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Apply for Residency Reclassification

Residency status is determined by reviewing each student’s individual circumstances. Several factors may be considered when evaluating residency, and no single factor guarantees your classification as a resident.

Access the Residency Reclassification Portal

Who Can Apply

To apply for residency reclassification, you must be enrolled and remain enrolled in the term for which you are requesting residency reclassification. If you haven’t yet received your class schedule, you aren’t eligible to apply. Your application must be submitted within 15 business days after classes start.

Students attending Purdue University Fort Wayne and Purdue University Northwest should refer to their respective Registrar Offices for more information and to apply. 

Review Guide to Residency Classification

When to Apply

You may apply starting with the first semester after you meet all permanent residency requirements, including 12 months of consecutive residence. Applications are accepted in fall, spring or summer terms. Applications are not accepted for the winter term.

Your application must be submitted no later than 15 business days after the first day of classes for the term you’re requesting. A residency classification decision may consider a variety of contributing conditions.

Review Residency Operating Procedures

Submit Your Application

  • All Purdue West Lafayette, Indianapolis and Polytechnic Statewide students must apply through the Residency Reclassification Portal. The portal will open no later than the first day of the semester.
  • Review required application documents before you apply.
  • Supporting documents will be uploaded to the portal. Reference the checklist for the status of each required item.
  • Documents submitted in person or by email will not be accepted.
Apply Now

What to Expect After Submission

  • Following submission, your application will undergo an initial review by our office.
  • When your application is reviewed, additional documentation may be identified and requested.
  • If additional documents are needed, you’ll receive an email notification and the new items will be added to your checklist in the portal.
  • Your application will not move forward as complete until all requested documentation is received.
  • Complete applications are reviewed in the order they’re received.

Important Note

  • Failure to submit all required documentation by stated deadlines may result in denial of your application.

Required Application Documents

The documentation listed below is not exhaustive. Additional materials may be requested for your application.

All documents must be uploaded to the portal.

The following documentation is required for all applicants regardless of dependent or independent status.

Identification

  • Driver’s license or state-issued identification

Housing Documentation

Acceptable documentation may include a rental agreement, purchase contract, ALTA statement, or a 1098 tax form.
Deed forms are not accepted as proof of purchase or sale.

Purchased home documentation must clearly show:

  • Purchase date
  • Property address
  • Name(s) of purchaser(s)
  • Two months of mortgage payments (if applicable) or most recent property tax statement
  • If the home is new construction, the construction contract must clearly show the home completion date.

Rented home documentation must clearly show:

  • Lease start date (not signature date)
  • Lease end date
  • All occupants of the property
  • Proof of abandonment of a previous domicile, such as a lease termination agreement, move-out documentation or bill of sale, if applicable.

If a prior home was sold, documentation must clearly show:

  • Date of sale
  • Property address
  • Names of sellers and buyers

If the home is being leased to a third party, a legally binding lease valid for a minimum of 12 months must be submitted.

Personal Statement

Submit a written document explaining:

  • Your purpose for relocating to Indiana
  • Any unusual or special circumstances related to your relocation
  • Any relevant information not addressed in other documentation categories

Submit documentation for your parent(s)/guardian(s).

Identification

  • Parent(s)/guardian(s) identification
  • If married, documentation for both parents is required
  • If a parent or legal guardian does not have a driver’s license or state‑issued ID, another form of government‑issued identification showing a legal address must be submitted

Tax Documents

  • State and federal tax documents including names, addresses, occupations and Form 8489 (if applicable)
    • If submitting in the spring: prior year’s taxes
    • If submitting in the summer/fall: current year’s taxes

Employment and Income

  • W‑2s or self‑employment forms (1099, Schedule C/E)
  • Paystubs for working parents
    • Paystubs must include the employee’s name, address and tax information
  • Employer statements
    • Must be on official letterhead and include hire date, end date (if applicable) and work modality (remote, hybrid or in‑person)
  • If a parent/guardian doesn’t have employment, please provide documentation

Submit documentation for yourself (and spouse, if applicable).

Identification

  • Your identification
  • If legally married, your spouse’s identification

Tax Documents

  • Your state and federal tax documents

Employment and Income

  • W‑2s or self‑employment forms (1099, Schedule C/E)
  • Your paystub
    • If unemployed, submit supporting documentation
    • If legally married, submit paystubs for your spouse
  • Employer statement

There may be circumstances specific to an individual that may require additional documents in order to properly review, or information that isn’t addressed in other documentation that will be helpful for the committee to know in considering your application.

Divorce

In the event of divorce, a full official divorce decree is required.

Documentation must show:

  • Date divorce was finalized
    • Names of parties involved
    • Names of any children
    • Financial support details
  • If the divorce occurred after the student turned 18, the student’s birth certificate must also be submitted.
  • If financial support is not outlined in the decree, the parent claiming Indiana residency must provide documentation demonstrating financial support.

Healthcare Relocation

  • If your relocation to Indiana is healthcare-related, a signed statement from a healthcare provider on official letterhead is required.

Immigration

  • Visa or permanent resident documentation is required
  • Documentation must show the status has been held for at least 12 consecutive months directly before the start of the term that you’re applying
  • If a visa has been recently renewed, documentation must demonstrate continuous status for 12 months

Note: If your citizenship is international, adjusting residency doesn’t mean that you will be eligible for government aid.

Helpful Additional Documentation

Optional documentation should be submitted in the portal as “Additional Documentation.”

  • Utility bills
  • Voter registration
  • Professional licenses

Request an Appeal

If you disagree with your application decision, you may request an appeal.

Learn about the appeal process

For additional guidance on residency classification, please contact our team.

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Last modified: August 7, 2026

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