<p>I am a US citizen but have been living out of country for a long time. I'm thinking of moving to California and attend a community college before transferring to University. I'll stay there for a year and do all the things that the UC site recommended (get CA license, register to vote, etc.) but the only problem for me right now (i think) is the FINANCIAL REQUIREMENT which is worrying me. But I've not been claimed as a dependent for tax reductions by my parents since they too aren't living in US. Will I be able to go through this requirement..?? I can even do some kind of job or anything so i get through this for in-state tuition. AND YES, I DO PLAN TO MAKE CALIFORNIA MY PERMANENT RESIDENCE</p>
<p>You have two different issues:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Establishing residency for IN state tuition purposes. You will have to check the CA schools for their requirements to do so. I’m not sure how easy it will be for YOU to do so as an undergrad with PARENTS who live elsewhere.</p></li>
<li><p>Establishing independence for financial aid purposes. I honestly believe this will be very unlikely. Your parents’ tax filing status as it relates to you has NOTHING to do with independence for financial aid purposes. </p></li>
</ol>
<p>Another thing to consider…independent students have very low income protection thresholds for financial aid purposes. If you REALLY can be self supporting in CA…which is a mighty expensive place to live, you may find that your eligibility for financial aid signficantly reduces. </p>
<p>Need based aid at CA colleges is really limited to federally funded aid, and the Cal Grants. You need to find out if you would be eligible for the Cal Grants if you transfer to a four year school (assuming you were somehow able to gain residency).</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>If you are a dependent student, and your parents are US citizens, they will have to file US income taxes in order for you to receive federal aid.</p>
<p>Regarding establishing in state residency for tuition purposes, the top schools will NOT allow you to qualify as a resident whilst attending school more than a certain number of units (6?)</p>
<p>Go to UCLA or Berkeley and download the residency form. Make sure you do everything to allow you to qualify. IN general the more difficult the school is in terms of admissions, the more difficult it is to qualify for in state residency, so that is the safest way to plan.</p>
<p>sorry, not possible unless your parents move to Cal, or you become financially independent, i.e., ZERO money from the parents. You would have to find a job which pays enough to cover your rent, utilities, food and out-of-state tuition at the junior college. (Some Calif. jucos will waive the OSS portion, but its up the counselor to look the other way.)</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>And if you earn THAT much money, you probably won’t qualify for need based aid at all…make sure you add the costs of health and car insurance too.</p>