Texas Residency
Under Texas law, each person who applies for admission to a Texas public college or university is classified as one of the following:
- A resident of Texas
- A non-resident
- A foreign (international) student
The residency classification is crucial since it will determine whether students pay non-resident tuition rates or in state tuition rates and will also impact their eligibility for financial aid.
Determining Texas Residency
When students apply for admission, the university uses the information they provide on the admissions application to make an initial determination regarding their residency classification. (The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board establishes the rules that govern Texas residency for higher education in Texas.) This determination will remain on a student’s record and continue for each semester in which a student is enrolled if no changes are made.
Establishing Texas Residency
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has established rules that govern residency for higher education in Texas. Individuals can establish residency based on one of the following:
- High School Graduation in Texas
- Establishing and Maintaining Domicile in Texas (Independent Individuals)
- Establishing and Maintaining Domicile in Texas (Dependent Individuals)
- Military
Submitting a Request for Reclassification to Texas Resident
Sometimes students submit incorrect information or submit information on the admissions application that makes it appear as though they are non-residents when they actually do qualify for Texas Residency. In other cases, students initially ineligible for Texas Residency classification upon admission may later become eligible. If a student is currently classified as a non-resident but believes they qualify for Texas Residency, they have the option to submit a Request for Reclassification to Texas Resident.
To initiate this request, a student must submit a completed Core Residency Questionnaire form. Along with the form, the student should submit supporting documentation that proves they or their parent or court-appointed legal guardian (if a dependent) have met the requirements to be classified as a Texas Resident. An incomplete Core Residency Questionnaire form and/or insufficient documentation will delay the review and processing of the request.
Important Notice: Establishing Texas Residency is available to the following:
- 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 who hold an eligible visa or immigration status to domicile in the U.S.
Other groups in addition to the ones mentioned above may also be eligible to establish Texas residency, however please contact registrar@utrgv.edu if you have any questions.
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.
Deadlines
Students must submit a completed Core Residency Questionnaire form and supporting documentation in person to UCentral or via e-mail to registrar@utrgv.edu by no later than the first-class day of the semester for which they are seeking reclassification. First class days may be found on the academic calendar.
Review Process
The Office of the University Registrar will review the completed Core Residency Questionnaire form for student eligibility. Additional supporting documentation may be requested after the initial review and throughout the review process if necessary. The decision made by the Office of the University Registrar is final.
Note: The time period for each review may vary and we cannot guarantee that a final decision will be made before payment of tuition and fees is due, so it is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements for payment by the due date (view all Cost of Attendance components).