Residence Requirements
(Allan Hancock College Board Policy 5015)
California state law requires that each student enrolled in or applying for admission to a California community college provide information and evidence as deemed necessary by the Board of Trustees of the Allan Hancock Joint Community College District to determine his/her/their residence classification.
For students residing outside California, classification as a non-resident for tuition purposes may apply until compliance with prevailing residency criteria specific to California is achieved. This policy extends to non-citizen visa holders eligible for residency establishment. It is essential to note that not all visa classifications warrant residency status for tuition purposes, thus consulting with the Admissions & Records department for comprehensive guidance is recommended. Non-resident tuition fees are mandatory for all individuals falling within this classification. Further details regarding residency determination can be accessed through our dedicated Residency Determination webpage.
Rules of Residency-Adults Over 19 Years of Age
Note: No one factor is controlling - all three criteria must be met. The responsibility for establishing residency lies with the student.
A student over 19 years of age may establish California residency by meeting the three requirements listed below. Each requirement must be as close to one year as possible.
Requirement One:
Verify physical presence in California one year prior to the day before the start of the semester. Residency is determined by union of act and intent. The one-year period begins when the student is not only present in California but also has demonstrated clear intent to become a permanent resident of California.
Requirement Two:
Clearly verify an intent to make California a permanent place of residency by:
Primary Determinants
- Filing California state tax as a resident;
- Maintaining California as legal state of residence on Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) and W-2 form while in the armed forces for one year prior to the start of the semester of enrollment;
- Possessing California motor vehicle license plates and registration;
- Possessing a valid California driver’s license or a Department of Motor Vehicles ID card;
- Registering to vote and voting in California.
Supplemental Determinants
- Showing California as a home address on federal tax forms;
- Being a petitioner for divorce in California;
- Obtaining a license from California for professional practice;
- Establishing and maintaining active California bank accounts;
- Owning residential property;
- Holding active membership in service or social clubs;
- Having spouse, children, or other close relatives reside in California.
Requirement Three:
Not be involved in conduct inconsistent with a claim of California. Some examples of inconsistent conduct which nullify intent are:
- Maintaining voter registration in another state;
- Being a petitioner for divorce in another state;
- Attending an out-of-state institution as a resident of that state;
- Declaring no residency for state income tax purposes;
- Retaining a driver’s license and/or keeping a vehicle registered in another state during the time period for which California residence is claimed; and/or
- Paying as a resident state income tax in another state, or being claimed as dependent in a tax return filed in another.
Questions? Contact Admissions and Records (bldg. A) at the Santa Maria campus, or 805-922-6966 ext.3248, or bldg. 1 at the Lompoc Valley Center or 805-735-3366.