Establishing residency if you are financially dependent on parents
1. For a student to apply for residency as a dependent, one or both of the student's parents or court-appointed legal guardians must have physically resided in Washington State for the twelve consecutive months prior to the semester for which the student is applying for a change of status.
2. The student must be identified as a dependent on the most
recent federal income tax return of the parents or court-appointed
legal guardian.
Note: If parents are separated, student can be claimed as
a dependent by either parent, as long as one parent has resided in
Washington for one year prior to the semester of application and
has established a domicile.
3. The student completes sections one and two of the questionnaire; parent or legal guardian completes section three and submits the following documentation that shows his or her ties with Washington for a minimum of one year:
- A copy of parent's most recent federal tax return identifying the applicant as a dependent (top portion only listing dependents claimed).
- A copy of parent's rent receipts, lease, or home purchase agreement covering the 12 consecutive months prior to the semester of application.
- A copy of parent's Washington State motor vehicle registration, and Washington driver's license.
- A copy of parent's Washington State voter registration.
- If parents or legal guardians are not U.S. citizens but hold permanent or temporary resident status, or refugee status, attach a copy of both sides of parent's Resident Alien Card, Form I-94, Temporary Resident Card, or other verification of their status with Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).