Freshman > Become > Nevada Residency > FAQs

What are my options if I'm denied residency status?

The Board of Regents and the State of Nevada establish the requirements for residency. Residency applications (coming soon) are processed through Office of Admissions & Recruitment. If an application for residency is denied, students have the right to submit a letter of appeal and supporting documentation within 30 days of the denial decision. The Faculty Senate Residency Appeals Committee will review the application and make a final decision.

How long do I have to live here to become a resident?

There are nine different categories under which students can apply for residency. Some categories require 12 months proof of residence in Nevada, but some do not. If you or your family has relocated to Nevada for the PRIMARY purpose of employment and NOT just to attend school, the 12 month period may not apply.

I have lived in Nevada for 12 months, but I never changed my driver's license.

This is not a university-established requirement. This is a requirement of the State of Nevada. Nevada law states that if you are relocating here and wish to be considered a resident of Nevada, you have 30 days to change your license or ID. You can keep your out-of-state license if you are to be considered an out-of-state student. The 12-month period during which you establish residency does not start until you change your license. Other acceptable items include a Nevada voter registration card or vehicle registration.

I plan to live with a relative (grandparent, brother, aunt, etc.)

Living with a family member does not qualify you for resident status for tuition purposes. To qualify for residency, you must demonstrate that you are a dependent of the Nevada resident (claimed on income tax) and that the Nevada resident is your parent or legal guardian.

I support myself, but my parents claim me on their taxes.

For tuition purposes, you are always considered a resident of the state in which you file taxes or are claimed as a dependent. Educational institutions receive monetary support to subsidize the educations of their residents. Since Nevada does not receive any monetary support for non-residents, we must charge out-of-state tuition to make up the difference. You cannot be reclassified as a resident for tuition purposes if you file taxes in another state.

I file taxes as a financially independent person (no one claims me) but I receive financial help.

You are eligible to be claimed as a dependent if at least 50% of your support comes from another source. To be considered a resident for tuition purposes, you must show that you are financially independent by proving that you have supported the entire cost of your educational and living expenses for the past year.

My parents are divorced. The parent that claims me lives in another state.

You can be considered a dependent of the parent who resides in Nevada by proving that this parent does provide financial support. A copy of the divorce decree or proof of child support payments should be submitted in addition to the other required documents.

How can I be expected to have earned enough to cover my expenses when I am a full-time student?

We do not EXPECT you to work full time; however, if you wish to be considered a Nevada resident, you must show that you are financially independent. If you are not working or cannot show that your wages/financial aid/scholarships/etc. support your expenses, we assume that your primary purpose for living in Nevada is to attend school and that you are receiving support from outside sources thereby making you an out-of-state student.

The number you have for financial independence isn't really my cost.

The estimates we use are provided by Student Financial Services. These estimates are considered the minimum costs for independent students living in this area and are based on research. These are not arbitrary figures. If you feel that these estimates are not representational of your living expenses, you may appeal and provide documentation that support your claim.

I make money in tips. My income is much more than is listed on my paystubs/taxes.

The income you report on your federal tax forms is the only proof that we have that you are independent. If you choose not to report your earnings, we cannot assume that you have earned enough to cover your expenses. NOTE: A journal of shifts/tip income is helpful in the appeals process.

I'm paying for everything with savings.

Savings do not indicate financial independence. Unless the student can prove that the funds in savings came about as a result of his/her earnings, it is assumed that the money is provided from a source out of state and that the student is a dependent of that source.

I have a trust fund/settlement/inheritance.

If documentation of these funds can be provided and the student is listed as the trustee with rights to use the funds as he/she sees fit, this information can be used as proof of financial independence.

I didn't work last year, but I am moving to Nevada to be employed full time.

Unless the student can show proof of financial independence for the year PRIOR to living in Nevada, Category 'E' is not a viable option. The student would need to establish 12 months residence in Nevada and then apply the following year under Category 'I.'

I live with my boyfriend/girlfriend/fiance and receive financial support from them.

The person you are residing with must be a legal parent or guardian in order for you to qualify as a dependent.

I recently married a Nevada resident.

Becoming the spouse of a Nevada resident does not qualify a student for Nevada residency. If the student has lived in Nevada 12 months, a joint tax return in addition to the other materials can be provided as proof of financial independence, regardless of which spouse actually earned the money.

Can I provide a lease agreement or letter from the power company for proof of residence?

These documents are not sufficient for 12-months proof. A lease agreement or letter does not actually show that the student resided at that address for 12 months. If the apartment complex can provide a payment ledger or copies of rent receipts indicating that the student paid each month, this document can be reviewed as 12-months proof.

I am active duty military not stationed in Nevada, but I list Nevada as my state of residence.

Many military personnel list Nevada as their state of residence because Nevada residents do not pay state income tax. This is not sufficient to qualify for residency for tuition purposes. Unless the student (or military parent as is usually the case) can show ties to the state of Nevada (federal income tax returns, maintaining a residence), the application for residency cannot be approved.

I am on a reduced tuition program, but my family has moved to Nevada.

If the family has relinquished ties to the WUE/Good Neighbor place of residence and has made a permanent relocation to Nevada, the student is eligible to apply for Nevada residency. Keep in mind that simply owning property in Nevada does not constitute relocation.