Residency

Each student at the time of admission or readmission is classified according to their legal residence. Residency determination is made as of the day before the first day of the semester applied for. Students classified as non-residents of California for educational purposes are subject to non-resident tuition.

Non-resident students pay both the per-unit enrollment fee and the per-unit non-resident tuition fee. Out-of-country non-resident students also pay an additional per-unit surcharge. Current non-resident tuition and out-of-country surcharge rates can be found on the Tuition and Fees page.

Residency reclassification must be completed before the term for which you wish to be considered for resident tuition.

Establishing Residency

Eligible students intending to become residents of California must fulfill both the physical presence and intent requirements listed below. Please note that if you are claimed as a dependent on your parents’ income tax returns filed in a state other than California, you are not eligible to establish California residency.

Physical Presence

The student must be physically present in the State of California for one year prior to the start of the term for which they are applying or enrolling. The one-year period begins when the student is present in California and has demonstrated clear intent to become a permanent resident.

Students must provide proof of continuous presence in California for the past 12 months. Examples include rental or lease agreements, utility bills, and employment pay stubs in the student’s name.

Intent

Eligible students must demonstrate intent to make California their permanent residence. No single factor is controlling.

  • Living in California for two consecutive years
  • Paying California state taxes as a resident
  • Maintaining an active California bank account
  • Registering to vote in California
  • Owning residential property
  • Possessing a California ID or driver’s license

Non-resident students wishing to change their status, or students who believe they were classified as non-residents in error, must apply for residency reclassification.

Students must complete the Supplemental Residency Questionnaire Form and submit it with supporting documentation to the Admissions and Records office by emailing admissionsriverside@rcc.edu from their RCCD student email. Incomplete forms will not be accepted.

Supporting documentation must include three proofs of residency demonstrating physical presence and intent. Two items must be dated at least one year and one day before the start of the term. These items must not be older than two years prior to the term. The third item must demonstrate current California residency.

Examples of acceptable documentation include:

  • California driver’s license or ID
  • California tax return (Form 540)
  • California vehicle registration
  • Rental or lease agreement
  • Bank statement

Supplemental Residency Questionnaire Form

Active Duty Military and Veterans

Active duty military, veterans, and their dependents may qualify for residency or a non-resident tuition exemption. Documentation may include active duty orders, Leave and Earnings Statements (LES), DD214 discharge papers, CalVet waivers, or certificates of eligibility.

International Students

Students in the United States with a visa that allows residency establishment must fulfill the one-year physical presence and intent requirements listed above.

Students with visas that prevent establishment of residency will be charged the California enrollment fee plus non-resident fees and an out-of-country surcharge.

International students in F-1 visa status must contact the Center for International Student and Programs at Riverside City College for admission requirements.

California Non-Resident Tuition Exemption

Are you an undocumented student? Visit our Undocumented Students page for more information.

AB 540 (Education Code Section 68130.5)

Students who meet the following requirements may be exempt from paying nonresident tuition at California public colleges and universities.

  • The student must meet all of the following requirements:
    • Attended California high school, adult school, or community college for the equivalent of three or more years.
    • Graduated from a California high school, obtained the equivalent, completed an associate degree, or fulfilled transfer requirements.
    • Register as an entering or currently enrolled student at an accredited California institution.
    • File an affidavit stating the student has applied or will apply for legal immigration status if eligible.
  • Students with T or U visa status who are victims of trafficking or violence may qualify.
  • Students with other non-immigrant visas such as F or B visas are not eligible.
  • A year’s equivalence at a community college is at least 24 semester units, 36 quarter units, or 420 hours of noncredit coursework.
  • Attendance requirements cannot exceed two years of full-time community college attendance.
  • Students must submit an exemption request with a signed affidavit.
  • Students transferring to another California public college must submit a new request at the new institution.
  • Students approved for this exemption remain classified as non-residents but are exempt from non-resident tuition.
  • The California Dream Act extends financial aid opportunities for students meeting these criteria.
  • AB540 does not provide eligibility for federal financial aid.
  • The exemption is not available to individuals outside California taking distance education courses.

Non-Resident Tuition Exemption Request Form

SB 141

Students who are U.S. citizens living abroad may qualify for a nonresident tuition exemption if they meet the following requirements:

  • Demonstrate financial need
  • Have a parent or guardian who was deported or permitted to depart voluntarily
  • Moved abroad due to deportation or voluntary departure
  • Lived in California before moving abroad
  • Attended a California secondary school for three or more years
  • Enroll as a first-year student in California public higher education
  • File an affidavit stating intent to establish California residency

Documentation must be provided as required by Education Code Section 76140(a)(5).

SB 141 Non-Resident Waiver Form

AB 343 Nonresident Tuition Exemption for Refugees with Special Immigrant Visas

Education Code Section 68075.6 grants a one-year nonresident tuition exemption to eligible Special Immigrant Visa holders and refugee students who settle in California upon entering the United States.

This exemption applies to:

  • Iraqi citizens employed by or on behalf of the United States government in Iraq
  • Afghan and Iraqi translators working with the United States Armed Forces
  • Afghan nationals employed by the U.S. government or ISAF in Afghanistan
  • Refugee students admitted under Section 1157 of Title 8 of the United States Code