Review Process
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.
For any residency-related questions, please contact the residency office directly at residency@uta.edu.
Requesting Reclassification
Sometimes students submit incorrect information or submit information on the admissions application that makes it appear as though they are nonresidents, when they actually do qualify for Texas residency. In other cases, students initially ineligible for Texas Residency classification upon admission may later become eligible.
If a student currently classified as a nonresident but 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.
An incomplete core residency questionnaire, and/or sufficient documentation will delay the review and processing of the request.
Deadlines
Students must submit a completed Core Residency Questionnaire form and supporting documentation via email to residency@uta.edu or submission through the Undergraduate Document Submission form before census day of the semester for which they are seeking reclassification.
Residency Classification
Whether you’ve submitted a new application for admission, or are a current student, you can access your current residency status in MyMav.
- Click on “Student Login”
- Enter your UTA email address and password credentials.
- Once logged in, select the “Personal Information” tile.
- When the Personal Information page opens, click on the Additional Personal Details tab from the menu on the left.
Residency Glossary
Other words and terms as determined by Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, when used in connection with the topic of Texas residency, should be understood as follows:
Census date
The date in an academic term for which an institution is required to certify a person's enrollment in the institution for the purposes of determining formula funding for the institution.
Clear and Convincing Evidence
That degree of proof that will produce a firm conviction or a firm belief as to the facts sought to be established. The evidence must justify the claim both clearly and convincingly.
Coordinating Board or Board
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
Core Residency Questions
The questions promulgated by the Board to be completed by a person and used by an institution as a significant aid in determining if the person isa Texas resident. The core questions shall be those set forth in the ApplyTexas Application or posted on the Board web site.
Deferred Action
Discretionary determination to defer a removal action of an individual as an act of prosecutorial discretion. An individual who ahs received deferred action is authorized by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to be present in the United States, and is therefore considered by DHS to be lawfully present during the period deferred action is in effect.
Dependent
For purposes of Texas residency determination, a person who (a) is less than 18 years of age and has not been emancipated by marriage or court order; or (b) is eligible to be claimed as a dependent of a parent of the person for purposes of determining the parent's income tax liability under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
Domicile
A person's principal, permanent residence to which the person intends to return after any temporary absence.
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.
Eligible Nonimmigrant
A person who has been issued a type of nonimmigrant visa by the USCIS that permits the person to establish and maintain domicile in the United States.
Established Domicile in Texas
Physically residing in Texas, with the intent to maintain domicile in Texas, for at least the 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the census date of the term of enrollment, allowing for documented temporary absences.
Gainful Employment
Employment intended to provide an income to a person or allow a person to avoid the expense of paying another person to perform the tasks (as in child care) that is sufficient to provide at least one-half of the individual's tuition, fees and living expenses as determined in keeping with the institution's student financial aid budget or that represents an average of at least twenty hours of employment per week. A person who is self-employed or who is living off his/her earnings (present or past - such as pensions, veterans' benefits, social security, and savings from previous earnings) may be considered gainfully employed for purposes of establishing residency, as may a person whose primary support is public assistance. Employment conditioned on student status, such as work study, the receipt of stipends, fellowships, or research or teaching assistantships does not constitute gainful employment for purposes of residency determination.
General Academic Teaching Institution
As defined in Texas Education Code §61.003(3).
Independent Institution
As defined in Texas Education Code §61.003(15).
Institution or Institution of Higher Education
Any public technical institute, public junior college, public senior college or university, medical or dental unit, or other agency of higher education as defined in Texas Education Code §61.003(8).
Legal Guardian
A person who is appointed guardian under the Texas Probate Code, Chapter 693, or a temporary or successor guardian.
Maintain Domicile
Physically residing in Texas such that the person always intends to return to the state after a temporary absence. The maintenance of domicile is not interrupted by a temporary absence from the state.
Managing Conservator
A parent, a competent adult, an authorized agency, or a licensed child-placing agency appointed by court order issued under the Texas Family Code, Title 5.
Nonresident Tuition
The amount of tuition paid by a person who is not a Texas resident and who is not entitled or permitted to pay resident tuition under this subchapter.
Nontraditional Secondary Education
A course of study at the secondary school level in a nonaccredited private school setting, including a home school.
Parent
A natural or adoptive parent, managing or possessory conservator, or legal guardian of a person. The term would not otherwise include a step-parent.
Possessory Conservator
A natural or adoptive parent appointed by court order issued under the Texas Family Code, Title 5.
Private High School
A private or parochial school in Texas.
Public Technical Institute
As defined in Texas Education Code §61.003(7).
Regular Semester
A fall or spring semester, typically consisting of 16 weeks.
Residence
A person's home or other dwelling place; where a person resides.
Residence Determination Official
The primary individual at each institution who is responsible for the accurate application of state statutes and rules to individual student cases.
Resident Tuition
The amount of tuition paid by a person who qualifies as a Texas resident under this subchapter.
Residential Real Property
Real property on which a dwelling fit for long-term human habitation is located.
Temporary Absence
Absence from the State of Texas by a person who previously met the criteria for in-state residency, with the intention to return, generally for a period of short duration (i.e., less than one year). However, in some situations, the absence can be significantly longer. For example, the temporary absence of a person or a dependent's parent from the state for the purpose of service in the U. S. Armed Forces, U. S. Public Health Service, U. S. Department of Defense, U. S. Department of State, as a result of an employment assignment, or for educational purposes, shall not affect a person's ability to continue to claim that Texas is his permanent residence.
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
The bureau of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that is responsible for the administration of immigration and naturalization adjudication functions and establishing immigration services policies and priorities.
Residency Documentation
The following is a list of acceptable documentation to demonstrate physical presence in Texas for 12 consecutive months.
The following is a list of acceptable documentation to demonstrate the establishment of domicile in Texas for 12 consecutive months. (Must have documentation for one of the three listed categories.)
- Significant Gainful Employment:
- Employer written statement of dates of employment in Texas (beginning and current or ending dates) for the 12 consecutive months prior to the census date of the term in which you enroll; or
- Pay stubs for the 12 consecutive months prior to the census day of the semester in which you enroll; or
- Proof of other earned income such as pensions, veterans’ benefits, social security, and savings from previous earnings for the 12 consecutive months prior to the census date of the semester in which you enroll.
Note: Employment conditioned on student status, such as work study, the receipt of stipends, fellowships, research, or teaching assistantships does not constitute gainful employment for the purposes of this section.
- Residential Property: Sole or joint marital ownership of residential property in Texas with documentation to verify 12 consecutive months of ownership prior to the census date of the term in which you enroll.
- Marriage to a person who has established and maintained domicile in Texas: A copy of the Marriage Certificate or Declaration of Registration of Informal Marriage with documentation to support that the spouse has established and maintained domicile in Texas for 12 months prior to the census day of the term in which you enroll.
- Ownership of a Business Entity: Documents that evidence the organization of the business in Texas that reflect the ownership of the student or student’s parent/legal guardian.
The following is a list of acceptable documentation for non-citizens, non-permanent residents and international student eligibility from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Copy of I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence that has not been rejected
- Copy of Eligible Visa to Domicile
- Copy of I-797 Notice of Action or other USCIS paperwork
Residency Forms
Core Residency Packet
The Core Residency Packet includes the Core Residency Questionnaire, which contains questions that will be used to properly classify incoming students. The Core Residency Packet also provides information on how you can request a reclassification of your residency for tuition purposes. You will need to submit the Core Residency Questionnaire and requested supporting documentation prior to the official census date for the semester you are requesting reclassification. You can submit the Core Residency Questionnaire electronically.
Download Core Residency Packet
Residency Verification Request Form
Students currently enrolled at UTA or previously enrolled at UTA within the past 12 months who need a letter verifying their residency classification may submit a request below. Please note, once you complete all required fields a blue "submit" button will appear. If it does not, please check for errors or missing required information.
Submit Residency Verification Request Form
Senate Bill 1528 Affidavit
According to Senate Bill 1528, Texas law allows qualified students who are neither U.S. citizens nor Lawful Permanent Residents to be classified as a Texas resident for admissions and financial aid purposes (F1 students are not eligible). You can submit your notarized affidavit electronically.
Download Senate Bill 1528 Affidavit
Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure of your status? These topics address questions commonly asked about residency and immigration.
Q: I am 17 years old. Who do I base residency on?
You are a dependent, so your residency will be based on the residency of your parent or court-appointed legal guardian.
Q: My parents live in another state and I came to Texas to go to school. Can I establish residency so I can pay in-state tuition?
If your parents live in another state, and claim you for federal income tax purposes, you are considered a dependent and not eligible to establish residency in your own right unless you meet all the requirements of Senate Bill 1528. However, independent students may establish residency (see guidelines on Rules on Establishing Residency: Independent Individuals 18 years of age or older).
Q: I have been enrolled full-time since my move to Texas, but no one else claims me for federal income tax purposes. Can I establish residency after living here for 12 months?
The Texas Residency Laws state that students enrolling in an institution of higher education prior to having resided in the state for 12 months immediately preceding the time of enrollment shall be classified as nonresidents for tuition purposes. However, after living in the state for 12 months, if the student can show business or personal ties to the state of Texas, he/she may seek reclassification as a resident by completing a Core Residency Questionnaire (also available in Admissions). Circumstances to be considered shall include, but are not limited to:
- The length of residence and employment prior to enrolling in an institution.
- The nature of employment while a student.
- Presence in the state as part of a household transferred to accept employment in Texas.
- Purchase of a home or business in Texas.
- Marriage to a long time Texas resident.
Q: Can I attend college during the 12 month period that I am establishing residency?
Yes, as long as you meet the residency requirements. Please keep in mind that you will pay out-of-state tuition during the 12-month period that you are establishing residency.
Q: I am on military assignment in Texas, and my home of record is out-of-state. Can I qualify to pay in-state tuition?
Yes, military personnel assigned to duty within the state of Texas as well as their spouse and their dependent children, shall be entitled to pay the same tuition as a resident of Texas regardless of the length of their physical presence in the state. To qualify for the waiver of out-of-state tuition, a letter from the commanding officer must be provided certifying that the military member is on current duty assignment in Texas at the time of enrollment. The military waiver is intended for the first year only.
Q: I received the military waiver my first year. How do I establish Texas residency my second year?
A student whose Home of Record is not Texas but who provides the institution Leave and Earnings Statements that show Texas has been claimed as the place of residence for the 12 consecutive months prior to enrollment is presumed to be a resident, as are their spouse and dependent children.
Q: I am in the military and have been living out-of-state for a while, but my home of record is Texas. I will separate from the military soon, and plan to return to Texas. How can I qualify for residency?
You should provide copies of your Leave and Earnings Statements to verify Texas as where you pay/paid taxes, and if/when you are discharged, a copy of your DD214.
Q: I have been classified as a nonresident and now feel that I have met the residency requirements. How do I seek reclassification as a resident?
You should complete a Core Residency Questionnaire (also available in Admissions) and return it along with supporting documentation to the Office of Admissions.
Q: What kind of documentation can I provide that verifies my employment?
Required documents: Letter from employer on company letterhead signed by a company official stating date of hire, average hours worked per week, and the length of employment.
For any residency-related questions, please contact the residency office directly at residency@uta.edu.
Immigration & Visa Information
Lawful Permanent Resident
A lawful permanent residents, also known as "green card" holders, are non-citizens who are lawfully authorized to live permanently within the United States.
I-485 Residency
A person who has filed an I-485 application for permanent residency and has been issued an I-485 fee/filing receipt or notice of action, I-797, by USCIS showing that the I-485 is being reviewed and has not been rejected.
USCIS Classification
A person classified by the USCIS as a refugee, asylee, parolee, conditional permanent resident, or temporary resident.
Temporary Protected Status
A person holding Temporary Protected Status, Spouses and Children with approved petitions under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), an applicant with an approved USCIS I-360, Special Agricultural Worker, and a person granted deferred action status by USCIS.
Cancellation of Removal & Adjustment of Status
A person who has filed an application for Cancellation of Removal and Adjustment of Status under Immigration Nationality Act 240A(b) or a Cancellation of Removal and Adjustment of Status under the Nicaraguan and Central American Relief Act (NACARA), Haitian Refugee Immigrant Fairness Act (HRIFA), or the Cuban Adjustment Act, and who has been issued a fee/filing receipt or Notice of Action by USCIS.
United State Code 1259
A person who has filed for adjustment of status to that of a person admitted as a Permanent Resident under 8 United States Code 1255, or under the "registry" program (8 United States Code 1259), or the Special Immigrant Juvenile Program (8 USC 1101(a)(27)(J)) and has been issued a fee/filing receipt or Notice of Action by USCIS.
Military
A member of the United States Armed Services whose Home of Record with the military is Texas is presumed to be Texas resident, as are his or her spouse and dependent children. A member whose Home of Record is not Texas but who provides the institution Leave and Earnings Statements that show the member has claimed Texas as his or her place of residence for the 12 consecutive months prior to enrollment is presumed to be a Texas resident, as are his or her spouse and dependent children.
A member who did not select Texas as their Home of Record when they entered the service, and has not taken steps to change their permanent residence with the military to Texas, may still qualify for a waiver under Texas statutes by requesting a reclassification of residency status.