CA Residency

Contact the Residence Deputy: reg-residency@ucsc.edu

🗺️ Out-of-State Students: Establish CA Residency

The Department pays the first year of Non-Resident Student Tuition (NRST).

Out-of-State students are encouraged to take steps to establish CA residency as soon as possible their first year to avoid needing to pay NRST after their first year:

🔒 Send Application Securely to Residence Deputy

1. Download Virtu for Gmail to securely send your application to the Residence Deputy (reg-residency@ucsc.edu)

2. Send your application

🎦 Zoom Drop-in Residency Advising

One-on-one virtual advising with a residence deputy is available. You will be placed in a virtual waiting room until the meeting host invites you in.

🔍 What CA looks for to Determine CA Residency

Physical Presence

1. Have a CA address, and remain in CA for one continuous year (366 days);

   1. Leaving CA for 4-6 weeks resets the timer

2. Sever ties from prior residence.

   1. stay at your CA address during the summer or periods of non-instruction;

   2. have mail delivered to your CA address, etc.

Intent

1. Keep proof you moved personal belongings to your CA address (reciept from UHaul truck, movers, etc.);

2. Get a CA bank account;

3. Get a CA Diver License or ID Card;

4. Switch your vehicle registration from the prior state to CA;

5. Register to vote in CA;

6. Pay CA taxes;

7. Be employed in CA;

8. Remain in CA address during breaks;

9. Mail is delivered to CA address, like insurance, benefits, DMV correspondence, bank accounts, etc.

10. Spouse, children, or partner is at CA address

❌ What May Disqualify you from Residency

• Leaving CA during periods of non-instruction for extended periods, presence only during periods of instruction, returning to prior residence;

• Out-of-state employment;

• Maintaining the prior place of residence, failing to sever all ties to the former residence;

• Paying taxes in another state or country as a resident of that state or country, filing California state tax returns claiming Nonresident status, claiming foreign tax credits on the basis of Tax Domicile or physical presence in that state or country;

• Maintaining an out-of-state driver’s license or identification card;

• Maintaining voter registration in another state; 

• Obtaining a loan or financial assistance based on residence in another state or country;

• Holding a permanent resident visa for another country.