<p>I was born in California so I'm an American citizen. I lived here for the first 10 years of my life and my parents lived here and payed taxes for 13 years. However, we moved to Germany thereafter and my parents' visas have long expired. (My parents are not American) Now, I attend UCLA and finished my first year paying out-of-state tuition because I myself am not a resident. I've come to realize though that I cannot attend UCLA for 4 years if I have to keep paying out-of-state tuition.
How hard would it be for me to become a resident? I'm American but do not have residency in any state. Is that even possible?
And where do I go to apply for residency? Is there some kind of state institution that I can go to? I've already been to the university office and they didn't help at all... Figures. They want my money.
Thanks so much!</p>
<p>I recall that in order to be a Californian Resident, you have to be living in California for most part of the year for the past four years. That way you can get the in-state benefits. In my opinion, I think it is due to the fact that you lived thru a Californian HS, therefore you are a Californian. Nonetheless, I think you should go find and talk with people in the US department/international affairs/embassies…all those good stuff. Im only good with the British side, but the American side can be iffy. Basically you have to do your own research on all this bureaucratic stuff. Worst case scenario, you hire a lawyer to fight for your case to get residency. I truly hope everything works out for you. I had a similar situation. Thankfully I didn’t have to go to court.</p>
<p>Taphiperina, I really think that you become a state resident after you live in that state for 12 months, which you did already. I’ll see if I can find out more. Check back on this thread later today.</p>
<p>This one is tricky. Are you over the age of 24? If you’re still a dependent, you may not be able to establish California state residency. I assume you didn’t attend a California state high school for three years, which is the fastest way to establish residency.</p>
<p>Hey, I just looked up some info and Sirinya is correct unfortunately. The “independent” condition makes it really hard to qualify as a non resident unless you are over 24 years old. Look this up [Establishing</a> California Residence for Tuition Purposes, Office of the Registrar](<a href=“404 - Page Not Found”>404 - Page Not Found). Have your parents claimed you as dependent for the last 2 years?</p>