<p>Hi, I became a California Resident (green card) in October 2010.
Soon after my green card came out, I applied for UC's and Cal States.</p>
<p>A little while ago, I got a letter from Cal State Pomona and it stated my status as non-resident.
So, I asked them why, since I specifically put resident on their application, and they said it's because it should be like six months after my green card came out for them to count me as a resident.
which means.... I have to pay extra for school.</p>
<p>My question is: does the same thing apply to UC's?
and I'm guessing it applies to all Cal States, but are there any exceptions?
and... How much more money does it cost to go to school as a "non-resident"? Does it mean I can't get any scholarships?</p>
<p>I’m actually surprised that it’s only six months. Understand that the UC system is very attractive - low-priced and high quality. They must be keenly aware that folks would come from all over to establish residency in order to get that kind of bargain.</p>
<p>Try not to think of it as “paying extra.” CA residents spend their entire working lives paying for that system. Think of it as a fantastic deal that’s being offered to you in only six months.</p>
<p>They must be keenly aware that folks would come from all over to establish residency in order to get that kind of bargain.</p>
<p>WHAT?</p>
<p>Wow. it’s amazing how you put in the subliminal message that I’m only using my residency to get a deal in college. That might be the case for some people, but not me. Don’t tell me what to be thankful for. My family set up our lives here 5 years ago. We’ve lived here legally. We pay taxes. We’ve been paying taxes before we got our residency. We plan to live here for the rest of our lives. Don’t be so quick to judge me if you don’t know the whole story. I didn’t ask a question to be judged, I asked the question for you to answer it.</p>
<p>Wow, 3Dyellow. Don’t post a question if you are unable to accept all answers. If you only want certain responses, ask your friends in real life the question.
Why did you wait until after you got your green card to apply to schools? If you wanted to go to school, and not just for the “deal” of being a resident, why didn’t you go to school before getting the green card? Your message set the stage for Mister K’s reply…</p>
<p>This may not apply to any of you…but many are sick of paying taxes in a high tax state. There are so many people on CC who are looking to game the system. I know an old guy who is collecting 4 pensions from 3 countries and he is so proud of this feat. The majority of taxpayers want to pay their fair share.</p>
<p>I’m sorry that I overreacted, but for why I waited? I DID NOT WAIT. I got my residency in October. I’m a high school senior, and I applied to school when I was supposed to. Maybe I worded it wrong, but I meant just the time sequence. I didn’t wait until I got my residency to apply. And I would’ve applied to college even if I didn’t get my residency. I’m happy that I’m benefitting from this residency, but I’m not the type of person to use my status to take advantage of other people’s tax money.</p>
<p>And thanks to mom2collegekids for the answer. I think it answers my question.</p>
<p>Legal resident alien (green card) is not the same as state resident for tuition. You need to let the college know that you have been a resident of that state for five years not just for six months.</p>
<p>I assume you’ve been attending a California high school for at least 3 years, and are graduating from a California High School. So see for example:</p>
<p>Also see the definition of residency (in state rates) for California State Universities and UC campuses. The rules are not based on “green card” or citizenship but rather proof on physical residence, which includes a domicile in California, continuous payment of taxes, etc.</p>
<p>In your case you would likely be eligible for instate rates because of having attended and graduated from a California high school, and because your parents have been working in California, paying taxes, etc. for more than 1 year.</p>
<p>You may want to have your guidance counselor “correct” any misunderstanding that Cal Poly may have.</p>