Residency Information

To qualify as a Texas resident, you must

• Live in Texas for one year.
• Establish a domicile in Texas before enrollment.
• Be either a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• If you are claimed as a dependent on a parent's most recent federal tax return you will be classified based on the parent's/spouse’s qualifications for residency.
• If you are basing your residency on your spouse and have been married 12 months, you can be classified based on spouse’s qualifications for residency.

A U.S. citizen/Permanent Resident who has not lived in Texas for the past 12 months.

A person who is not a citizen or national of the United States.

International students living in the United States under an eligible visa permitting residence must provide documentation and meet the same requirements as a U.S. citizen to qualify for Texas resident status for tuition purposes.

Please see the attached list to see if your Visa type qualifies to domicile in the state of Texas. Approved Visa Types

The following non-U.S. citizens are eligible to establish and maintain a domicile in this state for the purposes of subsection (a)(2) or (3) under the Determination of Residency.  

• A Permanent Resident: a student will need to submit an up-to-date copy of their Resident Card (I-551).
• A person who is eligible for permanent resident status:  A person who has filed an I-485 application for permanent residency and has been issued a fee/filing receipt or notice of action by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) showing that his or her I-485 has been reviewed and has not been rejected. Students should submit their latest I-797 form.
• An eligible nonimmigrant who holds one of the types of visas posted on the Coordinating Board’s web site.  Students will need to submit copies of their passport, visa, I-94, and other documents as requested.
• A person classified by the USCIS as a Refugee, Asylee, Parolee, Conditional Permanent Resident, or Temporary Resident
• Nonimmigrants (including undocumented citizens) may claim residency to Texas if they meet the following conditions:  
• Graduated or will graduate from a Texas high school or receive their GED certificate in Texas.
• Resided in Texas for three years leading up to graduation from high school or received my GED certificate in Texas.
• Resided or will have resided in Texas for the 12 months prior the census date of the semester in which he/she will enroll.
• Has filed or will file an application to become a permanent resident at the earliest opportunity that he/she is eligible to do so.
• Students in this category must complete an Affidavit.

The following documentation may be requested by the institution regarding a person’s responses to the Core Residency Questions.  Documents that may be used as proof that illustrate:

1. Significant Gainful Employment

• a. An employer’s statement of dates of employment in Texas (beginning and current or ending dates) that encompass at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the census date of the term in which the person enrolls.  However, employment conditioned on student status, such as work study, the receipt of stipends, fellowships, or research or teaching assistantships does not constitute gainful employment.
• b. Other documents that show the person or the dependent’s parent, for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the census date of the term in which the person enrolls: 
• 1) has been engaged in employment intended to provide an income to the person or allow the person to avoid the expense of paying another to perform tasks (as in child care) that is sufficient to provide at least one-half of the individual’s tuition and living expenses or represents an average of at least 20 hours per week; or
• 2) is self-employed in Texas or is living off his/her earnings;  or
• 3) is primarily supported by public assistance in Texas. (For a person living on public assistance, written statements from the office of one or more social service agencies located in Texas that attest to the provision of services to the person for the 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the census date of the term in which the person enrolls.)

2. Sole or Joint Marital Ownership of Residential Real Property

Title to residential real property in Texas with documentation to verify 12 consecutive months of ownership immediately preceding the census date of the term in which the person enrolls, such as a Warranty Deed, with the person or the dependent’s parent having established and maintained domicile at that residence. 

3. Marriage to a Person Who Has Established and Maintained Domicile in Texas

Marriage Certificate or Declaration of Registration of Informal Marriage with documentation to support that spouse has established and maintained domicile in Texas for the 12 consecutive months preceding the census date of the term in which the person enrolls.

4. Ownership of a Business entity

Documents that evidence the organization of the business in Texas that reflect the ownership interest of the person or dependent’s parent, and the customary management of the business by the person or dependent’s parent without the intention of liquidation for the foreseeable future.

NOTE: The student's current home address will determine residency. A Post office box or dormitory address cannot be used to determine residency. Additional documents may be requested to support your claim as a Texas Resident. 

The following items are not acceptable forms of documentation to establish that one has been living in Texas for 12 months:

• Birth certificate
• Social Security card
• Passport
• Shopping club/rental cards
• Tax return
• Bank statements
• Cell phone bills
• Hunting/fishing permit
• Concealed weapons permit
• Credit card bills
• Medical bills or doctor's notes

You will find your residency classification located on your Student ACES account:

• Login in to your ACES
• Select the Student tab
• Select View Student Information
• Select your most recent term
• Your Residency Status will be reflected