Incoming Undergraduate Residency
Incoming Undergraduates
Establishing Florida residency for tuition purposes is an important step in ensuring you are assessed the correct tuition rate. For tuition purposes, Florida residency means you (or your parent/guardian, if dependent) have lived in Florida for at least 12 consecutive months and a day before the start of term and can prove it with supporting documentation.
Follow the instructions below to submit your residency documentation successfully.
Please Note: If we do not receive enough information to determine your residency, you will be classified as a non-Florida resident for tuition purposes. The applicant is responsible for monitoring residency status and providing validating documentation by the designated deadline for the term in which residency is sought.
Let's get started:
Who Needs to Submit Residency Documentation?
You may need to provide documentation if you:
- Are claiming in-state (Florida) residency for tuition purposes: In-state status is only for permanent, legal residents of Florida, who don't have established ties to another state.
- Recently moved to Florida: This will result in an out-of-state tuition classification if your residency documents were established for less than a year prior to the first day of classes.
- Are a dependent student whose parent/legal guardian resides in Florida: See Special Circumstances below for details.
- Have received a request to verify your residency status from the Office of Admissions: We may need more information about your case to make a determination.
How to Submit Your Documents
We always prefer you submit your documentation at the time of application to the University of South Florida to ensure faster and more accurate processing.
Step 1: Verify Your Dependency Status (Dependent vs. Independent)
| Requirements | What to Submit | Who is the Claimant | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dependent Students | Under the age of 24 and not a graduate student | Submit your parent/guardian's documentation — not your own. | Your parent/legal guardian |
| Independent Students |
Aged 24 or older, OR A graduate student, OR Under the age of 24 and can claim independence by the proof of a marriage license, proof of a dependent or proof of financial independence |
Submit your personal documentation. | You |
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
Based on your dependency status, make sure you have at least two approved documents. At least one must be a primary document.
Please note: All documents must be valid, legible and established with a date that is at least 12 months prior to the first day of classes of your first term at USF. Wherever possible, when submitting your residency materials, please consolidate all documents into a single PDF without permissions or passwords.
| Primary/Tier 1 Documents (at least one required): | Tier 2 Documents (if needed): |
|---|---|
|
|
Step 3: Submit Your Residency Documentation
When submitting your residency materials, please consolidate all documents into a single PDF without permissions or passwords.
If You Submit Residency via Your Application to USF:
Navigate to the Residency section of the application (USF's application or the Common App) and upload approved documents directly.
Submitting your residency documents with your application has important benefits:
- Your evaluation process starts immediately.
- It prevents a delay in processing your application, which can impact the available aid, housing and more.
If You Submit AFTER You Applied to USF:
Navigate to your Applicant Portal and submit the Residency Declaration Form, found in the "Update Your Information" section.
Pro tip: Submit all required documents at the same time to prevent delays.
Access the Residency Declaration Form
Next Steps After Submission
Due to high volume of submissions, please allow 4-6 weeks for your residency to be processed. If additional information is required, you will be notified by email.
- You are able to register for classes even if your residency status is not yet solidified.
- The last day of classes in your first term will be the deadline to request a re-evaluation of your initial residency status by providing sufficient documentation. However, if your residency status is listed as non-Florida at the time that classes begin, you will be assessed out-of-state tuition charges.
- After you have completed your first term at USF, you can request a reclassification of your residency status, if you qualify.
Special Circumstances & Definitions
Dependency Status:
Dependent Students
A dependent student is considered a legal resident of the same state as their parent or legal guardian (the claimant).
- If the claimant is a legal guardian (not a parent), additional documentation is required (see Section II).
- Graduate students under age 24 may be considered dependent if they submit their documentation with a parent/guardian as a claimant (see Section III).
To qualify for in-state tuition, the claimant must both:
- Complete the Residency section of the USF application OR the Residency Form, which is found in the Applicant Portal.
- Submit the required supporting documents.
I. Eligible Residency Documents
The State of Florida requires:
- Two documents proving residency
- Each document must be dated at least 12 months + 1 day before the first day of classes for the semester for which Florida residency is sought.
Important notes:
- No single document is considered definitive proof of residency on its own.
- Evidence of legal ties to another state may disqualify you from Florida residency.
II. Proof of Guardianship (Required if the claimant is NOT the student’s parent)
You must provide:
- Court-appointed guardianship documentation established by a judge in the United States (Note: Notarized paperwork will not establish guardianship)
- Power of attorney is NOT accepted
- Three consecutive years of tax returns showing the student claimed as a dependent
Non-U.S. Citizens:
In addition to residency documents, students and claimants must also provide documentation verifying:
- Permanent residency status OR
- Valid visa status
III. Proof of Dependency (Graduate Students)
- Graduate students under 24 have the option to claim dependence. To do so, submit your residency declaration, noting your parent or guardian as your claimant for residency purposes, and use your parent or guardian’s documents to validate residency on the residency declaration.
Independent Students
Students may be classified as independent for residency purposes based on age or status:
- Undergraduate students aged 24 or older are presumed independent.
- Students under age 24 who are not graduate students must provide proof of independence (see Section II).
- All graduate students are considered independent by default, regardless of age.
To qualify for in-state tuition, the claimant must both:
- Complete the Residency section of the USF application OR the Residency Form, which is found in the Applicant Portal.
- Submit the required supporting documents.
I. Eligible Residency Documents
The State of Florida requires:
- Two documents proving residency
- Each document must be dated at least 12 months + 1 day before the first day of classes for the semester for which Florida residency is sought.
Important notes:
- No single document is considered definitive proof of residency on its own.
- Evidence of legal ties to another state may disqualify you from Florida residency.
II. Proof of Independence (Required for students under age 24 who are NOT graduate students)
Students must submit one of the following in addition to the residency documents listed above:
- Option A: Marriage license
- Option B: Tax return showing the student claims a dependent child OR a copy of the child’s birth certificate
- Option C: Student’s tax return (Form 1040) showing they earned at least 51% of the estimated in-state cost of attendance for the application year AND parent’s tax return (Form 1040) showing the student is not claimed as a dependent
Additional Requirement for Non-U.S. Citizens
In addition to all residency and independence documentation, these students must also provide documentation verifying:
- Permanent resident status OR
- Valid visa status
Exceptions:
Florida Homestead Exemption
Who Qualifies:
If you or your parent/legal guardian have proof of a homestead exemption in Florida,
you may now qualify for Florida residency with only this documentation.
Required Documentation:
A document from the county tax collector demonstrating the application of a homestead
exemption to the claimant’s primary residence in Florida in the claimant’s name
Eligible Residency Documents:
If the claimant can demonstrate proof of a homestead exemption in Florida, in their
name (dated/issued at least 12 months and one day prior to the first day of classes
for the semester for which Florida residency is sought), this would be considered
a single, conclusive piece of evidence proving residency. Additional ties are not
required in that case.
Marriage to a Legal Florida Resident (12+ Consecutive Months)
Who Qualifies:
If you are married to a person who has lived in Florida for more than 12 consecutive
months.
Required Documentation:
- Copy of marriage license, AND
- Residency Affidavit completed by your spouse, AND
- Two eligible residency documents
Eligible Residency Documents:
The State of Florida requires the submission of two eligible residency documents which
must be dated/issued at least 12 months and one day prior to the first day of classes
for the semester for which Florida residency is sought. If there is evidence you have
legal ties to another state, you may not claim Florida residency. No single document
shall be conclusive.
Students and claimants who are Non-U.S. Citizens are required to submit documentation to verify permanent resident or valid visa status
IN ADDITION TO the documentation required for in-state status.
U.S. Armed Services Affiliation
Who Qualifies:
- If you are an active-duty U.S. military member stationed in Florida
- If you are an active-duty U.S. military member with Florida listed as your home of record
- If you are the spouse/dependent of a qualifying service member
Required Documentation:
Copy of military orders or DD-2058 showing home of record, AND:
- For a spouse: Copy of marriage license
- For a dependent child: Copy of the claimant's most recent federal income tax return indicating that the student was claimed as a dependent
Students and claimants who are Non-U.S. Citizens are required to submit documentation to verify permanent resident or valid visa status IN ADDITION TO the documentation required for in-state status.
State Higher Education Employee
Who Qualifies:
If you are a full-time instructional or administrative employee of a Florida state
institution of higher education or the spouse/dependent of such an employee.
Required Documentation*:
- Copy of employment contract OR letter from employer verifying employment as a full-time
instructional or administrative employee, AND
- For a spouse: Copy of marriage license
- For a dependent child: Copy of the claimant's most recent federal income tax return indicating that the student was claimed as a dependent
*Please note: You must still show proof of Florida residency to qualify. This option
is only intended to waive the 12-month requirement on your residency documents.
Students and claimants who are Non-U.S. Citizens are required to submit documentation to verify permanent resident or valid visa status
IN ADDITION TO the documentation required for in-state status.
Florida Prepaid Program Beneficiary
Who Qualifies:
If you are a qualified beneficiary under the Florida Prepaid Postsecondary Expense
Program per s.1009.988(2).
Required Documentation:
Copy of the front and back of your Florida Prepaid Postsecondary Expense ID card
Students and claimants who are Non-U.S. Citizens are required to submit documentation to verify permanent resident or valid visa status
IN ADDITION TO the documentation required for in-state status.
Long-Term Residency with Relative
Who Qualifies:
If you are a dependent student who has lived for 5 years with an adult relative (not
a parent or legal guardian), where the relative has maintained Florida residency for
at least 12 months.
Required Documentation:
- Copies of your adult relative's federal income tax returns for the past five years, establishing the familial relationship and indicating that you were claimed as a dependent, AND
- Residency Affidavit completed by the relative, AND
- Two eligible residency documents
Eligible Residency Documents:
The State of Florida requires the submission of two eligible residency documents which
must be dated/issued at least 12 months and one day prior to the first day of classes
for the semester for which Florida residency is sought. If there is evidence you have
legal ties to another state, you may not claim Florida residency. No single document
shall be conclusive.
Students and claimants who are Non-U.S. Citizens are required to submit documentation to verify permanent resident or valid visa status
IN ADDITION TO the documentation required for in-state status.
Re-Establishing Florida Residency
Who Qualifies:
If you were previously enrolled as a Florida resident for tuition purposes at a Florida
public institution, abandoned your Florida domicile less than 12 months ago, and are
now re-establishing legal residence.
Required Documentation:
- Proof that you have previously paid in-state tuition, AND
- Proof that you have relinquished any and all legal ties to the state of your most recent previous residence, AND
- Proof that you have re-established at least two legal ties with the state of Florida (proven through the submission of the Residency Form AND two eligible residency documents)
Eligible Residency Documents:
The State of Florida requires the submission of two eligible residency documents which
must be dated/issued at least 12 months and one day prior to the first day of classes
for the semester for which Florida residency is sought. If there is evidence you have
legal ties to another state, you may not claim Florida residency. No single document
shall be conclusive.
You may be asked to provide evidence of previous issue dates for these items, such
as a transcript from the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Students and claimants who are Non-U.S. Citizens are required to submit documentation to verify permanent resident or valid visa status
IN ADDITION TO the documentation required for in-state status.
U.S. Citizen on Panama Isthmus
Who Qualifies:
If you are a U.S. citizen residing on the Isthmus of Panama who has completed 12 consecutive
months of college at the Florida State University Panama Canal Branch, or the spouse/dependent
of such a student.
Required Documentation:
- Copy of transcript OR a letter of enrollment certification from FSU verifying enrollment
at the Panama Canal Branch for the past three terms, AND
- For a spouse: Copy of marriage license
- For a dependent child: Copy of the claimant's most recent federal income tax return indicating that the student was claimed as a dependent
Students and claimants who are Non-U.S. Citizens are required to submit documentation to verify permanent resident or valid visa status
IN ADDITION TO the documentation required for in-state status.
SREB Academic Common Market Graduate Student
Who Qualifies:
If you are a graduate student participating in the Southern Regional Education Board
(SREB) Academic Common Market and attending a Florida state university.
Required Documentation:
A letter of certification from the state coordinator for the Southern Regional Education
Board's Academic Common Market.
State Agency Law Enforcement or Corrections Employee
Who Qualifies:
If you are a full-time employee of a Florida state agency or political subdivision
whose student fees are paid by the agency for job-related law enforcement or correctional
training.
Required Documentation:
A letter of verification from employer indicating you are a full-time employee of
a State agency or political subdivision AND indicating you are enrolling in courses
for the purpose of job-related law enforcement or corrections training
Students and claimants who are Non-U.S. Citizens are required to submit documentation to verify permanent resident or valid visa status
IN ADDITION TO the documentation required for in-state status.
McKnight Fellowship Recipient
Who Qualifies:
If you are a McKnight Fellowship recipient.
Required Documentation:
A letter of verification from the Graduate School certifying that you are a McKnight
Fellowship recipient.
Students and claimants who are Non-U.S. Citizens are required to submit documentation to verify permanent resident or valid visa status
IN ADDITION TO the documentation required for in-state status.
Florida National Guard Member
Who Qualifies:
If you are an active member of the Florida National Guard qualifying under Florida
Statutes s.250.10(7) and (8) for tuition assistance.
Required Documentation:
- If you are an active National Guardsman who has been transferred to Florida from another state: Your Interstate Transfer Contract (NGB form 22-5-R-E), OR
- If you have left the active armed services and have entered the National Guard: Your U.S. Armed Forces enlist/re-enlist document (DD 4/1 and 4/2)
Students and claimants who are Non-U.S. Citizens are required to submit documentation to verify permanent resident or valid visa status
IN ADDITION TO the documentation required for in-state status.
Non-U.S. Citizens:
International Student
Students and claimants who are Non-U.S. Citizens are required to submit documentation to verify permanent resident or valid visa status IN ADDITION TO the documentation required for in-state status.
Required Documentation:
Proof of Florida residency as a dependent, independent or exception AND proof of visa
status is required. Only the following categories of visa holders are eligible for consideration. All others are ineligible to establish Florida residency for tuition purposes.
- Visa category A – Government official
- Visa category E – Treaty trader or investor
- Visa category G – Representative of international organization
- Visa category H-1 – Temporary worker performing professional nursing services or in a specialty occupation
- Visa category H-4 – Only if spouse or child of alien is classified H-1
- Visa category I – Foreign information media representative
- Visa category K – Fiancé, fiancée or child of a United States citizen
- Visa category L – Intracompany transferee (including spouse or child)
- Visa category N – Parent or child of alien accorded special immigrant status
- Visa category O-1 – Workers of "extraordinary" ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics
- Visa category O-3 – Only if spouse or child of alien is classified O-1
- Visa category R – Religious workers
- Visa category NATO I-7 – Representatives of NATO and their families
Eligible Non-U.S. Citizens for Florida Residency
Who Qualifies:
If you are:
- A citizen of Micronesia
- A citizen of the Marshall Islands
- An applicant for adjustment of status
- An asylum applicant with INS receipt or Immigration Court stamp
Permanent Resident Alien
Students and claimants who are Non-U.S. Citizens are required to submit documentation to verify permanent resident or visa status IN ADDITION to documentation required for in-state status.
Required Documentation:
Proof of Florida residency as a dependent, independent or exception, and the following:
- A copy of the front and back of resident alien card, OR
- Proof of issuance of an I-551, OR
- A copy of your I-485 indicating approval for a change in status.