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Policy

California Residency Policies

When you apply to Yuba College, the State of California (through OpenCCC) determines your residency for tuition purposes. If you’re classified as a non-resident, you may be able to request a Residency Reclassification or apply for a non-resident tuition exemption.

Residence Determination

District Policy AP 5015

Summary

Standard Residency Requirements

To be considered a California resident for tuition:

  • You must have lived in California for at least one year and one day before the start of the semester.
  • You must show intent to make California your permanent home (driver’s license, voter registration, taxes, etc.).
  • You must show financial independence.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen or hold an eligible immigration status.

To request reclassification, submit the Residency Reclassification Form with documentation that proves the above.

The below information is provided to inform students about the determining California laws, rules and regulations involved in establishing California residency for tuition purposes.

Definition of terms

Below are terms used in the process of residency and are referenced in Title 5 and the California Education Code.

  • Burden of Proof (Title 5, 54026)
    The burden of proof is on the student to demonstrate clearly both physical presence in California and intent to establish California residence without conflicting information. Students are also advised that the burden of proof of residency lies with the individual.
  • Physical Presence: (Title 5, 54022)
    You must have been physically present in California for one year and one day prior to the first day of semester/term you wish to be declared a resident for tuition purposes. You must have been physically present in the State of California for one year as of the residency determination date, before the semester begins. You will be required to prove physical presence.
  • Intent to remain in California: (Title 5, 54024)
    Intent to make California your home for other than a temporary purpose may be demonstrated in many ways. No one factor is controlling. You must manifest intent to become a California resident. The items of intent must be at least one (1) year old as of the residency determination date.
  • Financial Independence: (The California Education Code Section 68044)
    The California Education Code requires that the financial independence of a nonresident student seeking reclassification as a resident be included in the factors to be considered in the determination of residence. You must not have received any form of financial support from a parent residing outside of California for the year prior to your claim of resident status. Your parents may be required to sign and have notarized an affidavit and submit appropriate tax forms to verify.

Exemptions for AB 540 / AB 2000 / SB 68 (Dream Act eligibility)

Summary

Even if you don’t meet the one-year/one-day rule, you may qualify for in-state tuition under California law if you:

  • Attended a California high school for at least 3 years.
  • Graduated from a California high school or earned a GED/certificate of completion in California.
  • In some cases, additional attendance in CA community colleges, elementary, middle, or adult schools may also count.

Submit the AB 540/2000/SB 68 Non-Resident Tuition Exemption Form plus official transcripts.

 

Exemptions for AB 343 (Refugees & Special Immigrant Visa holders)

Summary

Even if you don’t meet the one-year/one-day rule, you may qualify for in-state tuition under California law if you:

  • Entered the U.S. as a refugee or with a Special Immigrant Visa.
  • Have lived in California for less than one year at the start of the term.
  • This exemption lets you pay resident fees until you’ve lived in California long enough (one year and one day). After that, you’ll need to either reclassify or pay non-resident fees.

Submit the AB 343 Exemption Form with proof of legal status and California residence.