What is an independent student?

1. The student is 24 years of age or older by the first day of classes of the term for which residency status is sought at a Florida institution;
2. The student is married;
3. The student has children who receive more than half of their support from the student;
4. The student has other dependents who live with and receive more than half of their support from the student;
5. The student is a veteran of the United States Armed Forces or is currently serving on active duty in the United States Armed Forces for purposes other than training;
6. Both of the student's parents are deceased or the student is or was (until age 18) a ward/dependent of the court;
7. The student is working on a master's or doctoral degree during the term for which residency status is sought at a Florida institution; or
8. The student is classified as an independent by the financial aid office at the institution.

The student must provide evidence to substantiate the Residency Change Request Worksheet:

Documentation:

1. First Tier (provide at least one from this list)
   • Florida driver’s license
   • Florida vehicle registration
   • Florida vehicle title
   • Florida voter registration card
   • Declaration of domicile in Florida
   • Proof of purchase of a permanent home in Florida
   • Transcripts from a Florida high school for multiple years
   • Proof of permanent full-time employment in Florida
   • Benefit histories from Florida agencies or public assistance programs
   
   
2. Second Tier (may be used in conjunction with one document from First Tier)
   • Florida occupational/professional license
   • Florida incorporation or other evidence of legal residence
   • Documents evidencing family ties in Florida
   • Any other documentation that supports the student's request for resident
     status.

Purpose:

The burden of proof is on the student to show: (1) residency in Florida for the requisite 12-month period; and (2) residency in the state was not merely temporary or incident to enrolling in a college or university located in Florida. Documentation for meeting the first requirement of reclassification is the same as for initial classification (see above). Additional evidence or documentation may be required for meeting the second requirement of reclassification. FIU will obtain additional evidence by requiring the student to sign an affidavit stating "I have been a resident in the State of Florida for the past year and it is myintention to remain a resident of the State of Florida."