How long does it take to gain residency in Illinios if I want to go to a college?

Question

I can't remember if i need 1 or 5 months...but i know the 5 things i need in that time if i don't want to pay out of state tuition...

Answer 1

Every state has different residency policies for educational purposes - Illinois is one of the more difficult states to establish residency within.

Further complicating the question, some schools have stricter policies than the state itself. You didn't identify a specific school within Illinois, but let's take a look at a couple of important parts of the University of Illinois residency requirements, as an illustrative example:

"A person's domicile is presumed to be that of the parent(s) or legal guardian unless the person is independent and establishes a separate domicile."

"A person claiming independence may be requested to present satisfactory evidence that his/her parent(s) has not contributed significantly to his/her support nor claimed him/her as a dependent on federal or state income taxes during the period in which the person attempts to establish and/or maintain residency. Filing and payment of Illinois income tax is necessary to establish residency."

"In order to be classified as a resident for purposes of admission, an independent person shall be domiciled in Illinois and a bona fide resident for at least one calendar year immediately preceding the date of receipt of the application for admission."

"During the one-year period in which a person attempts to establish residency, a person must be financially independent. He/she must rely upon gainful employment in Illinois or prove reliance upon re-sources in Illinois for more than fifty percent of the income sufficient to provide for tuition, fees, and normal living expenses, e.g., food, clothing, housing, and transportation. Income earned as a result of University enrollment, such as educational loans, graduate assistantships, or student employment, is not considered evidence of intent to establish residency."

And finally - and most importantly:

"To establish residency, a person must reside in Illinois for one calendar year primarily for other than educational purposes."

Clearly, moving to Illinois and going to school for one year, while paying out-of-state tuition is NOT a means to establish Illinois residency for future years.

I hope that helped.

Answer 2

Most schools require at least a year, if not two.  But be aware, often times simply living in that state does not make you a resident.  There are other requirements many schools want you to meet as well like not being enrolled in college during that time, having a permanent residence and being completely self supporting.  

Be aware grad schools (or undergrad schools for that matter) will not change your out-of-state residency classification after you have been enrolled there a year.   It is assumed you are a student, and therefore a temporary resident.  (Unless you buy a house or something.  Living with a friend is not permanent.)   It's pretty much a "once and out of state student, always an out of state student".  A friend made that assumption and it cost her big bucks.

Answer 3

That is up to the school, most require one year.  All schools are going to require other documents to prove that you are actually a resident of that state or reasons other then attending school, such as changing your driver's liscense, paying taxes to that state, registered to vote, have a lease or housing arrangments off campus, ect.

The only way you will know for sure what you need to do is contact the school.