If your residency status has changed or you believe you were incorrectly classified as a nonresident, you may request a review of your residency classification.
Admissions & Records will review your request and supporting documentation to determine whether you qualify for California resident tuition under applicable California law.
Residency is determined based on California law, not solely on how long you have lived in California.
What You Need to Know
You should request residency reclassification if:
- You were classified as a nonresident but believe you now qualify for California resident tuition.
- Your residency status has changed since you first applied to Barstow Community College.
- You have established California residency and would like your tuition classification reviewed.
Supporting documentation is required before a residency determination can be made.
Request a Residency Review
To request a review of your residency classification, complete the Residency Status Change Request form and submit it along with all required supporting documentation to Admissions & Records.
Submitting incomplete documentation may delay the review of your request.
Supporting Documentation
To be considered for residency reclassification, students must submit the Residency Status Change Request form along with at least two documents that demonstrate they established and maintained California residency.
The documents submitted must be dated one year and one day prior to the start of the semester for which residency is being requested.
Examples of acceptable documentation include:
- California driver's license or California identification card
- California vehicle registration
- California voter registration
- California state income tax returns
- Lease agreement or mortgage statement
- Utility bills
- California employment records
- Other documentation demonstrating physical presence in California and intent to make California your permanent home
Admissions & Records may request additional documentation if needed to verify your residency status.
Important: Submitting the required documentation does not automatically result in a change to your residency classification. Each request is evaluated individually in accordance with California Education Code and California Code of Regulations.
Residency Determination Date
California residency must generally be established one year and one day before the first day of the semester for which you are requesting resident tuition.
For example:
- Fall semester: Documentation must generally demonstrate California residency beginning at least one year and one day before the first day of the fall semester.
- Spring semester: Documentation must generally demonstrate California residency beginning at least one year and one day before the first day of the spring semester.
Admissions & Records will determine the applicable residency determination date based on the semester for which you are requesting reclassification.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I request residency reclassification?
Submit your request as soon as your residency status changes or when you believe you qualify for California resident tuition. Early submission helps ensure your residency status is updated before registration and fee payment deadlines.
How long does the review take?
Processing times vary depending on the completeness of your documentation and the volume of requests received.
What happens if my request is approved?
If your request is approved, your residency classification will be updated and your tuition will be adjusted, if applicable, in accordance with College procedures.
What happens if my request is denied?
Admissions & Records will notify you of the determination and explain the outcome of your residency review.
Can I submit my request after I register?
Yes. However, you should submit your request as early as possible. Residency determinations are not retroactive beyond the limits established by California law and College policy.
Need Additional Assistance?
If you have questions about residency reclassification or the documentation required to establish California residency, Admissions & Records is here to help.
