This page is intended to provide general information concerning residence classification guidelines for fee-paying purposes and will respond directly to questions concerning residence classification frequently asked by students and their families. A complete listing of the residence classification guidelines, Rules Determining Resident and Nonresident Student Status for Indiana University Fee Purposes, appears in each school bulletin and in each edition of the Enrollment and Student Academic Information (here).
Students who want to appeal their residence classification should review the complete listing of residence classification guidelines and should complete the Application for Classification as a Resident Student at Indiana University for Fee-Paying Purposes. The residence appeal application may also be obtained from the Office of the Registrar.
This document does not replace or supersede the Rules Determining Resident and Nonresident Student Status for Indiana University Fee Purposes which took effect February 1, 1974.
Have you downloaded the Residence Classification form?
- GENERAL INFORMATION
- Students have until the last day of the effective semester to deliver their completed application for reclassification to the Office of the Registrar.
- The application should be submitted via Student Central's Secure Contact Form with the Topic Residency Application Submission.
- The application should be completed and signed by the student, rather than by the student's parent or spouse.
- The student should respond in full to each item on the application (including personal statement). An application with missing or incomplete information will be returned.
- The student should provide additional documentation in any of the applicable categories listed below.
- Upon receipt in this office, the completed application and supporting materials are date stamped and logged; applications are reviewed in the order in which they are received. Within two to three weeks of the date received, written notice containing a decision or a request for additional information will be sent to the applicant's Indiana University email address.
- GENERAL INFORMATION
- STUDENTS UNDER 21 YEARS OF AGE
- Emancipation
Students under the age of 21 who claim emancipation must provide notarized statements from their parents. These statements should indicate the level of financial support provided to the student and the date when the parents last claimed the student as a dependent on their federal income tax returns. - Parents moving to Indiana
Students under the age of 21 who claim Indiana residence based upon the establishment by parents of their residence in Indiana must provide a notarized statement from the parents. This statement must be written after the parents move to Indiana and should indicate the residence, the reason for the change in residence, and information concerning the disposition of their former residence. In addition, this statement should include the name(s), address(es) and telephone number(s) of the parents' employer(s). If their move is the result of a change in employment, we will need information concerning both former and current employers. Please note: Unless parents are divorced or legally separated, or one parent is deceased, the notarized statement must include information for both parents. If parents are divorced or legally separated, copies of appropriate court documents must be provided. - Legal Guardianship Agreements
Students under the age of 21 who claim Indiana residence based on the residence of a legal guardian must provide a copy of the court documents which outline the need for and responsibilities of the guardian.
- Emancipation
- MILITARY FAMILIES
Active duty military personnel, their spouses or their children who claim Indiana residence while stationed outside of the state should provide copies of their state income tax returns for the most recent three consecutive tax years.
- PERMANENT RESIDENTS
Non-U.S. citizens who have been granted permanent resident status by the Immigration and Naturalization Service should provide a copy of both sides of their "green card" or copies of other official documents that reflect their status as permanent residents.
Who is eligible for resident student status?
U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are 21 years of age or emancipated are eligible for resident student status after they have been physically present in Indiana for twelve consecutive months (prior to the first day of classes) without the predominant purpose of education.
Students who are under 21 years of age and unemancipated are eligible for resident student status if their parents or legal guardians reside in Indiana. Unemancipated students under 21 years of age whose parents or legal guardians move to Indiana can be classified as resident students without first living in the state for 12 months.
However, in cases of legal guardianship agreements, it must be shown that the guardianship agreement was sought for reasons other than to enable the student to become eligible for resident student status or for the purpose of attending an Indiana high school. An official copy of the court documents that outline the guardianship agreement must be provided to the University.
Effective Fall 2007, students with immigration statuses which permit the establishment of a domicile in the United States may be eligible to pay resident fees provided the individuals have otherwise satisfied the conditions for resident student status. Current eligible classifications are: A-1, A-2, A-3, E-1, E-2, E-3, G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, H-1B, H-4, I, L-1, L-2, O-1, O-3, V-1, V-2, and V-3. Continuing eligibility to remain classified as a resident student for fee-paying purpose depends upon the continued maintenance of eligible immigration status. Students with eligible classifications who feel they may be eligible for a change in status should contact the Office of the Registrar for more information.
Are dependent spouses eligible for resident student status without meeting the 12 month physical presence requirement?
No. The exception (noted above) to the 12 month physical presence requirement applies only to unemancipated persons under 21 years of age whose parents or legal guardians move to or reside in Indiana. All other persons must meet the 12 month physical presence requirement.
How can an emancipated student under 21 years of age whose parents live out-of-state establish eligibility for resident student status?
This student would need to provide a notarized statement from the parents indicating the level of financial support provided to the student and the date when the parents last claimed the student as a dependent on their federal income tax returns.
In addition, this student would need to provide a financial statement indicating all sources and amounts of income sufficient for self support.
This student would then have to be physically present in Indiana for 12 consecutive months without the predominant purpose of education in order to become eligible for resident student status.
If a person enrolls as a nonresident student, will that person always be considered a nonresident student?
No. Any person who meets the residence guidelines is eligible for resident student status without regard to previous enrollment as a nonresident student.
Will a person who moves to Indiana for reasons other than higher education jeopardize future eligibility for resident student status by enrolling in classes during the initial 12 month period of residence?
No. If a person can provide convincing evidence that the move to Indiana was without the predominant purpose of attending an institution of higher education, future resident student classification should not be affected by University enrollment during the 12 month residence period even if such enrollment is on a full-time basis.
Does a nonresident student become automatically eligible for resident student status by marrying an Indiana resident?
No. Although marriage to a resident of Indiana is one of the factors considered in the determination of predominant purpose, the existence of this factor does not require a finding of resident status.
However, after providing convincing evidence that the marriage has changed a student's predominant purpose for being in Indiana, a nonresident student may be eligible for reclassification to resident student status 12 months after the date of marriage.
Does the payment of income or property taxes to the state of Indiana affect a nonresident student's eligibility for resident student status?
No. Persons who are in Indiana for the predominant purpose of education do not become eligible for resident student status on the basis of paying taxes to the state.
Is it possible to be a legal resident of the state of Indiana and still be a nonresident student at Indiana University?
Yes. The state of Indiana determines for specific purposes (driver's licenses, voter registration, etc.) the requirements for becoming a legal resident of the state. However, the state legislature has delegated to Indiana's institutions of higher education the responsibility of determining when a person becomes eligible for resident student status.
Many nonresident students are considered legal residents of the state. These individuals are eligible to carry an Indiana driver's license, to register to vote, and to be called to serve as members of juries. However, persons who reside in Indiana for the predominant purpose of education are considered nonresidents for fee-paying purposes at the University.
If the parents of a resident student move to another state, will that student be reclassified to nonresident status?
No. Once a person has been properly classified as a resident student, that person shall remain a resident student so long as remaining continuously enrolled (Fall and Spring terms) in the University until earning the degree in progress.
Are the children of Indiana University alumni automatically eligible for classification as resident students?
No, the alumni status of the student's parents is not a factor in determining residence classification.
What about military families?
Military families from Indiana maintain their Indiana resident status as long as they continue to file their personal income tax returns in Indiana. Members of these families must provide copies of their Indiana income tax returns or military documents that indicate the personal income tax withholding state of the military member.
Who determines residence classification?
When students are admitted to the University, the Office of Admissions (for undergraduates) or the University Graduate School (for graduates) render the initial residence classification determination. Decisions made in these offices are based on the information provided by students during the admission application process.
How do students appeal a decision of nonresident student status?
Students who want to appeal their nonresident status should contact the Office of the Registrar and should request and complete an "Application for Classification as a Resident Student at Indiana University for Fee-Paying Purposes." After the completed application is evaluated, the student is notified in writing of the decision rendered.
Is there an "effective date" that applies to a person's eligibility for resident student status?
Yes. Circumstances that exist on the first day of classes of each individual semester/session determine a person's eligibility for resident student status for that term.
What is the deadline for filing an appeal of nonresident student status?
Students have until the last day of the effective term to deliver their completed application for reclassification to the Office of the Registrar.
If a nonresident student is reclassified to resident student status, is it possible to get a refund of the nonresident fees paid for that term?
Yes. The nonresident portion of the fees already paid will be refunded if the student applies for resident student status before the deadline and if a resident decision is rendered. Note that the "effective date" for determining the student's eligibility is the first day of classes of the effective term (see above).
Can a nonresident decision from the Office of the Registrar be appealed?
Yes. Decisions from the campus Office of the Registrar can be appealed to the University Standing Committee on Residence. A written request for an appeal should be sent to the Office of the Registrar indicating whether a personal appearance with the committee is desired.
When and where does the University Standing Committee on Residence meet?
The Standing Committee on Residence always meets on the Bloomington campus, generally meeting on the first Thursday of each month.
Are there student members on the Standing Committee on Residence?
Yes. Two student members are appointed to the committee by the President of the University.
Are students who meet with the residence committee able to bring family members to the committee meeting?
Yes. Students may invite family members, friends, or other persons to the committee meeting.
How is the student notified of the residence committee's decision?
The student is notified in writing of the decision of the committee members.