Ease of gaining residency in Virginia Forum

[TaiRuiJin]

I'm weighing scholarships right now and am seriously considering UVA, but if I cannot gain residency status after my first year, then they become about $12K more expensive. Does anyone know how easy/difficult it is to gain residency in Virginia?

[2009 Prospective]

1. Getting in-state status in VA after first year is very difficult. I wouldn't count on it.

2. Why the hell does it matter at UVA? The difference between in-state and out-of-state is so minuscule that you'll only be looking at $10K difference for your last two years combined. I don't see any reason $10K should play any factor in your decision when you're comparing amongst top schools such as UVA.

[holydonkey]

It's nearly impossible to have your status reevaluated your second year. If you are moving for law school, are not married, are not in the military, and will not be 50% or more dependent on family living in Virginia, I would feel confident saying it's impossible.

[TaiRuiJin]

1. Getting in-state status in VA after first year is very difficult. I wouldn't count on it.

2. Why the hell does it matter at UVA? The difference between in-state and out-of-state is so minuscule that you'll only be looking at $10K difference for your last two years combined. I don't see any reason $10K should play any factor in your decision when you're comparing amongst top schools such as UVA.

For me, 10-12K might be a significant factor in determining my choice to attend one of two schools to which I am indifferent between otherwise. A down payment on a home, a car, cost of having a child.... Though it may not be a lot to all, 10-12K with interest compounded continuously as a student loan is nonetheless an important amount to me.

I appreciate the information and your candid opinion.

[lebroniousjames]

I think the bigger difference relates to the 40% state resident quota that UVA maintains for admissions (not that 10-12 grand is anything to sneeze at).

would anyone happen to be familiar with the residency application process? for example, if I were to move to VA this Summer 2011, would I be able to apply in the Fall 2011 under residency status for enrollment in Fall 2012?

thanks for any help

[Wholigan]

I think the bigger difference relates to the 40% state resident quota that UVA maintains for admissions

Just for S's & G's, does anyone know why VA has to maintain a resident quota, or why they do? I have been looking into VA as a possibility for transfer but it seems pretty tough if you're not a resident. It seems like they might be able to improve their rankings if they weren't so stringent with residency. I haven't heard of Michigan or Berkeley doing the same.

[quetzal_bird]

UVA needs accept a certain number of in-state students in order to receive funds from the state of Virginia, I believe.

It is very difficult to get in-state residency status in Virginia. My file was in review for two months because I am still a dependent on my dad, who works out-of-state. Even though I did my undergrad in VA and high school, have a VA license and a permanent VA address, they asked for additional documentation from me and proof my residency from my undergrad. I wouldn't count on getting residency

[2014]

I think it is feasible but difficult.

You will have to change your driver's license, re-title your car, sign at 12 month lease, get all of your banking stuff changed to VA, register to vote in VA, and probably search for a part time job in VA the minute you are allowed to by ABA regulations so that you can show a pay stub. Volunteering somewhere in Charlottesville, perhaps for the city, would help as well.

And none of that will be sufficient, you will still have to do some persuading that your intent is to stay in Virginia long term, and they will be extremely skeptical. That's just a list of things that might help you on your way.

[quetzal_bird]

I believe you also need to provide income tax returns in VA

[maxpower430]

I've actually been wondering something similar, as i have grown up in virginia and my entire family lives in the state. however, after graduation i moved out of state for work, where i had to establish residency, how difficult would it be for me to reestablish residency, given that once i apply/go to law school my permenant address would revert to my parent's house? thanks for the help.

[quetzal_bird]

I would call the Residency status office. The lady I spoke to was very helpful, and I explained my situation over the phone and she gave me some assurances. They can probably let you know better than anyone here if you can claim residency.

That being said, it took the office 2 months to grant me residency, and I e-mailed and called after the first month and that didn't move them along at all. I would apply as early as possible if you think there will be any irregularities with you claiming in-state status.

[quetzal_bird]

I've actually been wondering something similar, as i have grown up in virginia and my entire family lives in the state. however, after graduation i moved out of state for work, where i had to establish residency, how difficult would it be for me to reestablish residency, given that once i apply/go to law school my permenant address would revert to my parent's house? thanks for the help.

After the initial form you fill out, if they have questions for you, they ask you to fill out a long form. They ask where you went to college and high school, if you have a VA license, a car registered in VA, if you have a VA voter's registration card, and your permanent address. They also want to know where you filled income taxes for the past year

[5ky]

UVA needs accept a certain number of in-state students in order to receive funds from the state of Virginia, I believe.

UVa Law is actually self-reliant from the state. I believe they only admit 40% in-state to reflect the prior help that state gave in the past. You can google it, I know there's an article about it.