Frequently Asked Questions Regarding In-State Residency

Can I apply for in-state residency if I am considered an international student with a visa?

No. In order to apply for in-state residency, you must be a U.S. citizen, hold a current Permanent Resident Card (green card), or have INS documents proving that your application for a Permanent Resident Card (green card) was approved and is in the processing of being mailed to you.

Can I apply for in-state residency if I am considered an undocumented student currently living in CT?

Yes, an undocumented student can apply for in-state residency, for the upcoming semester, via the House Bill 6844 that was passed in CT on July 1, 2015. The student would need to complete the following forms and supply the following documents for review:

1. In-State Residency Application opens PDF file
2. Supply applicable documents as stated in the remaining FAQs regarding the In-State Residency Application Process
3. opens in a new windowAffidavit of Status Formopens PDF file
4. Official CT High School Transcript, showing graduation date, or Official CT GED document from CT Department of Education

How long should I wait before I go to my CT town hall to change my voter registration to CT?

You should change your voter registration to CT ASAP. This way you won’t miss out on any upcoming elections and the date of your CT voter registration is used by WCSU in creating a timeline for your in-state residency applicationopens PDF file .

How long should I wait before I go to a CT DMV office to change my license to CT?

By law, you have 30 days to change your license over to CT. If it has been more than 30 days, you need to do this ASAP. The date of your license is used by WCSU in creating a timeline for your in-state residency applicationopens PDF file .

The car I drive is registered in my name. How long should I wait before I go to a CT DMV office to change my vehicle registration to CT?

Also, by law, you have 30 days to change over any vehicle registration to CT that is registered in your name. The reason for this is because CT residents pay property tax on their vehicles as in-state residents. The date of your vehicle registration is also used by WCSU in creating a timeline for your in-state residency applicationopens PDF file .

What if the car I drive is not registered in my name?

If the vehicle you drive is not registered in your name, it doesn’t need to be transferred to CT. We just need a copy of the vehicle registration form.

What kind of proof is needed to show that I am living in a CT domicile (including Brookview Commons)?

If you rent or lease, we will need a copy of your signed lease agreement for the past 12 months and a copy of your lease for the current 12 months.

If I or my parents own property in CT, does this automatically make me an in-state student?

No. You must file a completed residency applicationopens PDF file with all requested documents.

If I live on campus for one year, does that make me eligible for in-state residency?

No. The University is not a legal residence, with regard to establishing residency.

Are my parents’ Federal and State tax forms required to prove residency?

Yes. The university needs to verify which parent claimed you and what state that parent resides in. This information will be used to form a timeline for your in-state residency applicationopens PDF file .

Do you need both of my parents’ tax forms if they are divorced?

Yes.

Are my parents’ Federal and State tax forms still required, if they didn’t claim me?

Yes, if you are under the age of 24.

Do I need to provide my own Federal and State tax forms to prove residency?

Yes. The university needs to verify what state you filed your taxes in.

Should I wait until I have copies of all my documents before handing in my residency application?

No. You can hand in the residency applicationopens PDF file and then hand in the required documents as they become available to you. A decision will not be made until all materials are received.

Can I meet with someone to discuss my residency situation?

Once a decision is made, you may contact the Office of Admissions to make an appointment with the residency officer.

Can I apply for residency for a previous semester?

No! There are no exceptions considered, due to Federal Financial Aid and auditing regulations.

What is the deadline for the residency application?

For the Fall semester, the applicationopens PDF file must be completed and handed in no later than September 1st.

For the Spring semester, the applicationopens PDF file must be completed and handed in no later than February 1st.

Any applicationopens PDF file either handed in or completed past the applicable deadline will be considered for the following semester. There will be no exceptions considered.

How long does it take to get a decision on my residency application?

Once you have completed the applicationopens PDF file and handed in all required documents, you will then have a decision in two weeks. You will be notified via your WCSU student email.

How will I receive the decision of my in-state residency decision?

Your in-state residency decision will be emailed to your WCSU student email only. This is the official means of communication between WSCU and all students.

What circumstances would establish that I am an out-of-state student?

1. Your current license is from a state other that CT

2. Your current CT license is less than 12 months

3. You were claimed on tax documentation from a state other than CT

4. Your current voter registration is from a state other than CT

5. Your current car registration is from a state other than CT

6. You filed Federal and State tax forms for the previous year in a state other than CT

7. The Federal Post Office recognizes you with a current and legal address in a state other than CT

This information is not meant to be a comprehensive guide on CT in-state residency.

Other documentation may be requested on a case-by-case basis.