Prospective and Admitted Students
If you are not sure you qualify as a California resident for tuition and fees, you can review the Understanding Residency website for general information. You can also obtain detailed information by reviewing the UC Residence Policy and Guidelines. Non-resident fees vary semester by semester. Students who are not considered California residents for tuition purposes must pay Nonresident Supplemental Tuition (NRST), in addition to UC and campus fees. See Fees and Expenses.
Complete the online Statement of Legal Residence (SLR) that appears on your checklist within the portal. Failure to submit your SLR or any requested documents will affect your financial aid package and nonresident fees assessed to your student account. You can review this list of Sample SLR documents that are commonly requested.
Statement of Legal Residence (SLR) Deadlines
| SLR Available | SLR Due | Document Deadline | |
| Spring 2027 | September 21, 2026 | January 19, 2027 | February 8, 2027 |
| Fall 2027 | April 1, 2027 | August 25, 2027 | September 15, 2027 |
Continuing Students (Undergraduate/Graduate)
If you have been classified as a nonresident for tuition and fees, review the 'How to change your nonresident status to resident' section. Keep in mind that you should start the process of becoming a California resident at least a year before the start of your first semester.
After submission of your SLR, students should monitor their UC Merced email for updates on status or additional information. As a reminder, your UC Merced email account is the official method of communication and students should only use their UC Merced email account when contacting our offices and always include their full name and student id number.
Walk-in Hours with UC Merced Residence Deputy
Beginning January 2026, the Office of the Registrar will offer walk-in support at the Students First Center for students who wish to speak with the UC Merced Residence Deputy regarding questions about their Statement of Legal Residence (SLR). The newly admitted or continuing student must be present for the meeting.
Walk-in hours are:
Tuesdays: 12:30–4:30 p.m.
Wednesdays: 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Location: Students First Center, Administration Building
