Deadline
All required forms and documents must be received by the 30th calendar day of the quarter in which the application is made. Required documents received after the 30th day will be considered for the next quarter.
To apply for residency reclassification, you must submit all required forms and documents. Incomplete forms and documentation will not be reviewed.
Are you Eligible?
Take the online Residency Quiz.
Tuition for CPTC is calculated based on your residency status. CPTC follows state-regulated criteria for residency status and the documents needed to verify residency status. Information can be found by visiting the Washington State Achievement Councils webpage on residency laws and requirements.
To qualify as a resident student, state law requires that you establish a bona fide domicile in the state of Washington for a period of one year, for purposes other than educational, prior to the start of the quarter for which you intend to register. You also have to be able to prove that you are a U.S. Citizen, have a U.S. permanent-resident card or have a qualifying visa (A,E,G,H,I,K,L). DACA approved status may be eligible as well.
Residency Requirements
The advice from the state Attorney General is that an individual must do everything a Washington resident is required to do:
- Students must prove conclusively that they have not come to Washington State primarily for educational purposes. Current guidelines require students enrolled for 6 credits or more a quarter to be employed at least 30 hours per week at a non-student job to overcome the presumption of educational purposes.
- Live in the state for at least 12 consecutive months as legal residents. A legal resident is someone who has relinquished all valid legal ties (e.g., driver’s license, voter registration) with their former state and established such ties in Washington in accordance with local law.
- Establish legal ties:
- Employment (if taking more than 6 credits a quarter during the first year in Washington).
- Driver’s license/state ID: Obtain a Washington State Driver’s License within 30 days of arrival if you have an out-of-state license, or a Washington ID card if you don’t.
- Vehicle registration: If you own or drive a vehicle, register it in Washington within 30 days: Vehicle registration.
- Voter registration: Register to vote in Washington within 30 days via Print Voter Registration Forms. If you don’t, you may still vote absentee in your previous state.
- Bank account: Establish a Washington bank account.
- Be financially independent for the current and prior calendar years. (Students under 25 must submit their parents’ most recent tax returns.)
Once fully compliant with Washington’s requirements, domicile is established as of that final compliance date. You’re eligible for in-state tuition 12 months from arrival, provided all legal ties were in place within 30 days—per the statute requiring domicile for one year before the first day of the quarter you seek residency.
Other proof of intent includes disposing of property in your former state, relocating household members, joining local community organizations, and engaging in activities that show your intention to make Washington your permanent home.
Dependent Status
Determine if you qualify for dependent residency status.
Independent Status
Determine if you qualify for independent residency status.
Undocumented Status
Determine if you qualify for undocumented residency status.
Non-Citizen Status
Determine if you qualify for noncitizen residency status.
Active Military Status
Determine if you qualify for active military residency status.
Veteran Status
Determine if you qualify for veteran residency status.
American Indian Residency Bill
Determine if you qualify for residency under the American Indian Residency Bill.
APPLICATION FORMS & CHECKLISTS
Submitting Your Documents
Before submitting your form and documents, make sure your form is completed entirely and you have all documents required as listed. Any failure to disclose and submit complete and accurate information may result in denial or reversal of the student’s resident classification.
- Submit documents in-person at Enrollment Services, Building 17, Lakewood Campus.
- Mail documents to Clover Park Technical College, Attn: Residency Specialist, 4500 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood WA 98499.
Notification
You will receive an email notifying your approval or denied reclassification, or if additional documentation or information is needed.
Please provide a valid email address on your form or with Enrollment Services Office.
