Physical Presence and Intent

You must be physically present in California more than one year (366 days) immediately prior to the residence determination date of the term for which you request resident status. You must be able to document your physical presence in the state. Any absences may be questioned.

In addition, you must establish your intent to make California your home one year prior to the residence determination date of the term for which classification as a resident is requested. Financial Independence will also be required.

Physical presence within California solely for educational purposes does not constitute the establishment of California residence regardless of the length of stay. The physical presence requirement (above) will be extended until you can demonstrate a concurrence of both physical presence and intent for one full year.

Some steps that you may take to establish intent:

• Remain in California when school is not in session.
• Register to vote and voting in California elections.
• Designate California as permanent address on all school and employment records including current military records.
• Obtain a California Driver's License within ten (10) days of settling in California.
• Obtain a California motor vehicle registration within twenty (20) days of settling in California.
• Work in California and file California resident income tax forms from the date of entry into the State. Income earned outside of the State thereafter must also be declared in California.
• Establish and maintaining active bank accounts in California banks and closing out-of-state accounts.
• Surrender all out-of-state identification and driver's license.
• Establish a permanent abode where one's belongings are kept.
• License for professional practice in California.

Intent is by no means limited to the above items. Though all of the aforementioned indicators may not be relevant in every case, evidence should be consistent to show that residence has been established in California AND RELINQUISHED in all other states. Remaining in California during nonacademic periods is a strong indicator of intent. Your intent will be questioned if you are a nonresident who is in the process of establishing California residency for tuition purposes and you leave California for more than a month during the summer preceding the term in which you are establishing resident status for tuition purposes. Graduate and law students who must leave for nonacademic-related reasons for more than a month during the summer should visit the Residence Affairs office at 120 Sproul Hall to seek advice prior to leaving and filing for classification. If you are a student who has been classified as a resident, via petition, for tuition purposes and you leave the state temporarily, your absence could result in the loss of your California residence. All information supporting a claim of California residency will be considered in the classification determination.