The following documentation may be requested by the institution regarding a person’s responses to the Core Residency Questions.
Documents that may Support the claim of Establishing a Domicile in Texas
- Significant Gainful Employment
- An employer’s statement of dates of employment in Texas (beginning and current or ending dates) that encompass at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the census date of the academic term in which the person enrolls showing the salary the person earned or pay stubs of twelve consecutive months immediately preceding the census date, reflecting significant gainful employment in Texas, or proof of other equivalent income earned such as pensions, veterans benefits, social security, and savings from previous earnings for twelve consecutive months immediately preceding the census date of the academic term in which the person enrolls.
- For a person who is unemployed and living on public assistance, written statements from the office of one or more social service agencies located in Texas that attest to the provision of services to the person for the at least the twelve consecutive months immediately preceding the census date of the academic term in which the person enrolls.
- For a person who is self-employed, federal tax documents showing significant gainful employment and domicile in Texas (beginning and current or ending dates) that encompass at least the twelve consecutive months immediately preceding the census date of the academic term in which the person enrolls.
- Residential Real Property. Sole or joint marital ownership, lease, or rental of residential real property in Texas with documentation, such as a warranty deed, lease agreement, or rental agreement, to verify ownership, renting, or leasing, with the person having established and maintained domicile at that residence during at least the twelve consecutive months immediately preceding the census date of the academic term in which the person enrolls.
- Marriage. Marriage certificate or declaration of registration of informal marriage with documentation to support that the spouse has established and maintained domicile in Texas for the twelve consecutive months prior to the census date of the academic term in which the person enrolls.
- Ownership of a Business. Documents that evidence the organization of the business in Texas for twelve consecutive months prior to the census date of the academic term in which the person enrolls that reflect the person’s continuous, substantial economic interest and customary management of the business with evidence of intended continuous operation for the foreseeable future. An institution may request any documents necessary to establish entitlement to resident tuition in accordance with Section 13.194(d).
Documents that May Provide Support to a Claim of Physical Residence in Texas
- Utility bills for the twelve consecutive months preceding the census date;
- Texas high school transcript(s) for the person’s full senior year or twelve months immediately preceding the census date;
- Texas voter registration card that was issued at least twelve months preceding the census date
- Texas vehicle registration that was issued at least twelve months immediately preceding the census date;
- Possession of a valid Texas driver’s license or Texas identification card that was issued at least twelve months immediately preceding the census date;
- Lease or rental of residential real property in the name of the person for the twelve consecutive months immediately preceding the census date; or
- any other documentation used by the student to establish eligibility to enroll in the school district where the student attended high school.
Supporting Documents for Texas Domicile or Residence Claims
Among other documents that may be used to lend support to or clarify an individual’s claim of having established and maintained domicile or residence, as appropriate, in Texas are the following:
- Tax return of the student or parent(s).
- Visa, passport or other pertinent immigration documents.
- Leave and Earnings Statements (LES) from the U.S. Military.
- Documents or statements to clarify answers to Core Residency Questions.
- A Texas high school transcript to verify thirty-six months’ presence in the state and graduation from a Texas high school.
Other Important Notes
A person seeking resident tuition has the burden of proof to show by clear and convincing evidence that the person is eligible for resident tuition.
For an institution to classify a person as a resident of Texas, the person must demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence, and each institution shall verify, that the person is a U.S. citizen or lawfully present alien.
An institution may request any additional information reasonably necessary to verify that a student seeking resident tuition pursuant to Texas Education Code, §54.052(a)(3), is lawfully present. An institution may verify lawful presence by confirming an applicant’s eligibility with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
A person whose initial purpose for moving to Texas is to attend an institution as a full-time student will be presumed not to have the required intent to make Texas his or her domicile; however, the presumption may be overruled by clear and convincing evidence.
A person shall not be able to establish domicile by performing acts which are directly related to fulfilling educational objectives or which are required or routinely performed by temporary residents of the State.
A member of the United States Armed Services whose Home of Record with the military is Texas is presumed to be a Texas resident, as are his or her spouse and dependent children. A member whose Home of Record is not Texas but who provides the institution Leave and Earnings Statements that show the member has claimed Texas as his or her place of residence for the twelve consecutive months prior to enrollment is presumed to be a Texas resident, as are his or her spouse and dependent children.
