Basic Concepts of California Residency
California residence results from the union of physical presence with the intent to remain in the state, making it their permanent home for an indefinite period of time. Residence for education purposes is the location with which a person is considered to have the most settled and permanent connection. It is also a place where a person intends to return to during periods of temporary absence. The following criteria are used to make residency determinations.
Physical Presence
Persons capable of establishing residence in California must be physically present in the state for one year prior to the residence determination date to be classified as a resident student.
Physical presence within the state solely for educational purposes does not constitute establishing California residence regardless of the length of that presence.
Intent
Intent to establish California residency may be manifested in many ways, some of which are as follows:
Being the petitioner for a divorce in California.
Establishing and maintaining active California bank accounts.
Maintaining permanent military address or home of record in California while in the armed forces.
Paying California state income taxes as a resident.
Possessing a California driver's license.
Possessing a motor vehicle that is registered in California.
Registering and voting in California.
Waiting Period
The residence period in which a student must wait to become a California resident when first entering the state does not begin to run until the student is present in California and has clearly shown the intent to make California their permanent home of residence.