Office of the Registrar

Eligible Non-Citizens

Affidavit of Residency (RCW 28B.15.012(e))

Students who sign the affidavit are promising the institution that they meet the requirements for this student residency option. Students do not need to disclose their legal status to sign the affidavit.

Students may qualify for resident tuition status if they meet all the following conditions:

1. Received a high school diploma, GED, or diploma equivalent before your first term at the college determining residency.
2. Maintain a primary residence in Washington for at least 12 consecutive months immediately before your first term at the college determining residency. The Washington residence must be for purposes other than college. If you take any courses at another Washington college during the prior 12 months, you cannot have taken more than six credits in any given term. If you exceed that limit you must prove that you have a Washington residence for non-college reasons.

Students who meet all above criteria are required to:

Complete the Washington Higher Education Residency Affidavit (PDF). Provide an official copy of the student’s high school transcript with graduation date from a public or private high school, or the equivalent of a high school diploma.

Return form to:

Office of the Registrar

400 E. University Way

Ellensburg. WA 98926-7465

(509) 963-3001

residency@cwu.edu 

Permanent U.S. Residents

Upon final approval for Permanent Resident immigrant status, students are eligible to apply for Washington State residency if they meet the following criteria:

1. Application for adjustment to Permanent Resident immigrant status (I-485) was filed at least 12 months prior to the beginning of the quarter of residence questionnaire application OR a copy of the student’s current Permanent Resident card that was valid for at least 12 months prior to the beginning of the quarter of residence questionnaire application.

2. Established bona fide domicile (with the exception of registering to vote). Reference Residency Requirements.

DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival

Upon final approval for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) status, students are eligible to apply for Washington State residency if they meet the following criteria:

1. Application for adjustment to DACA status (I-821D) was filed at least 12 months prior to the beginning of the quarter of residence questionnaire application or copy of I-797 notice of approval of DACA that was valid for at least 12 months prior to the beginning of the quarter of residence questionnaire application.

2. Established bona fide domicile (with the exception of registering to vote). Reference Residency Requirements.

Students must provide a copy of the I-797 notice, issued by USCIS, verifying approval of DACA (I-821D). The Employment Authorization Card (EAC) or I-797 notice of approval for the EAC (I-765) will not suffice.

Note for all DACA students: To help with processing, when completing the Residence Questionnaire Application(PDF) , students should note “DACA” at the top of their form.

Freely Associate States

Effective for the 2024-2025 award year, citizens of the following three Freely Associated States are eligible for resident tuition:

• Federated States of Micronesia
• Republic of the Marshal Islands
• Republic of Palau

Please contact the Residency Coordinator if you believe you are eligible for resident tuition rates based on your citizenship of one of the three Freely Associated States.

Tuition Reduction for Non-Resident Refugees and Asylees

• Students are eligible to pay reduced tuition and fees if they are classified as a refugee/asylee by the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Spouses and dependent children are also eligible for this reduction.
• The reduction does not grant Washington residency status; however, it reduces the amount of the non-resident portion of tuition.
• To apply, students must provide the following documentation:

1. A completed Tuition Reduction for Non-resident Refugees and Asylees Application Form (PDF)

2. A copy of the I-94 form, Departure Record, and documentation that attests to the date of arrival in Washington State.

An individual requesting the reduction based off of the status of their spouse or parent/legal guardian must provide the following additional documentation:

3. Verification of dependent status. See the Tuition Reduction for Non-Resident Refugees and Asylees Application Form for details.

Return the form to the Office of the Registrar, located on the first floor of Bouillon Hall, Ellensburg campus, or email the form to the Residency Coordinator.