<p>I am a parent. Family's home and HS son is currently in IA (bothering IL) and will be in G12 after summer. </p>
<p>Parent for tax related reason plans to move back to IL(after 8 years in IA) & will begin to sell his IA home within son's G12 year. </p>
<p>Current plan is to let the son continue and finish G12 HS in same HS in Iowa.</p>
<p>When it comes time to apply for U of Illinois with a IA HS diploma, how can we prevent Illinois from mistaking him as not being in state (for IL)?</p>
<p>I understand each state give preference in admission of the HS students from own state. Will his finishing G12 in IA sacrifice this advantage?</p>
<p>Since parent will establish domocile in IL, does it matter if it is a rental home or purchasing a home is a better indication? I understand college likes to see proof of property tax payment. Is it critical that the HS son move to live in the new home in IL or will it be OK for him to live in the IA side until the home is actually sold?</p>
<p>What are the norm for establishing in state as parent - primary home in IL, pay utility and phone bill in IL, do IL income tax, pay IL property tax?</p>
<p>You need to read the info reading residency requirements for the Illinois colleges you are interested in. I know that in Michigan, kids that live in Toledo, OH are not considered in state for University of Michigan even though they are right over the border and a hop, skip and jump from Ann Arbor and even if the family has a vacation home in Michigan. Some states are more liberal than others in this regard and have reciprocity agreements and are more lenient. Most of the college websites are very good about posting this information as your situation, while not common, is not unique.</p>
<p>I’m sorry to hear that IA is bothering IL, I hate it when states act like that:)</p>
<p>Your son, as a dependent student, will derive his state residency from his parent(s). To prove residency, you must do things (and provide written evidence) such as live in the state continuously for at least 12 months, get an IL drivers license, register to vote, open IL bank accounts, buy or rent a home and have utility bills in your name, find employment, file IL taxes, etc. You do not have to own property in the state but remember that, if you’ve cashed out of your IA home, FAFSA and Profile schools will consider any proceeds you have in the bank/investments to be an asset and will assess a portion toward your EFC. You can find all the IL residency requirements here</p>
<p>You don’t mention where your son’s mom will be during this time…and that could be problematic if she’s remaining in IA while he finishes school.</p>