<p>I know this sounds like a dumb question but I actually am not sure of the answer. I'm an Asian born in Canada, so I'm a Canadian citizen, and I moved to the United States when I was around 6 or so, so I've been living in the US for about 10 years. The thing is, I still am not a U.S. Permanent Resident. If I don't get to be a permanent resident by the time I apply to college, do I have to apply as an international student? Will that make getting into top-tier colleges much more difficult? I already ran into some difficulties this year when I could not apply to some free summer programs like RSI that I really wanted to apply to.</p>
<p>A few schools treat Canadians like US Americans, but generally you would have to apply as an international student. Being international is really bad if you 1. want to go to a top 25 university or 2. need financial aid.</p>
<p>What about me? </p>
<p>I grew up in California and I've lived most of my life there. My parents have also established residency there and pay income taxes, etc. We have a home there. But I've been going to an international school in China for all of my high school years. I go back every summer. All of us have a US passport only.</p>
<p>FellowCCViewer, you're a US applicant thanks to your passport.</p>
<p>@ the OP: Each college has its own sets of rules regarding Canadians. I'd advise checking the individual websites. I know of a few that do consider you equivalent to US citizens, but I'm not sure.</p>
<p>Ok, thanks. Do you think I'm also a UC (in-state) applicant too? I've only lived in California..only went to two other states for less than a week..</p>
<p>I'd think that since you have a valid California residence and your parents live there, you're instate.</p>
<p>Stupid question, but can you establish residency in a state when you are not a permanent resident?</p>