Do you have to be a Washington citizen for three years before you can go to community college there?

Question

Just something I heard and am afraid of but dunno how to check.

Answer 1

To be considered eligible for the lower, resident tuition rate, the following criteria must be met: Student (or his/her parent or legal guardian in the case of a dependent student) must be a U.S. citizen or have permanent resident immigration status in the U.S. for at least one year, or an eligible *visa classification, and must be physically present in Washington for 12 continuous months prior to the beginning of the quarter (or his/her parent or legal guardian), and must have established a bona fide domicile (or his/her parent or legal guardian) 12 continuous months prior to the beginning of the quarter.  

Other factors include:  *visa classification—some classifications allow a student (or his/her parent or legal guardian) to establish residency, others do not; residency status while enrolled at an out-of-state college or university; financial assistance received from an out-of state source where residency of that state is a requirement; out-of-state driver’s license, vehicle registration, and voter registration; students who enroll in 6 credits or more shortly after arriving in Washington state are presumed to have come to the state primarily for educational purposes and will need to overcome this presumption.  

Eligible visa classifications: A, E, G, I, or K.  A student (or his/her parent or legal guardian in the case of a dependent student) may be eligible to apply for resident tuition rate if eligibility requirements are met (with the exception of registering to vote).

ESTABLISHING RESIDENCY

To determine if a bona fide domicile has been established, a variety of factors are considered.  The following items (obtained at least one year prior to the beginning of the quarter) may be submitted as supporting documentation to the Enrollment Services Office in Bldg. 7 along with your completed Residence Questionnaire:

Valid Washington driver's license. An out-of-state driver’s license will disqualify a student from gaining residency status.

Washington vehicle registration (not the title). A vehicle that is registered out-of-state will disqualify a student from gaining residency status.

Washington State voter registration card. This may be completed at the Washington Department of Motor Vehicles at the time of licensing, or at the Pierce County Auditor's Office. An out-of-state voter registration will disqualify a student from gaining residency status.

Proof of purchase of primary residence, lease/rental agreement, or monthly rental receipts.

Proof of an open (or transferred) checking/savings account at a bank branch in Washington state.

Proof of permanent full-time or part-time employment in Washington (or proof of nontaxable income).

Note: If you are a dependent student, these items must be submitted by your parent or legal guardian.

APPLYING FOR A CHANGE OF RESIDENCY STATUS

Complete a Residence Questionnaire (available at the Enrollment Services Office in Building 7 or call 253.566.5001 to have one mailed), and provide supporting documentation (if you are a dependent student, your parent or legal guardian must complete Section 3 and submit supporting documentation).  

Submit your completed Residence Questionnaire, supporting documentation, and Tax Return for the previous year to the Enrollment Services Office in Building 7 (Questionnaires received after the 30th calendar day of the quarter will be considered for the next quarter).  Students will be notified of the decision by mail.  For further information on establishing residency or exemptions, contact Judy Coleman at 253.566.5001 or by email at [e-mail].

EXEMPTIONS

Some students may qualify, on a quarterly basis, for an exemption from all or a portion of the non-resident fees. Those who may qualify include:

Individuals who have not established Washington residency, but who meet one of these criteria: US citizen, or immigrant who holds permanent resident alien status, may qualify for the nonresident on waiver tuition rate. Students are encouraged to establish Washington residency in the event they plan to transfer to another public college that does not participate in the non-resident on waiver program.

Individuals who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents may be eligible to pay resident tuition, in accordance with HB 1079, if they meet certain criteria. (Note:  Students are not eligible to receive need-based state or federal financial aid.)  To qualify, individuals must complete the Washington Higher Education Residency Affidavit/Declaration/Certification form if they are not permanent residents or citizens of the United States but have met the following conditions:

Resided in Washington State for the three (3) years immediately prior to receiving a high school diploma, and completed the full senior year at a Washington high school, or

Completed the equivalent of a high school diploma and resided in Washington State for the three (3) years immediately before receiving the equivalent of the diploma, and continuously resided in the state since earning the high school diploma or its equivalent. Effective July 1, 2003.

Active duty military, and their spouses and dependents are eligible for the resident tuition rate (student’s military ID and orders showing the individual is stationed in Washington must be on file in the Admissions Office).

A student on Refugee or Asylee status (or spouse or dependent children of such refugee/asylee) if the refugee (a) is on parole status, (b) has received an immigrant visa or, (c) has applied for U.S. citizenship may qualify for the refugee tuition rate (appropriate documentation must be on file in the Admissions Office).

A student domiciled for one year in one or a combination of the following states:  Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington, and who is a member of a qualifying American Indian tribe may be eligible for resident tuition.  Contact the Enrollment Services Office for a list of qualifying tribes