Qualify for resident tuition: Texas Residency at UHCL
Residence eligibility
To be considered a resident for tuition purposes, you must have an eligible legal status and be gainfully employed in Texas 12 consecutive months, prior to enrollment in an institution of higher education. If you are basing your claim to residency on a parent or spouse, they must meet the same requirements and claim you as a dependent for tax purposes, both the year of enrollment and the previous tax year.
If you are a foreigner who is present in the United States on a temporary or student visa, you are not eligible for classification as a resident unless you qualify under the three-year high school graduation or GED rule. If you are a student on a non-immigrant visa permitting residence, you may also be eligible to receive resident tuition rates, based on the same regulations in effect for U.S. citizens. For the current list of eligible visas, please go to http://www.collegefortexans.com/residency/visalist.cfm.
U.S. Permanent Residents and Students Applying for U.S. Permanent Residency
If you are a foreigner who has been lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States, we will consider you for residency based on the same regulations in effect for U.S. citizens. If you are a foreigner who has a petition with the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Service that has been accepted or is in the applicant stage and you can provide a copy of your I-485 or I-485 receipt, we will consider you for residency based on the same regulations in effect for U.S. citizens.
Changing or Correcting Your Residency or Waiver Status
It is your responsibility to notify the Office of Admissions if you have been incorrectly classified or you have a change in residency status. This includes becoming a non-resident. If you wish to file a request for a change in residency or request a waiver based on the current rules and regulations, you must file the appropriate paperwork and documentation with the Office of Admissions 30 days prior to the desired semester. Requests for a change in residency received after the 12th class day of fall or spring are considered for the following semester. Contact the Office of Admissions for summer deadlines.