Utah Residency for Tuition Purposes

The state of Utah residency policy, R512, determines a student who has come to Utah for the purpose of attending an institution of higher education may gain residency for tuition purposes if they meet the criteria of an exception listed below. Review the details on this page to apply for residency and learn more about the different residency exceptions, requirements, and frequently asked questions.

Jump To

Residency Application
General Exemptions
Military Exemptions
Foreign Service Family Act Exemptions
Absence from Utah
Appeal a Residency Decision
Residency Verification Letter Request
FAQs

Residency Deadlines

Fall 2024

  • Priority deadline to meet the tuition and fee payment: August 1, 2024
  • Final deadline: September 9, 2024

Spring 2025

  • Priority deadline to meet the tuition and fee payment: December 1, 2024
  • Final deadline: January 27, 2025

Information Sessions

Attend a residency info session in TSC 229, Big Blue Room and get your questions answered. 

  • Feb. 27, 2024 | 4-5PM
  • Apr. 3, 2024 | 4-5PM

In the meantime, continue to email your questions to residency@usu.edu.

Residency Information

For further residency information and questions, please contact the Admission Office.

Location: Taggart Student Center 102
Phone: 435-797-1079
Fax: 435-797-3708
Email: residency@usu.edu

Mailing Address
Office of Admissions
Taggart Student Center 102
Logan, UT 84322-0160

Residency Application

Before Applying for Residency

1

Review the residency exemption you plan to apply under and its requirements.

 
2

Understand that by submitting a residency application you agree to the following:

  • You understand the information you provide in your residency application will be used to determine your eligibility for residency for tuition purposes.
  • You understand if any of the information and documentation provided is found to be false, you will be liable for payment of all non-resident charges from which you were exempted, and you may be subject to disciplinary action by the institution.
  • You understand the burden of proof is on you to prove that you are eligible to be granted resident student status by the appropriate deadlines for the semester you seek to attend as a resident student based on the requirements of The Board of Regents Policy 512.
 
3

Review the Using the ServiceNow Portal for Residency Purposes guide for a detailed list of instructions and important information to help you through the residency application process.

Apply for Residency

Please fill out the online application for residency. Be advised that applications take 1-2 weeks to be reviewed from the date they are submitted.

Submit Residency Application

General Exemptions

To be eligible to apply for residency for tuition purposes, you must meet the requirements of an exemption and have one of the following statements apply (HB 102): 

  • I am a U.S citizen. 
  • I have applied for or been granted permanent resident status. 
  • I have applied for or been granted refugee status. 
  • I have applied for or been granted asylum status. 
  • I have applied for or been granted humanitarian parole status.
  • I have applied for or been granted temporary protected status. 
  • I have been granted a special immigrant visa.

  • Copy of your Utah driver’s license, vehicle registration, and voter registration showing they were obtained at least three months prior to the semester to which an individual applies:
    • Fall Semester: May 1st
    • Spring Semester: October 1st
  • Verification of financial independence showing that you are not claimed as a tax dependent on the most recent federal tax return of any person who is not a resident of Utah.
    • This will be both pages of the 1040 form with social security numbers redacted.
  • Proof of physical presence in Utah for the most recent 12 continuous months. Cannot be out of the state of Utah for more than a total of 30 days during the 12-month period, including for summer work even if it is for a Utah-based company (e.g., summer sales).
    Acceptable documents include:
    • An academic transcript verifying you were enrolled in on-campus classes at a Utah college or university
    • A rental contract/agreement that shows your Utah address, the rental period, and the landlord’s and tenant’s signatures
    • Copies of monthly pay stubs (must show your name, the company’s Utah address, and pay period)
    • A letter from a Utah employer (letter must be on company letterhead, dated, include from and to dates of employment and be signed by someone authorized to verify your employment)
    • We do not accept W-2 forms or letters from friends/family as verification of physical presence in Utah.

American Indian enrolled on the tribal rolls of a tribe whose reservation or trust lands lie partly or wholly within Utah or whose border is at any point contiguous with the border of Utah:

  • Proof of Tribal Membership (“Certification of Blood”)
  • These tribes are:
    • Confederated Tribes of the Goshute Indians
    • Navajo Nation (Diné)
    • Northwestern Band of Shoshone Nation of Utah (Washakie)
    • Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah (Cedar City Band of Paiutes, Kanosh Band of Paiutes,
      Koosharem Band of Paiutes, Indian Peaks Band of Paiutes, Shivwits Band of
      Paiutes, and Kaibab Band of Paiutes)
    • Skull Valley Band of Goshute Indians of Utah
    • Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation
    • Ute Mountain Tribe of the Ute Mountain Reservation
    • Hopi
    • Zuni
    • Shoshone-Bannock Tribe


American Indian who is a member of a federally recognized tribe and has graduated from a Utah high school:

  • Proof of Tribal Membership ("Certificate of Blood")
  • High School Diploma

  • Copy of your Utah driver’s license, voter and vehicle registration
  • Copy of your marriage license or certificate
  • Copy of spouse’s Utah driver’s license
  • Copy of spouse’s Utah state tax return for the year prior to marriage
    • This will be the TC-40 form.

  • Must have lived at least 4 months in Utah prior to applying for admission to school
  • Student’s full-time permanent employment in Utah due to job transfer or recruitment
  • Letter, on company letterhead, from the Utah employer, verifying the full-time employment, hire date and verification of employer-requested job transfer or recruitment
  • Copy of your Utah driver’s license, voter and vehicle registration
  • Verification of financial independence showing that you are not claimed as a tax dependent on the federal tax return of any person who is not a resident of Utah
    • This will be both pages of the 1040 form with social security numbers redacted.

  • Parent’s full-time permanent employment in Utah due to job transfer or recruitment
  • Must have lived at least 4 months in Utah prior to applying for admission to school
  • Letter, on company letterhead, from the Utah employer, verifying the full-time employment, hire date and verification of employer-requested job transfer or recruitment
  • Copy of your parent’s Utah driver’s license, voter and vehicle registration
  • Most recent federal tax return showing you as a tax dependent of one of your parent’s
    • This will be both pages of the 1040 form with social security numbers redacted.

  • Spouse’s full-time permanent employment in Utah due to job transfer or recruitment
  • Must have lived at least 4 months in Utah prior to applying for admission to school
  • Letter, on company letterhead, from the Utah employer, verifying the full-time employment, hire date and verification of employer-requested job transfer or recruitment
  • Copy of spouse’s Utah driver’s license, voter and vehicle registration
  • Marriage license or certificate

  • Be a long-term Utah resident who is away temporarily for school, volunteer service or temporary employment
  • Copy of your Utah driver’s license, voter and vehicle registration
  • A copy of your Utah state tax return filed during your temporary absence from the state.
  • School: Verification of your residency status and payment of non-resident tuition at the
    out-of-state school
  • Volunteer service: Letter from appropriate organization verifying your dates of service (must include the beginning and end dates, location, and be signed and dated by
    appropriate official)
  • Temporary Employment: Letter from the applicant explaining the nature of the temporary employment and reason for doing this employment out of Utah.

  • Copy of parent's Utah driver’s license, voter and vehicle registration
  • Copy of Utah parent’s most recent Utah state tax return
    • This will be the TC-40 form
  • Most recent federal tax return showing you as a tax dependent of one of your parent’s
    • This will be both pages of the 1040 form with social security numbers redacted.
  • Birth certificate if the parent that resides outside of Utah claimed you as a tax dependent

  • Extenuating circumstances (such as divorce, death of spouse, and long-term health care responsibilities of family members)
  • Copy of your Utah driver’s license, voter and vehicle registration
  • Verification of financial independence showing that you are not claimed as a tax dependent on the most recent federal tax return of any person who is a not a resident of Utah
    • This will be both pages of the 1040 form with social security numbers redacted.
  • Documentation of the extenuating circumstance (all relevant evidence concerning the motivation for the move shall be considered on a case-by-case basis)
  • Signed and completed appeal form

  • Letter from your Social Services Counselor verifying the agency is paying your educational expenses
    • The state aid must at least cover the full cost of resident tuition.

  • Letter verifying your current participation in Utah Job Corps

Military Exemptions

Residency applications under military exemptions are taken up until the last day of the semester. For example, a student applying under a military exemption for Fall 2023 has until the last day of the Fall 2023 semester to submit their application and all required documentation.

  • Copy of military veteran’s DD-214, showing an honorable or general discharge and at least 180 days of service
  • Evidence of intent to establish Utah as permanent residence, which may include any one of the following:
    • Utah voter registration card
    • Utah driver’s license or identification card
    • Utah vehicle registration
    • Evidence of employment in Utah (pay stubs or employment letter)
    • Rental agreement showing your name and a Utah address
    • Utility bills showing your name and Utah address

  • Copy of military veteran’s DD-214, showing an honorable or general discharge and at least 180 days of service
  • Copy of military veteran’s most recent federal tax return showing student filed jointly or is claimed as a dependent
    • This will be both pages of the 1040 form with social security numbers redacted.
  • Evidence of intent to establish Utah as permanent residence, which may include any one of the following:
    • Utah voter registration card
    • Utah driver’s license or identification card
    • Utah vehicle registration
    • Evidence of employment in Utah (pay stubs or employment letter)
    • Rental agreement showing your name and a Utah address
    • Utility bills showing your name and Utah address

  • Copy of service member’s military orders, or military paperwork for reservists or Utah National Guard members
  • Copy of current Military ID

  • Copy of military orders or military paperwork for reservists or Utah National Guard members
  • Copy of service member’s current Military ID
  • Copy of your Military Privilege Card
  • In addition to the above items, you may also include a copy of the dependent child's high school transcript showing attendance of at least one full year between grades 9-12 at a Utah high school while the military service member was assigned in Utah, regardless of the service member's current assignment 

  • Evidence of eligibility under Title 38 U.S. Code Chapter 30, Montgomery G.I. Bill – Active
    Duty Educational Assistance Program; Chapter 33, Post- 9/11 Educational Assistance
    Program; or Chapter 35, Dependent Education Assistance Program. Students may obtain
    verification through the Veterans Resource Office
  • Evidence of intent to establish Utah as permanent residence, which may include any one of the following:
    • Utah voter registration card
    • Utah driver’s license or identification card
    • Utah vehicle registration
    • Evidence of employment in Utah (pay stubs or employment letter)
    • Rental agreement showing your name and a Utah address
    • Utility bills showing your name and Utah address
  • A signed and written declaration that the eligible person will utilize G.I. Bill benefits during the same semester that they are seeking resident student status.

  • Copy of military service member’s most recent military orders
  • Copy of current Military ID
  • Evidence the military service member has not relinquished residency ties to Utah, which may include any one of the following:
    • Utah voter registration card
    • Utah driver’s license or identification card
    • Utah vehicle registration
    • Copy of a Utah income tax return, in military service member's or their spouse's name, filed as a Utah resident
    • Proof military service member or their spouse owns a home in Utah


If you are the spouse or dependent child of the military service member, you will need to include the following documents in addition to the ones listed above:

  • Copy of your Military Privilege Card
  • Military service member’s most recent federal tax return showing you filed jointly or were claimed as a dependent
    • This will be both pages of the 1040 form with social security numbers redacted.

Foreign Service Family Act of 2021 Exemptions

Residency applications under Foreign Service Family Act exemptions are taken up until the last day of the semester. For example, a student applying under a Foreign Service Family Act exemption for Fall 2023 has until the last day of the Fall 2023 semester to submit their application and all required documentation.

The following are qualifying members of the service:
  • Chiefs of mission, appointed under section 3942(a)(1) or assigned under section 3982(c);
  • Ambassadors at large, appointed under section 3942(a)(1);
  • Members of the Senior Foreign Service, appointed under section 3942(a)(1) or 3943, who are the corps of leaders and experts for the management of the Service and the performance of its functions;
  • Foreign Service officers, appointed under section 3942(a)(1), who have general responsibility for carrying out the functions of the Service;
  • Foreign Service personnel, United States citizens appointed under section 3943, who provide skills and services required for effective performance by the Service;
  • Foreign national employees, foreign nationals appointed under section 3943, who provide clerical, administrative, technical, fiscal, and other support at Foreign Service posts abroad; and
  • Consular agents, appointed under section 3943 by the Secretary of State, who provide consular and related services as authorized by the Secretary of State at specified locations abroad where no Foreign Service posts are situated.

  • Copy of current foreign service assignment orders (with sensitive information redacted)
  • Statement from current commander or equivalent stating your foreign service member status
  • Evidence that the service member's domicile is Utah which may include any one of the following:
    • Utah voter registration card
    • Utah driver’s license or identification card
    • Utah vehicle registration
    • Most recent TC-40 (Utah state tax return)
    • Rental agreement showing your name, a Utah address, the rental period, and the landlord’s and tenant’s signatures
    • Mortgage statement showing your name and a Utah address
    • Utility bills showing your name and Utah address

  • Copy of current foreign service assignment orders (with sensitive information redacted)
  • Statement from current commander or equivalent stating your foreign service member status and that the foreign service member is assigned in Utah

  • Copy of current foreign service assignment orders (with sensitive information redacted)
  • Statement from current commander or equivalent stating your foreign service member status
  • Copy of the foreign service member's most recent federal tax return showing student filed jointly or is claimed as a dependent (This will be both pages of the 1040 form with social security numbers redacted.)
  • Evidence that the service member's domicile is Utah which may include any one of the following:
    • Utah voter registration card
    • Utah driver’s license or identification card
    • Utah vehicle registration
    • Most recent TC-40 (Utah state tax return) 
    • Rental agreement showing your name, a Utah address, the rental period, and the landlord’s and tenant’s signatures
    • Mortgage statement showing your name and a Utah address
    • Utility bills showing your name and Utah address

  • Copy of current foreign service assignment orders (with sensitive information redacted)
  • Statement from current commander or equivalent stating your foreign service member status and that the foreign service member is assigned in Utah
  • Copy of the foreign service member's most recent federal tax return showing student filed jointly or is claimed as a dependent (This will be both pages of the 1040 form with social security numbers redacted.)

Absence from Utah

The Utah residency policy, R512, allows students to be absent from the state of Utah for more than 30 days during their 12 continuous months for certain programs required by the institution. These programs include institutional internships, institutional courses or study abroad programs. In order for an absence to be waived, you must be receiving academic credit and the program must be required for graduation.

Steps to Submit Form:

    1. Complete the Absence from Utah Form.
    2. Email the completed form to residency@usu.edu for verification. 

NOTE: Providing this form does not guarantee an absence will be waived. Final approval must come from the Residency Office.

Appeal a Residency Decision

Students who need to contest a residency classification decision or who have extenuating circumstances preventing them from meeting the general residency requirements will need to fill out a residency appeal.

Appeals must be submitted before the semester in which the status is being contested has ended. No retroactive changes will be made. Applicants are notified in writing of the decision of the Residency Appeals Committee through their A# email address.

Steps to Submit Appeal:

    1. Complete the Residency Appeal Form.
    2. Follow the instructions listed at the top of the appeal form.

NOTE: Submitting this form does not mean that your appeal will be approved.

Residency Verification Letter Request

If you need verification of your residency status at Utah State University sent to another school, complete the following steps. Residency verificaton letters are sent via letter or email to the school requested.

Steps for Verification Request:

    1. Complete the Residency Verification Request Form.
    2. Email the completed form to residency@usu.edu.

Requests are usually processed within 3-5 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

We require a copy of your most recent federal tax return or, if you did not file yourself, you will need to provide a copy of your parents’ most recent federal tax return. You will submit both pages of the 1040 form with social security numbers redacted. For example, if a student is applying for Fall 2022 residency, we require federal tax returns for the 2021 tax year. Please note that W-2 forms cannot be used to verify financial independence.

Not on this basis alone. A student must meet the requirements of the 12-month rule or an exemption outline by the R512 policy.

If you do not hold a valid driver’s license from any state and you do not drive, you are required to provide a Utah ID card. See the Utah Department of Public Safety's website for details on applying for a Utah driver’s license or ID card.

If you did not obtain your Utah driver’s license at least three months prior to the semester you are applying for, you may be asked to provide a written statement and additional documentation. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

The USU Registrar’s Office is able to provide a class schedule and billing statement for address verification purposes. Please note that USU academic transcripts do not include your address on them. The Registrar’s Office is located in the TSC Room 246.

Not if you do not own it. For residency for tuition purposes, if the vehicle is owned by the student and in their name, it must be registered in Utah. See the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles website for details on registering a vehicle in Utah.

You can register in-person when obtaining your Utah driver’s license or online at vote.utah.gov. Acceptable documentation includes your voter registration card, confirmation email, or a screenshot of your voter record.

It depends. If you are on an Alumni Legacy Nonresident Waiver 1 that was awarded to you after July 2018, then you are eligible to gain residency. If you are on an Alumni Legacy Nonresident Waiver 1 that was awarded prior to July 2018, or if you are on an Alumni Legacy Nonresident Waiver 2 or 3, then you are not eligible to gain residency through the traditional 12-month process. Please check your scholarship agreement or contact the Admissions Office at admit@usu.edu if you are unsure of your Legacy
Waiver situation.

No. In fact, any time spent utilizing the WUE scholarship does not count towards the 12-month timeline of living in Utah. This scholarship is intended for the student to keep their home residency. There are a few exceptions to this rule, such as, marrying a Utah resident or if your parent(s) permanently move to Utah.

It is your responsibility to be able to prove your physical presence in Utah for the required 12-months. As the tuition and fee payment is generally earlier than when a student meets the 12-month rule, we can approve a student’s application one month prior to completing their 12 months. This approval is made with the expectation that the student will submit their remaining physical presence verification by the final semester deadline or they will be changed back to a nonresident. Please note, all other required documents must be submitted prior to this approval.

This response does not determine or disqualify you from residency for tuition purposes.

Can I be granted Utah residency if I served a religious mission in Utah?
  • Yes! Students serving religious missions in Utah can use this time toward gaining residency for tuition purposes. You must obtain a Utah driver's license and register to vote in Utah before you are released from your mission, prove that you were not claimed as a dependent on the most recently filed federal tax return, and you will need to provide verification you served 12 continuous months in Utah — not any of the surrounding states. Additionally, you will need to complete the online residency application before you are released or within 30 days of your released date.
Can I leave to serve a religious mission after completing my 12-Months requirement before applying for residency? 
  • Please email residency@usu.edu if you plan to serve a religious mission and are seeking residency for tuition purposes. You will need to live in Utah for at least 12 continuous months, apply for residency with all required documents attached to your application, and be approved residency BEFORE you leave Utah.  

No. Your absence to do summer sales in another state can only be waived if it is an internship that you are receiving academic credit for, and if it is required for graduation from your academic program.

No. Once you have gained residency, you hold your new residency status through the end of your current academic program as long as you continue to maintain your ties to Utah and your financial independence.

No.