Residency

Texas Residency - Glossary

The following words and terms, when used in reference to residency, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

Census Date: The date in an academic term for which an institution is required to certify a person's enrollment in the institution for the purposes of determining formula funding for the institution.

Continuing Education: A person who was enrolled in an institution of higher learning for any part of the previous state fiscal year.

Dependent: A person who: (A) is less than 18 years of age and has not been emancipated by marriage or court order; or (B) is eligible to be claimed as a dependent of a parent of the person for purposes of determining the parent's income tax liability under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

Domicile: A person's principal, permanent residence to which the person intends to return after any temporary absence.

Gainful Employment: Activities intended to provide an income to a person or allow a person to avoid the expense of paying another person to perform the tasks (as in child care or the maintenance of a home). A person who is self-employed, employed as a homemaker, or who is living off his/her earnings may be considered gainfully employed for tuition purposes, as may a person whose primary support is public assistance.

Independent Student: A student 18 years of age or older or an emancipated minor who is not claimed by a parent or legal guardian as a dependent for federal income tax purposes during the tax year.

International Texas Resident: Student who is eligible to domicile in the U.S. under residency rules and regulations and has met the basic residency requirements and thus is eligible to pay the resident tuition rate and be considered a Texas resident for tuition purposes.

International Student: Individuals from countries other than the United States who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S.

Maintain a residence: To physically reside in a location. The maintenance of a residence is not interrupted by a temporary absence from the state.

Parent: A natural or adoptive parent, managing or possessory conservator, or court appointed legal guardian of a person. The term does not include a step-parent.

Residence: A person's home or other dwelling place.

Temporary absence: Absence from the State of Texas with the intent to return, generally for a period of less than five years.