Will I qualify for a home-student status at an American university?

Question

I was born in Hawaii to Japanes parents, which gives me a choice of nationality. I was living in the US for a short period of time before moving to Japan where I grew up. I'm now studying at a British university. But since life in the UK is difficult in so many ways for non-citizens, I am considering moving to America for education and future career. For this reason, I am willing to choose American citizenship instead of Japanese one.

My questions are;

1.Once I obtain the US citizenship, will I be considered a home student at American universities instantly?

2.And will I be eligible for the same range of financial aid as those students who had been living in America for much longer? I hear that financial aids are very limited for international students in America.

3.It is my understanding that I need to be a resident of a particular state for 12 months before I can become an in-state student at a public university. Is this correct?

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

For what I read, you are already an American citizen you just need you birth certificate. You must already have a citizenship otherwise you won't be living in the UK.

The U.S. "allows", just like many countries, double citizenship.  If you have to choose a citizenship, you can do the following: recant one citizenship on the other country's law. (some legal acts in the U.S. are not recognized in other countries, get a lawyer for this)

Federal and State Financial aid is restricted to american citizens and permanent residents. These are usually cut down according to your family's financial resources.

To establish residency in a state, you have to demonstrate that you have lived on that state for at least a year. You can demonstrate this acts requiring establishment of a residence: Bank accounts, Driver license, Vote, signing leases. If you are under 18, school transcripts. etc. Once you can prove you are a resident of that state, you'll save at any State university because you'll be charged in-state tuition

Best of luck

Answer 2

You must understand, resident status is based on state residence, not national citizenship.  So, the first thing you'll need to do is establish a residence in one of the 50 states.

Each state has it's own law on establishing residency.  Generally, you must live in the state for a year and pay your taxes there.  Other things you can do to establish your residency include; register to vote, register an automobile, open a bank account, rent an apartment or purchase a home.

Once you've established residence you'll be eligible for in-state tuition.

Even before you establish residence, you'll be 100% eligible for all federal student aid programs based on your US citizenship alone.