal guardian's federal income tax return? Yes/No
• If yes, please provide the name and address of your parent(s) or legal guardian.
• Do your parent(s) or legal guardian reside in Texas? Yes/No
• Are you gainfully employed in Texas? Yes/No
• If yes, please provide proof of employment and income, such as pay stubs or a letter from your employer.
• Do you own residential real property in Texas? Yes/No
• If yes, please provide proof of ownership, such as a deed or property tax records.
• Are you married to a person who has established domicile in Texas? Yes/No
• If yes, please provide a copy of your marriage certificate and proof of your spouse's domicile, such as utility bills or a lease agreement.
• Do you own and operate a business in Texas? Yes/No
• If yes, please provide documentation, such as business licenses or tax records.

International Students:

• What is your current visa status?
• Please provide a copy of your passport and visa.
• Have you resided in Texas for at least 12 months prior to enrolling at the University of Texas? Yes/No
• Are you seeking permanent residency in the United States? Yes/No
• If yes, please provide a copy of your Residency Affidavit or other relevant documentation.

Please note that additional documentation may be requested during the review process. The residency determination will remain on your student record and continue each semester unless changes are made. If you believe you have been incorrectly classified, you may submit a request for reclassification along with supporting documentation.

Residency Reclassification

The residency classification of a student is important as it determines whether they pay non-resident or in-state tuition fees. Being a resident also qualifies a student to apply for financial aid awarded by the state.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) establishes the rules and regulations governing Texas residency for higher education. The THECB requires each student applying to enroll at an institution to respond to a set of core residency questions.

If a student is classified as a nonresident but believes they qualify for Texas residency, they can request residency reclassification. To initiate this request, a student must submit a completed Core Residency Questionnaire form. Along with the form, the student should submit supporting documentation that proves they or their parent or legal guardian (if a dependent) have met the requirements to be classified as a Texas Resident.

The Core Residency Questionnaire is also used to request a reclassification of residency for tuition purposes. This form, along with requested supporting documentation, must be submitted prior to the official census date for the semester the student is requesting reclassification.

The following criteria must be met to establish Texas residency:

• Graduate from a Texas high school or receive a GED in Texas
• Live in Texas for 36 months immediately before high school graduation
• Live in Texas for 12 months immediately before the census date of the semester in which the student enrolls at a Texas public college or university

If a student is a non-U.S. citizen, they must submit a Residency Affidavit stating that they will apply for permanent residency when they are eligible to do so. The affidavit must be completed, signed, and notarized.

To establish domicile, a student or their parent/legal guardian must meet the following criteria:

• Live in Texas for 12 consecutive months
• Establish and maintain domicile for 12 consecutive months, as evidenced by:
• Gainful employment in Texas (student jobs do not qualify)
• Sole or joint marital ownership of residential real property in Texas
• Ownership and operation of a business in Texas
• Marriage for one year to a person who has established domicile in Texas

International Students

International students can establish Texas residency in two ways:

• Graduating from a Texas high school and meeting the above residency requirements
• Establishing domicile in Texas (see criteria above)

International students who hold an eligible visa or immigration status may also establish Texas residency if they have continuously resided in the state for 12 months immediately preceding the census date of the academic semester in which they enroll.

Frequently asked questions