How do I qualify for a Certificate of Residence?
In order to qualify for a Certificate of Residence, you must have lived in New York State for one year prior to the date of
registration and in a county of New York State for the last six months of that year. If you have resided in more than one
county during the last six months, you must obtain a certificate from each county.
- Individuals who are financially dependent and whose custodial parent(s) live in a state other than New York are not
eligible for the resident tuition rate.
- Dependent students of divorced or legally separated parents may acquire a New York State domicile if the custodial
parent is a New York State resident or if the student resides with a non-custodial parent who is a New York State
resident and the student intends to continue to reside with that parent throughout their attendance at the college.
- Members of the U.S. Armed Forces while on full-time active duty and stationed within New York State, as well as
their dependents, are eligible for the resident tuition rate.
- Immigrant & Undocumented Aliens must have an Alien Identification Card (“green card”) and be able to establish NY State residency in order to be eligible for the resident tuition rate. Pursuant to the Federal Immigration and Nationality Act, students who are unable to present valid documentation of their alien status are not eligible for in-state tuition rates. Certain undocumented aliens may be eligible for the resident tuition rate if they graduated from or received a GED from a NYS high school and applied for SUNY admissions within 5 years of receiving the GED or NYS Diploma. The undocumented alien must also complete a notarized affidavit stating that they have filed or intend to file an application to legalize his or her immigrant status.