Q&A for How to Become a California Resident

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Do you need a green card to move to California?

Lahaina Araneta, JD
Attorney at Law
Lahaina Araneta, Esq. is an Immigration Attorney for Orange County, California with over 6 years of experience. She received her JD from Loyola Law School in 2012. In law school, she participated in the immigrant justice practicum and served as a volunteer with several nonprofit agencies.

Lahaina Araneta, JD

Attorney at Law

Expert Answer

No, over 12 million undocumented people live in the state of California, yet they do live in fear of deportation.

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Can my children get residency status in California if I live overseas, but my children were born in California?

Community Answer

Yes, they can. After all, they are US citizens, so they can live in whatever state they want.

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My daughter is living in California for the next two years, but I will still be claiming her on my income tax returns in a different state. Can she establish residency in California?

Community Answer

No; she must be emancipated from your taxes and file her own to establish residency.

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Will I become a California citizen automatically if I marry a California citizen?

Community Answer

There is no such thing as California citizen or citizenship. Maybe you are refering to a U.S citizenship, which is gained by belonging to one state by your birth, citizenship acceptance or by born abroad to parents of such state.

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I have a son who is a High School Junior studying in GA. I am planning to move to CA this year. He wants to complete his HS in GA, and move CA with me. Can he get CA instate Tuition?

Liza Gaylord

Community Answer

For in-state tuition, you must be a resident of the state of California for a year before the school checks (which is likely around the time he applies), you must show intent to remain in California, and your son must be financially dependent on you.

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I will be living with my significant other temporarily until I purchase a condo. Is there anything that I can do to become a permanent resident during this temporary period?

Liza Gaylord

Community Answer

Yes, as long as you have a residence (in this case your SO's place) and are able to receive mail there, you can be considered a resident of California.

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Do I have California residency if I was born in California but live in a different state?

Liza Gaylord

Community Answer

No, if you do not live in a state for more than 9 months of the year, you are not a resident of that state.

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Do you have to vote in CA to be considered a resident?

Liza Gaylord

Community Answer

No, voting is not required for residency and you can become a resident regardless of if you vote, but voting is always encouraged!

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Do I need to be a resident of California for the die with dignity law to be used?

Liza Gaylord

Community Answer

Yes, you must be a California resident for the "death with dignity" law to be applicable.

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Can someone gain residency in the USA if they were living as a paying roommate, but were just an immigrant while living there?

Liza Gaylord

Community Answer

Yes, but they will have to go through the US immigration process, not the process outlined in this article.

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Would showing proof of a job be enough to acquire in-state tuition for California?

Liza Gaylord

Community Answer

No, you must show proof of residency for at least a year prior to their residency check, as well as intent to live in California (such as acquiring a CA driver's license).

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My son (14 years old) is a US Citizen born in Ann Arbor, Michigan. We moved to India a while back. He wants to attend college in California. Will he pay in state or out of state tuition?

Community Answer

You are likely to be treated as a nonresident for tuition purposes until you meet the criteria for being state resident (supporting yourself independently, with a residence, local driver's license, utility bills in your name, etc). It would be best if you contact the US Embassy and the college you are interested in to find out directly but it does seem unlikely that your son would qualify as a California resident. Perhaps you would have a better chance for Michigan though.

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How do I study in California if I'm from Nigeria?

Community Answer

You need to apply to the University of your choice and get an approval. Prior to your move you must make sure you can meet the financial expenses during your studies, and have enough to support your daily needs. It's very expensive to study in California, but you could also get a grant from the country you are originating from.

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Can you become a United States citizen before applying for full time California resident?

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Community Answer

Yes, you have to first go through the lengthy immigration process to become an American Citizen before moving to California or any other state.

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