Catalog 2014-2015

Verification of Lawful Presence in the United States

Effective January 1, 2012, all students applying for in-state tuition must provide validation of lawful presence in the United States. The following documents will serve as proof of lawful presence in the United States and documentation will be required before students are eligible for consideration of in-state tuition:

  • A current driver's license issued by the State of Georgia after January 1, 2008.
  • A current photo identification card issued by the State of Georgia after January 1, 2008.
  • A current driver's license or photo identification issued by:
    • Alabama: Issued after August 1, 2000
    • Florida: Issued after January 1, 2010, or have a gold star in the upper right hand corner. 
    • South Carolina: Issued after November 1, 2008.
    • Tennessee: Issued after May 29, 2004.
    • Any State: Any valid drivers license or ID card with a gold star in the upper right-hand corner
  • A certified U.S. birth certificate showing the student was born in the United States or United States territory (photocopies are not acceptable).
  • An approved completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the current financial aid year if the student was selected for verification and has provided appropriate documentation to the Financial Aid Office .
  • A current, valid Permanent Resident Card (USCIS form 1-151 or 1-551).
  • A current, valid military identification card for active duty soldiers or veterans.
  • A U.S. Certificate of Birth Abroad issued by the U.S. Department of State (DS-1350) or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240).
  • A current U.S. passport.
  • A U.S. Certificate of Citizenship (USCIS form N-560 or N-561).
  • A U.S. Certificate of Naturalization (USCIS form N-550 or N-570).

Any students who cannot be verified as lawfully present in the United States are not eligible to be considered for in-state tuition regardless of how long they have lived in Georgia. In addition to being lawfully present in the United States, students must meet the in-state tuition requirements as outlined in TCSG Board Policy and Procedure V.B.3 to warrant an in-state classification. Students that are initially classified as out-of-state residents and successfully petition to have their residency changed to in-state also meet the verification requirement.