Residency Frequently Asked Questions
How do I obtain residency status for tuition purposes?
You may complete an online Residency Application and submit the required documentation to the Residency Coordinator in the Admissions Office. To submit a residency application, complete the Online Residency Application by logging into the UVLink Student Portal. With eleven different ways to qualify for residency, students are encouraged to review the UVU “Green Sheet” to verify the rule for which they would like to be considered. Once completed, the application will then be reviewed for compliance with Utah Code and the Utah State Board of Regents Policy.
How long do I have to live in Utah to qualify under the 12 month rule?
Reside in Utah for at least 12 continuous months and be financially independent, including evidence that you are not claimed on a tax return of any person who is not a resident of Utah. Nonresident students cannot leave the state for more than 30 days TOTAL during the 12 continuous months; if you are out of the state for more than 30 days, the 12 continuous months must start over.
If I leave the state of Utah, can I still be a resident when school starts for the next semester?
If you are currently a Utah resident, you may leave the state for a short time (less than two years) and not lose your residency if you did not take steps to establish residency elsewhere. If you attend an out of state college or university, you will need to verify that non-resident tuition was paid to that school.
If you are a nonresident you cannot leave the state for more than 30 days during the 12 continuous months; if the student is out of state for more than 30 days the 12 continuous months must start over.
What can I use to verify my 12 months IN the state?
1) Verification of enrollment at a Utah college or university.
2) Verification of employment status in Utah including a letter from your employer verifying employment start and end dates.
3) Up to three months of official bank statements which show frequent purchases in Utah.
*Rental agreements and utility bills will not be considered as verification of presence in Utah.
Are there any circumstances where residency can be granted BEFORE the 12 months?
Yes. Please review the following exceptions:
1) Your parents moved to Utah as a result of full-time permanent employment, and you are an unmarried dependent student under the age of 24.
2) One or both of your parents have resided in Utah at least 12 continuous months and you are an unmarried dependent student under the age of 24.
3) Marriage to a Utah Resident (spouse must be considered a resident BEFORE the marriage).
4) Student or parents are active duty military personnel stationed in Utah or have declared Utah as home of record and are paying Utah State taxes.
5) Student is a client of a Social or Rehabilitation Service Agency in Utah and has provided documentation of domiciliary intent. The student will also need to provide verification that the agency is providing full payment of tuition and fees.
How long does it take for a decision to be made?
Our office processes hundreds of residency application each year. We strive to ensure a decision will be made within 4 weeks of receiving the completed application and required documentation. Once the application has been reviewed an email will be sent to the email address listed on the application. The email will include a list of additional documentation needed to verify residency status. Once ALL documentation is turned in to our office we will review the application one final time. The entire process can take up to four weeks.
Can I register for classes before my Residency Application has been reviewed and my status determined?
Yes, you are encouraged to register as soon as registration opens for the best selection of classes. If you are granted residency, your tuition will be recalculated to reflect the instate tuition rate.
If I, or my parents, work in Utah but live in another state, would I be a resident?
No. You must reside within the State, regardless of where you or your parents work.
What if I was born in Utah, but my family moved out of state.
If residency is established in another state, you would no longer be a resident of Utah.
My family owns property and pays property taxes in Utah; would that qualify me for residency?
No. The principal residence must be in the state, regardless of property ownership or taxes paid in the state.
When can I apply for residency?
The deadlines for applications and required documentation are:
SPRING SEMESTER - - - - - - - - - - December 1st
SUMMER TERM - - - - - - - - - - - - May 1st
FALL SEMESTER - - - - - - - - - - - - July 15th
Special permission would be required to turn in an application and documentation after the deadline.
NO RESIDENCY APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED AFTER THE 3RD WEEK OF THE SEMESTER
How do I know which required documentation would need to be included in my application?
You can check the list under the heading “How to File” in the UVLink Student Portal.
The needed documentation is listed depending on how you qualify for residency eligibility. Failure to provide the required information will delay or hinder a decision, so please read the information carefully.
Are there any exceptions to the Residency Policy?
Yes. Each of the following exceptions require official verification. Contact the Admissions Office for additional details.
1) Native American who has a Certificate of Indian Blood on tribal rolls
2) U.S. Military personnel on active duty orders to Utah
3) Current membership in the Utah National Guard
4) Job Corps students
5) Olympic training Athletes
How do I obtain residency status for tuition purposes?
You may complete a Residency Application and provide required documentation to the Residency Coordinator in the Admissions Office. You may use a printed application, download the application which is on this website or log in to UVLink and complete the Online Residency Application. The application will then be reviewed for compliance with Utah Code and the Utah State Board of Regents Policy.
How long do I have to live in Utah?
Reside in Utah for 12 continuous months and be Financially Independent, including evidence that student is not claimed on a tax return of any person who is not a resident of Utah. Nonresidents cannot leave the state for more than 30 days total during the 12 continuous months; if nonresident is out of state for more than 30 days the 12 continuous months must start over.
If I leave the state of Utah, can I still be a resident when school starts for the next semester?
If you are currently a Utah resident, you may leave the state for a short time and not lose your residency if you did not take steps to establish residency elsewhere. If you attended an out of state college or university, you would need to verify that non-resident tuition was paid to that school.
If you are a Nonresident you cannot leave the state for more than 30 days total during the 12 continuous months; if nonresident is out of state for more than 30 days the 12 continuous months must start over.
Are there any circumstances where residency can be granted BEFORE the 12 months?
Yes.
1) Your parents moved to Utah as a result of full-time permanent employment, and you are their dependent and single.
2) One or both of your parents have resided in Utah at least 12 continuous months and you are their dependent and single
3) Marriage to a Utah Resident (spouse must be considered a resident BEFORE the marriage).
4) Student or parents are Active Duty Military and stationed in Utah or have declared Utah as Home of Record and are paying Utah State Taxes.
5) Student is a Client of a Social or Rehabilitation Service Agency in Utah and has provided documentation of domiciliary intent.
How long does it take for a decision to be made?
A decision will be made within a 4 weeks of receiving the completed application and required documentation. A letter will be sent to student’s address listed on the application and an email will be sent to the student’s UVLink email account.
Can I register for classes before my Residency Application has been reviewed and my status determined?
Yes, you are encouraged to register as soon as registration opens for the best selection of classes. If you are granted residency, your tuition will be recalculated to reflect that rate.
If I, or my parents, work in Utah but live in another state, would I be a resident?
No, you must reside within the State, regardless of where you or your parents work.
What if I was born in Utah, but my family moved out of state.
If residency is established in another state, you would no longer be a resident of Utah.
My family owns property and pays property taxes in Utah; would that qualify me for residency?
No - the principal residence must be in the state, regardless of property ownership or taxes paid in the state.
When can I apply for residency?
The deadlines for applications and required documentation are:
SPRING SEMESTER - - - - - - - - - - December 1st
SUMMER TERM - - - - - - - - - - - - May 1st
FALL SEMESTER - - - - - - - - - - - - July 15th
Special permission would be required to turn in an application and documentation after the deadline.
NO RESIDENCY APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED AFTER THE 3RD WEEK OF THE SEMESTER
How do I know which required documentation would need to be included in my application?
You can check the list under the heading How To File .
The needed documentation is listed depending on how you qualify for residency eligibility. Failure to provide the required information will delay or hinder a decision, so please read the information carefully.
Are there any exceptions to the Residency Policy?
Yes.
- Native American who has a Certificate of Indian Blood on tribal rolls
- U.S. Military personnel on active duty orders to Utah
- Current membership in the Utah National Guard
- Job Corps students
- Olympic training Athletes
Where do I turn in my residency application?
You may turn in your application at either the Residency Office or the One-Stop Department BA-106 in the Browning Administration Building at UVU main campus. You may also mail in your information to:
Residency Office - BA-106
Utah Valley University
800 West University Parkway
Orem, UT 84058
We do NOT accept faxed applications.
[ printable PDF version ]