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Residency

We will be glad to assist you in your residency process. Whether you are a new or returning student to San Diego City College we are here to guide you through the process. Residency can be a complex process and we are here to clarify any questions you may have, therefore please take the time to review the following information:

Residency Rules and Regulations

Residency is determined when a student applies for admission to the college. The following paragraphs summarize the rules and regulations related to student residency for tuition purposes. Details are found in the CA Education Code, section 68000 and Title 5, sections 54000-54072. Students are cautioned that this summary of rules regarding residency determination is by no means a complete explanation of their meaning or content. For further information, contact the Admissions Office for more information, you may also reference our San Diego Community College District's Residency Policy

Residency Status

A person who is married or is age 18 or older and under no legal restriction may establish residence. Certain minors may also establish residence. A California "resident" is a person who has resided in the state for more than one year prior to the residence determination date.  A person who has established residency must show both proof of "intent" and "physical presence" which indicates a student has made California their State of permanent residence.

Restrictions apply to some visas, please contact a Residency specialist: [email protected] for more information.

Reclassification / Refund of Non-Resident Tuition Fees

Reclassification to resident status must be requested by the student. Documentation must be presented in person or via email to a residency clerk in the Admissions Office during residency office hours.  Non-resident tuition fees can be refunded to a student who presents sufficient proof of residency before the end of the semester. The Accounting department will process refunds once you have been reclassified as California resident.

Note: If documentation is submitted after the semester has ended a refund of non-resident tuition fees will not be granted.

Incorrect Classification

A student incorrectly classified as a California resident is subject to reclassification as a nonresident and payment of all nonresident tuition. If incorrect classification results from false or misleading facts, a student may be excluded from classes or the college upon notification.

Residency Determination Deadlines 

A residency determination deadline establishes the date that all residency related documentation must be issued or dated by in order to prove CA state residency for tuition purposes prior to the semester the student wishes to start classes.

Residency Determination Deadline

2025 - 2026 Academic Calendar

 

 

 

 

Fall 2025

08/24/2024

 

 

Spring 2026

02/01/2025

 

 

Summer 2026

06/14/2025

Residency Determination Deadline

2026 - 2027 Academic Calendar

 

 

 

 

Fall 2026

08/23/2025

 

 

Spring 2027

01/31/2026

 

 

Summer 2027

06/13/2026

The dates above correspond with the 1 year and day prior to that specific semester starting.

Proof of Intent & Physical Presence 

California law requires all public colleges to determine a student residency status.
California has a very specific definition of what makes you a resident for tuition purposes. 

Students who request to be reclassified as a CA resident have the burden to provide documentation. You will need to prove that for 1 year & 1 day before the start of the semester you have been physically present in CA and show intent to make California your permanent home. Your presence in the state alone does not make you a resident. 

We require two documents from the "intent" list and one from the "physical presence" list. 

    The following are examples of "intent" documentation:

  • California state(540) and federal(1040) tax returns with W-2 forms (required)
  • California automobile registration
  • California driver's license and/or California ID card
  • California voter registration
  • Military personnel: Active Duty orders and Military ID

    The following are examples of "physical presence" documentation:

  • Bank statements for California account
  • California license for professional practice/membership in California organization
  • Petitioner for divorce in California
  • Utility bills (i.e. San Diego Gas & Electric)
  • Proof of employment (pay stubs)
  • Rental agreement
  • DD-214 form
  • Verification of public assistance

Active Duty Military

  • Active duty military personnel must be stationed in California
  • Copy of State ID/Driver's License & Current Orders 
  • Military orders must indicate last activity in the state of California with future Projected Rotation Date (PRD)

Active Duty Military Spouses or Dependents

  • Military service member must be stationed in California
  • Military spouse or dependent must have current military ID
  • Dependents must be under the age of 19
  • Download and complete the Active Military Duty Certification form, command approval required.

Active Military Duty Certification Form

Form can be completed by Mr. Alex Parkes' Office located at:
32nd Street, Naval Base Bldg 119 (by the chapel)
Mr. Alex Parkes' Office
PSC Ashore
Phone: (619) 556-1979
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Veterans (Non-Resident Tuition Exemption Affidavit)

  • Veteran will need DD-214 member page 4
  • Discharged in-state or out of state
  • Minimum of active military service
  • Eligible dependents will need their Certificate of Eligibility for the service member.
  • Complete the Veteran Affidavit form

California Nonresident Tuition Exemption Affidavit For Eligible Veterans

California High School Graduates (AB-540 California Nonresident Tuition Exemption)

To be eligible for AB-540, students must meet the following criteria (a-d):

A. Have an immigration status that allows the student to be eligible: Undocumented and/or DACA recipients, T and U visa holders, U.S. citizens, and lawfully present immigrants. 

B. Total attendance (or attainment of credits earned) in California is equivalent to three or more years of full-time attendance at California high schools, California adult schools, campuses of the California Community Colleges (noncredit or credit courses), or a combination of these.

Note: Students can now complete all three years of attendance through credit courses at California 
Community Colleges due to the passage of SB 1141.

C. Completion of a course of study. This requirement can be met in the following ways:
Graduation from a California high school or equivalent (diploma, certificate of completion, GED, HiSet, or TASC).

  •  Attainment of an associate degree from a California Community College.
  • Fulfillment of the minimum transfer requirements established for the University of California or the 
    California State University for students transferring from a California community college.

D. Filing of a Nonresident Exemption Request Affidavit (AB-540 Affidavit) stating that the student has filed an application to legalize the student’s immigration status, or will file an application as soon as the student is eligible to do so. Students must thoroughly fill out and submit an AB-540 affidavit, by creating a Student Support Desk/JIRA ticket here: https://www.sdccd.edu/students/forms-and-documents.aspx

Immigrants Rising - Championing Equity AB 540 FAQ

Special Immigrant Visa (SIV)

Education Code section 68075.6 grants an exemption to nonresident tuition for Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders and refugee students who settled in California after entering the United States. This exemption is granted for one year from the date the student settled in California upon entering the United States. 

This exemption applies to the following:

  • Iraqi citizens or nationals (and their spouses and children)who were employed by or on behalf of the U.S. Government in Iraq (Pub.L. No. 110-181, § 1244).
  • Afghan and Iraqi translators (and their spouses and children) who worked directly with the United States Armed Forces (Publ.L. No. 109-163, § 1059).
  • Afghanistan nationals who were employed by or on behalf of the U.S. Government or in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan (Publ.L. No. 111-8, § 602).
  • Refugee students admitted to the United States under Section 1157 of Title 8 of the United States Code.

Residency Appeal Process

RIGHT TO APPEAL

Students who have been classified as nonresidents have the right to a review of their classification (Title 5 Section 54010 (a)). Any student, following a final decision of residence classification by the Admissions Office, may make a written appeal to the Vice President of Student Services within 30 calendar days of notification of final decision by the Admissions Office regarding classification.

APPEAL PROCEDURE

The appeal is to be submitted to Admissions Office which must forward it to the Vice President of Student Services within five working days of receipt. Copies of the original application for admission, the residency questionnaire, and evidence or documentation provided by the student, with a cover statement indicating upon what basis the residence classification decision was made, must be forwarded with the appeal. The Vice President of Student Services shall review all the records and have the right to request additional information from either the student or the Admissions Office. Within 30 calendar days of receipt of the appeal, the Vice President shall send a written determination to the student. The determination shall state specific facts on which the appeal decision was made and shall be final.

If you have any further questions prior to submitting a residency appeal or seek clarification you may contact our Admissions Office during residency office hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I classified as a non-resident?

Your residency classification is based on the information you provided in your admission application. I understand this can feel confusing, and you might be wondering what led to this status. Students are sometimes classified as non‑residents for reasons such as recent time spent outside California, the date they first began living in the state, when an immigration visa was issued, enrollment in out‑of‑state colleges, uncertainty about the high school they attended, or plans to take only online classes while living outside California. There may also be other factors that affect your classification.If you believe your residency should be reviewed, we’re here to help you understand the process and guide you through any next steps.


Is my CA driver's license / state ID card / a piece of mail with my address enough to prove that I am a CA resident?

We understand how confusing residency rules can be. Unfortunately, one document on its own isn’t enough to determine residency. California requires proof of both physical presence and intent to establish residency, each dating back at least one year before the semester begins. If you don’t meet these requirements, you may still qualify for a non‑resident tuition exemption, and we’re happy to help you explore that

I am a US citizen. Can I bring my birth certificate or US passport to prove my residency?

We know this can feel frustrating. Being a US citizen is one component of residency. Residency is based on where you have been living recently. Birth certificates and passports do not show that you have been living in California within the past year or that you haven’t established residency elsewhere. We will gladly help you review documents that can support your residency.

I have been living in California for over a year. Isn't that enough to get my residency status?

It makes sense to assume that living here for a year would qualify you as resident. California law requires more than physical presence. You also need to show intent to make California your permanent home.
Examples of intent include having a California driver’s license, voter registration, vehicle registration, or filing California state taxes. If any of these are still tied to another state, we’ll help guide you through updating them so you can move toward establishing residency.

I am a US resident. I have a green card and a Social Security number. Is this enough?

We appreciate that you’ve already taken important steps with your federal documentation. However, residency for tuition purposes is specifically tied to California. To qualify, you’ll still need to show both physical presence in California and intent to make California your home, each for at least one year before the term starts.
We’re here to support you in gathering the documents you need.

 

 

 

 

I've been going to college here in CA, doesn't it make me a resident?

We know many students assume this, and it’s a very common question. Unfortunately, attending college or showing education‑related documents (such as insurance or medical records) does automatically establish residency.
Time spent in California primarily for education doesn’t count toward residency under state rules.
Our staff is always happy to help you understand what does count. If you are currently attending a California Community College and classified a resident; a letter from your school registrar indicating your classification for tuition purposes will help. 

 

What is the cost of classes if I cannot prove my residency?

We understand that cost is an important concern. As of Fall 2025, the non-resident tuition rate is $369 per unit, plus the $46 per unit enrollment fee, totaling $415 per unit. If affordability is a concern, please reach out—we can discuss payment plans, financial aid, or exemptions that may apply to you.

SDCCD Tuition & Fees

 

Can I email, fax, or mail my residency documents?
Absolutely, you may email them [email protected] for assistance with your residency status. Please include your 10 digit student ID number in the body of your email.

Can someone else bring my residency documents to your office?

We understand that it may be easier to have someone help, however federal privacy laws (FERPA) prevent us from accepting student documents or discussing student records with anyone other than the student—even parents, spouses, siblings, or caseworkers. We’re always here to help you directly and can provide general guidance to others if needed. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

 

 

Can I use my parents' information to update my residency status?

If you’re under 19, absolutely your residency is based on the parent or guardian you currently live with.
Once you turn 19, the state requires you to establish your own residency with your own documents.
If you’re unsure what you need, we’re here to walk you through it.

 

I am a military veteran, do I get in-state tuition rate?

Thank you for your service. Many veterans do qualify for an exemption. If you’ve separated from active duty, you may be eligible to have non-resident fees waived. Please submit the MEMBER‑4 page of your DD‑214, and our residency specialists will help you with both the exemption and priority registration.

 

I am an active duty military member, can I get exempted?

We’re grateful for your service. If you’re full-time active duty and stationed in California, you may qualify for an exemption from non-resident fees through the end of your current orders. Please provide your current military ID/driver’s license and a copy of your orders, and we’ll guide you through the process.

 

We value your opinion, and take great pride in providing the best service to our community. For your convenience please send your concerns and recommendations directly to our supervisor.

Enrollment Services-Admissions, Records & Veterans Supervisors:

Alyssa Antonio, Supervisor I (Admissions/Records) [email protected]

Carolina Guardado, Supervisor I (Veterans/VSC): [email protected]

Dora Meza, Director Enrollment Services: [email protected]