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Registration Texas Residency Dependent Domicile

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Brownsville - The Tower, Main 1.100
Edinburg - 1st Floor Student Services Bldg
Email: ucentral@utrgv.edu
Phone: (956) 882-4026

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Establishing and Maintaining Domicile in Texas (Dependent Individuals)

The residency of a dependent student is based upon that of the parent or court-appointed legal guardian who claims that student as a dependent for federal income tax purposes. If the parent or court-appointed legal guardian of a dependent student meets the criteria of having established residency, the dependent student is eligible to be classified as a Texas Resident.

This option for establishing residency in Texas is available to:

  • Citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. (Non-citizens and non-permanent residents may also use this option if they have an application for permanent residency on file with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for at least 1 year without being denied.)
  • International students/individuals who hold an eligible visa or immigration status to domicile in the U.S.

Note: F1 Visa Holders are not eligible to domicile in the U.S. per the U.S. Immigration Office, therefore a student holding an F1 Visa would not be eligible to apply for in-state residency. 

To establish residency, the parent or court-appointed legal guardian must meet the following criteria:

  1. Physically reside in Texas and have for the 12 consecutive months immediately prior to the census date of the semester in which the student enrolls in a Texas public college or university and
  2. Establish and maintain domicile in Texas for a period of 12 consecutive months immediately prior to the census date of the semester in which a student enrolls in a Texas public college or university based on one of the options below:
a. Gainful employment is defined as employment that is sufficient to provide at least one-half of the individual’s tuition and living expenses or represents an average of at least 20 hours per week.

Note: Employment conditioned on student status, such as work study, the receipt of stipends, fellowships, or research or teaching assistantships does not constitute gainful employment.

b. Sole or joint marital ownership of residential real property in Texas

c. Ownership and customary management of a business in Texas which is regularly operated without the intention of liquidation for the foreseeable future.

Required Supporting Documentation:

Student Status as a Dependent

  • Recent income tax return for the parent or court-appointed legal guardian that lists student as a dependent

Establishment and Maintenance of Domicile in Texas (Items submitted may vary depending on the domicile option)

  • Employment Verification Letter on company letterhead that confirms employment at a Texas-based location of at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the census date of the semester in which the student enrolls
  • Title/Deed for residential real property in Texas to verify 12 consecutive months of ownership immediately preceding the census date of the semester in which the student enrolls
  • Business License or Proof of Ownership of a business in Texas of at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the census date of the semester in which the student enrolls

Physical Presence in Texas (at least 2 bulleted items from the list below must be submitted)

  • Texas driver’s license or Texas ID card that has not expired and shows an origination date at least 12 months prior to the census date of the semester in which a student enrolls
  • Texas voter registration card issued at least 12 months prior to the census date of the semester in which a student enrolls
  • Utility bills listing name and Texas address for the 12 consecutive months preceding the census date of the semester in which a student enrolls
  • Texas bank statements listing name and Texas address for the 12 consecutive months preceding the census date of the semester in which a student enrolls
  • Apartment lease or rental of residential property listing name and Texas address for the 12 consecutive months preceding the census date of the semester in which a student enrolls 

Note for Non-U.S. Citizens: In addition to the supporting documentation items listed above, students must also submit a copy of their eligible visa and/or other government documentation to demonstrate they are under an immigration status that is eligible to domicile.

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