Understanding your residency status is an important part of your enrollment process at UC Merced. This FAQ is designed to help you navigate the Statement of Legal Residence (SLR), clarify common questions, and explain what information may be needed. While this page provides general guidance, your individual circumstances may vary. If you need additional assisance, our staff is here to support you throughtout the process.
Residency for Tuition Purposes
What is Statement of Legal Residence (SLR)?
The Statement of Legal Residence (SLR) is an online questionnaire that asks a series of questions to determine if a student pays in-state or out-of-state tuition and fees.
Who must complete the Statement of Legal Residence (SLR)?
New undergraduate and graduate students attending University of California, Merced for the first time are required to complete the campus SLR unless they have already received an official residency determination through the UC Application or the UC Systemwide SLR.
If a valid residency determination already exists from one of those sources, the campus SLR does not need to be completed.
Undergraduate and graduate students returning after an absence of one or more semesters are required to complete a new SLR regardless of any previous residency determination.
Deadlines & Submissions
When do I need to submit the SLR?
You should submit the SLR as soon as you see the item on your student checklist in your connect portal. Submitting early helps avoid delays in fee assessment or enrollment holds.
What happens if I don’t submit the SLR?
If you do not complete the SLR, you will automatically be classified as a nonresident for tuition purposes, which results in higher fees and could impact financial aid. A student who fails to submit an SLR or supporting documentation by the relevant deadline will not be entitled to retroactive reimbursement of NRST assessments.
How to Complete the SLR
How do I complete the Statement of Legal Residence (SLR)?
Many new students will have completed this requirement based on how they responded to the questions in their UC application and/or Systemwide SLR. If the Statement of Legal Residence (SLR) is listed on your checklist, you should complete the online questionnaire as soon as possible. This process can be completed before you submit your SIR.
If you are a continuing student and have been classified as a nonresident, review ‘How to change your nonresident status to resident’ section.
Residency Determination & Processing
What should I do if my residence classification is not determined by the fee payment deadline?
If your request to change residency classification is not approved by the time tuition is due, you are responsible for paying the outstanding balance on your student account including non-resident tuition and fees. Note that failure to pay the tuition by the due date will result in late payment fees and risk of being dropped from your courses.
How long does it take to make a determination of my residency status?
The Statement of Legal Residence (SLR) application and documentation are processed in the order that they are received. During peak times, reviewing your Statement of Legal Residence (SLR) may take 4-6 weeks before you see an update. If required documentation is missing, or if additional documentation is required due to unclear information, it will further delay our ability to make a residency determination. You may check the status of your Statement of Legal Residence (SLR) on your student checklist or visit the Registrar Announcements for overall processing updates.
Residency Requirements
What are the requirements for establishing California residency for tuition purposes?
To be classified as a UC resident for tuition purposes, all students, whether dependent or independent, must meet the following requirements:
1. Physical Presence
You must be continuously physically present in California for more than one year (366 days) immediately before the residence determination date for the term in which you are seeking resident status.
2. Intent to Remain in California
You must demonstrate intent to make California your permanent home for at least one full year (more than 365 days) prior to the residence determination date. This includes establishing ties to California and relinquishing ties to your previous state or country.
3. Immigration Status
You must have the legal ability to establish a permanent domicile in the United States. This means you must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or possess an eligible nonimmigrant visa.
Additional Guidance for Dependent and Independent Students
These requirements apply to both dependent and independent students. However:
Dependent Students:
An undergraduate student who has not reached age 24 is considered to be a dependent student. The residency requirements (physical presence, intent, and immigration status) apply to both the student and the parent(s).
*If you are a dependent student who wishes to qualify as an Independent student, you must demonstrate that you have been fully self-supporting for one-year prior to the residence determination date. Supporting documentation will be required.
Independent Students:
A student who is deemed to be an Independent Student based on of one the requirements in the UC Residency Policy may satisfy the requirements without regard to a parent. Independent students must satisfy all other Residency Requirements.
Residence Determination Dates at UC Merced
- Fall 2025: August 27, 2025
- Spring 2026: January 20, 2026
- Fall 2026: August 26, 2026
- Spring 2027: January 19, 2027
Nonresident Tuition Exemption (AB 540)
Can I pay UC resident tuition if I am not a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, DACA recipient, or holder of a qualifying visa? If so, how?
Students who do not meet the residency requirements may still be eligible for a nonresident tuition exemption, most commonly referred to as the AB 540 exemption. This exemption allows eligible students to be charged resident tuition at UC Merced even if they are classified as nonresidents for immigration or residency purposes.
What is an AB 540 nonresident exempt status?
- Students with an AB 540 nonresident exempt status pay the same rate of tuition and fees as Residents.
- While students within this status do not qualify for a resident status, they meet AB 540 eligibility requirements through CA school attendance and graduation. Once AB 540 requirements are met, you retain this status and the benefit of paying resident tuition throughout the duration of your enrollment.
Who can qualify for AB 540?
The AB 540 exemption may be available to:
- Non–U.S. citizens, including students who are undocumented or out of status
- DACA recipients
- U.S. citizens or permanent residents who do not meet the UC residency requirements but do meet the AB 540 criteria
In order to qualify, you must meet ALL of the following requirements:
Time and coursework requirements:
Total attendance of, or attainment of credits earned while in California equivalent to, three or more years of full-time total attendance or attainment of credits at any of the following:
- California high schools
- California adult school
(Full-time attendance is defined as a minimum of 420 hours per school year which may be completed on a part-time basis and includes non-credit courses at a California Community College.)
- California Community Colleges
For the 2022 fall term and earlier – limited to a maximum of two-years or 48 semester credits (or quarter equivalent)
For the 2023 winter or spring term and later – no limit; community college fulfillment with no high school or adult education is 72 semester credits (or quarter equivalent) (Full-time attendance is defined as a minimum of 12 credit units per semester (or quarter equivalent), which may be completed on a part-time basis).
OR
Three years of California high school coursework completed while in California and three years of total attendance in California elementary schools, California secondary schools, or any combination of the two;
AND
2. Degree or unit requirements – Student must meet one of the following requirements from (a), (b), or (c):
a. Graduation from a California high school (or attainment of the equivalent):
i. A diploma from a California high school; or
ii. A High School Equivalency Certificate issued by the California State GED Office; or I
iii. A Certificate of Proficiency resulting from a California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE).
b. Attainment of an associate degree from a California Community College while in California
c. Fulfillment of minimum transfer requirements from a California community college to a UC or CSU campus while in California;
AND
3. Student must not be a nonimmigrant noncitizen as defined by federal immigration law (all nonimmigrant visas excluded);
AND
4. Student must complete an AB 540 affidavit unless they have already completed the affidavit through the CADAA application for the same academic year.
What is the difference between a Resident status and an AB 540 nonresident exempt status?
There is no difference in the billing for these two groups, and they maintain the same financial aid eligibility.
Can I appeal this status?
No, as students with an AB 540 nonresident exempt status and a Resident status pay the same rate of tuition. Appeals are limited to students who are classified as nonresidents and charged nonresident supplemental tuition as a result.
Common Questions
If I'm a California resident, do I automatically qualify for in-state tuition at UC Merced?
No. Being a California resident and being classified as a UC resident for tuition purposes are not the same. You may reside in California, but you must still meet the University of California’s residency requirements to be considered a resident for tuition purposes.
Also note: if you were paying in-state tuition at a California community college, that does not guarantee you will qualify for in-state tuition at UC Merced. UC residency rules are different, and you must meet UC residency requirements regardless of your community college classification.
Can I tell you my circumstances and have you tell me if I will qualify for residency?
We will not make a residency determination without reviewing a completed Statement of Legal Residence (SLR) application and supportive documentation.
Contact Us
Who can I contact if I have questions about the SLR?
If you need help, the residency team on campus can guide you through the process, clarify required documents, or answer any questions about your classification. Please send an email to slr@ucmerced.edu.
