Office of the Registrar

Domicile Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Please note that this information has been drafted to assist students and/or parents in administering domicile appeal applications. The materials contained herein are NOT all inclusive and persons seeking domicile reclassification should consult the Code of Virginia along with the Domicile Guidelines for additional information. Nothing in this publication is intended to amend existing law or policy with respect to eligibility for in-state tuition.

• 1. How can I get domicile information?

  • The Domicile Guidelines are the state regulations for in-state tuition eligibility. Newly admitted students can obtain domicile information from the Admissions Office. Currently enrolled students can obtain domicile information from the Registrar's Office in #8 North Chesapeake Module. Questions regarding domicile reclassification procedures can be posed directly to the domicile staff by e-mail.

• 2. Are all Virginia schools governed by the same law?

  • All public institutions of higher education are governed by Section 23-7.4 of the Code of Virginia.

• 3. What is domicile?

  • Domicile is the present, fixed home of an individual to which one returns following temporary absences and at which one intends to remain indefinitely. The domicile of a dependent or a minor is presumed to be that of the parent(s).

• 4. Who is considered a dependent student?

  • Any student who is listed as a dependent on tax returns of parents or legal guardians or who receives substantial financial support from them. A married student whose spouse provides substantial financial support also can be a dependent student.

• 5. Who is considered an independent student?

  • Any student who is over the age of 24 and whose parents have surrendered the right to care, custody and support and have not claimed the student as a dependent on federal and state income tax returns for at least twelve months prior to the date of alleged entitlement. A student will also be considered an “independent student” if the student (i) is a veteran or an active duty member of the U.S. armed forces; (ii) is a graduate or professional student; (iii) is married; (iv) is a ward of the court or was a ward of the court until age 18; (v) has no adoptive or legal guardian when both parents are deceased; (vi) has legal dependents other than a spouse; or (vii) is able to present clear and convincing evidence that he/she  is financially self-sufficient.

• 6. Who is a legal guardian for purposes of domiciliary status?

  • A legal guardian is someone with personal or financial responsibility for a minor and who has been appointed by a court. NOTE. You must provide verification of the court appointment, that the appointment was not for in-state tuition purposes and that the parents do not contribute to student's support.

• 7. If I am currently a student, may I establish "in-state" status?

  • If you are a dependent and your parent(s) or spouse moves to Virginia while you are in school and fulfills the requirements of domicile, you should petition for a change of status effective 12 months after the move. If you entered classified as an out-of-state student, you must present clear and convincing evidence to rebut the presumption that you are residing in the Virginia primarily to attend school. Residence or physical presence in Virginia primarily to attend the University does not entitle you to in-state tuition rates.

• 8. I am currently classified as out-of-state, how do I get in-state rates?

  • Refer to our Forms page for descriptions to determine which form will apply to you. You will need to notify the University that you would like to be evaluated for in-state tuition eligibility. This is done through the appeal process.

• 9. I'm classified as out-of-state. Do I have to complete the request for domicile reclassification form?

  • Please refer to the Domicile Appeal Review Process.

• 10. When do I have to submit the appeal form?

  • Not later than the first day of classes for the semester in which you seek in-state status. Check the Schedule of Classes and/or Patriot Web for more detailed information on semester start dates.

• 11. How long does it take to get a decision?

  • Based on the high number of appeals, reviews may take up to 30 business days.

• 12. If I pay my tuition at the out-of-state rate while I'm waiting for decisions and I get reclassified to in-state, will I get a reimbursement?

  • Yes, provided you submitted the appeal form in a timely manner. (See Q5) In addition, you will need to submit a Refund Request Form to the Student Accounts Office.

• 13. How will I know whether or not I have been reclassified?

  • A student may be notified by either an email or a written letter depending on where they are in the process. Please refer to the Domicile Appeal Review Process.

• 14. If my appeal is still pending when tuition payments are due can I pay at the in-state rate?

  • No, you are required to pay at the out-of-state rate and then seek a reimbursement if you are reclassified to in-state status.

• 15. I have lived in Virginia for twelve months or longer, can I get in-state rates?

  • Maybe. Mere physical presence or residence in Virginia for twelve months does not necessarily qualify you for in-state tuition privileges. The university cannot speculate on your eligibility for in-state status. In order to get a determination, you must complete the appropriate form.

• 16. Who can I talk to about my changes for getting in-state rates?

  • The Domicile Appeals Administration cannot speculate on your chances for getting reclassified to in-state. There is information available on the requirements for establishing a Virginia domicile. The Domicile Guidelines issued by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia The Domicile Guidelines are available online at http.//registrar.gmu.edu/students/domicile under "Establishing Virginia Domicile" and an office copy of the Domicile Guidelines is available in the Registrar's Office at #8 North Chesapeake Module. (See Q1)

• 17. What if I don't understand some of the questions on the request for domicile reclassification form?

  • Do your best with the form. If you do not understand a question, first read the information provided on the front page of the form. If you are still unsure then simply answer the question to the best of your ability and make a notation in the margin that you did not understand the question and we will call you, if warranted. You may also submit a letter of explanation with your appeal form.

• 18. I am a new student and I just got a letter informing me that I am classified as out-of-state. Why am I out-of state?

  • The Domicile Appeals Administration does not have sufficient information to answer this question because the initial decision on your domicile is made by the Admissions Office, not the Domicile Appeals Administration. The Admissions Office does not specify the reasons for your out-of-state classification in your file, therefore any questions regarding your initial decision should be forwarded to the Admissions Office.

• 19. I am an international student. Is it true that I must have my green card before I am eligible for in-state status?

  • No, international students may be legally capable of establishing domicile while present in the United States on a visa. A list of visa categories which are eligible for in-state tuition rates is contained in the Domicile Guidelines. (See Q1)

• 20. My husband is in the military and we are planning to move to Virginia just before the next semester begins, will I get in-state rates automatically?

  • A new Virginia law became effective July 1, 2007. It will permit military dependents to be considered in-state for tuition purposes beginning with the Fall 2007 semester, if all of the following requirements are met.

    1. A student is the dependent spouse or child of an active duty military member, activated reservist or temporarily mobilized guard member (mobilized for service of six months or more)

    2. The military member currently has orders to a Virginia post or KY, MD, NC, TN, WV or Washington D.C.

    3. The military member currently lives in Virginia.

    For more information please refer to the notice for Active Duty Military & Dependents.

• 21. I am moving to Virginia just before the next semester begins because I am marrying a long-term Virginia domiciliary. Will I receive in-state tuition rates because of my spouses's domicile?

  • If you are financially dependent on your spouse, you may be eligible if he/she has established a Virginia domicile. Refer to the Domicile Guidelines. (See Q1)