Residency

Application

You may download your Application for Residency Reclassification here. This application requires Adobe Reader.

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Application for Residency Reclassification (.pdf)

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Classification

The classification of students, as resident or non-resident, will be determined in accordance with the following policy and definitions set by an Act of the Alabama Legislature in May 1996.

1. Resident students are those who:

a. have an intention to remain in the State of Alabama or the Service Area indefinitely (see #4 below for definition of Service Area),
b. have a specific permanent physical address or location within the State of Alabama or Service Area as their residence (not a residence hall or post office box),
c. possess more substantial connections with the State of Alabama or Service Area than with any other state, and are not in Alabama or the Service Area for the sole purpose of obtaining an education, and
d. are not "minors." However, a student who, at the time of registration, is a "minor" may obtain resident status based upon the student's "supporting person."

"Minor." An individual who, because of age, lacks the capacity to contract under Alabama law. Under current law, this means a single individual under 19 years of age and a married individual under 18 years of age, but excludes an individual whose disabilities of nonage have been removed by a court of competent jurisdiction for a reason other than establishing a legal residence in Alabama. Students declaring residency within the Florida and Mississippi Service Areas are considered "minors" if they are under 18 years of age.

"Supporting Person." Either or both of the parents of the student, if the parents are living together, or if the parents are divorced or living separately, then either the parent having legal custody or, if different, the parent providing the greater amount of financial support, which may also include court-ordered responsibility for educational expenses; if both supporting parents are deceased or if neither has legal custody, supporting person shall mean, in the following order: the legal custodian of the student, the guardian, and the conservator.

2. Students may also be considered resident students if they:

a. are full-time employees of the University of South Alabama (or the spouse of such an employee),
b. can verify full-time permanent employment within the State of Alabama or Service Area (or is the spouse of such an employee) and will commence said employment within 90 days of registration at the University of South Alabama,
c. are members (or spouse or dependent of a member) of the United States military on full-time active duty stationed in Alabama or the Service Area, or with an official home of record declared as Alabama or the Service Area,
d. are employed as graduate assistants or fellows by the University of South Alabama,
e. are accredited members (or spouse of an accredited member) of a consular staff assigned to duties in Alabama or the Service Area, or
f. were enrolled during the Spring Quarter 1996 at the University of South Alabama and were classified as residents for tuition purposes, and maintain continuous enrollment every semester excluding summer.

3. All other students not classified as resident students under paragraphs 1 and 2 shall be deemed to be non-resident students for purposes of this policy.

4. The following counties in the states of Florida and Mississippi shall be defined as the University of South Alabama Service Area. Florida: Escambia, Santa Rosa. Mississippi: George, Greene, Harrison, Jackson, Perry, Stone.

Applying for residency reclassification

A non-resident student may apply in writing for reclassification prior to any subsequent registration. In determining whether a student is in fact a resident student, the student or "supporting person" must declare on the University of South Alabama Application for Residency Reclassification, an intention to remain in the State of Alabama or Service Area. A student must claim residency in either Alabama or the Service Area, thus all documentation submitted must support the claim to either Alabama or the Service Area. In addition, the following criteria must also be met (if the student is basing residency on a "supporting person," that party must provide the following information):

A. A specific physical address or location within the State of Alabama or Service Area as the student's residence. (P.O. Boxes or residence hall addresses cannot be used to fulfill this requirement.)

B. Possession of more substantial connections with the State of Alabama or Service Area than with any other state shown by providing the following:

1. Required Connections:

a. Voter Registration card in Alabama or the Service Area
b. Permanent Physical Address shown on one of the following:

1. Selective Service registration
2. Auto title registration
3. Insurance policies
4. Last Will and Testament
5. Hunting or Fishing license
6. Stock and bond registration
7. Annuities or Retirement plans
8. Driver's License (or official non-driver identification card)

2. In addition three of the following are required to support proof of substantial connection.

a. Graduation from an Alabama or Service Area high school (high school transcript or diploma) or GED taken in Alabama or Service Area
b. Proof of current employment in Alabama or the Service Area (e.g. most recently completed tax return/pay stub showing Alabama or Service Area income taxes paid/letter from current employer on company letterhead, including hiring date/notarized letter from current employer, including hiring date)
c. Ownership of a residence or real property in the Alabama or Service Area (include proof of ad valorem taxes paid)
d. Spouse/parent/child currently residing in Alabama or Service Area (provide documentation)
e. Previously lived in Alabama or Service Area (provide documentation)
f. Possession of an Alabama or Service Area license to do business or practice a profession in the state or service area (copy of license)
g. Ownership of personal property in Alabama or Service Area, payment of taxes on property, possession of Alabama or Service Area license plate (auto title or tag receipt of current year)
h. Maintenance of checking account, savings account, safety deposit box, or investment account (copy of check, statement or letter from bank)
i. Membership in religious, professional, business, civic, or social organizations in Alabama or Service Area (provide letter on organization letterhead from organization officer or current membership card/certificate). (Example: public library card in Alabama or Service Area is acceptable)

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For U.S. Citizens, the Office of the Registrar of the University of South Alabama will have the responsibility of classifying students as resident or non-resident. The decision of the Office of the Registrar may be appealed. However, the student seeking an appeal will be responsible for requesting the change of residency status and for presenting competent, written evidence in support of the request to:

Office of the Registrar
Meisler Hall
Suite 1100
University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL 36688

Phone: (251)461-1650
Email: registrar@usouthal.edu

International students with questions concerning residency should consult with the Office of International Student Services located in Meisler Hall, Suite 2200. The telephone number is (251) 460-6050.

Click to view residency reclassification application deadlines.