Legal residence, really confused

[greys_anatomy]

My family is planning to move soon, and I am extremely confused as to whether or not I would be a "legal resident" in the new state on AMCAS. A couple questions:

1. Is there a difference between "legal resident" (on AMCAS) and "in-state for tuition purposes"? My guess is that the latter is more difficult to obtain since tuition is involved, but am not sure
2. Online, I'm getting very mixed feedback as to the requirements to be a legal resident. Some say
-just having a permanent residence there you live in is enough (without regard to length) + stuff like drivers ID etc.
-have to live there for 183 days
-12 months before starting school
-none of the above?

Thanks for any thoughts!

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[M&L]

there are cases where you are not a resident of a certain state, but are considered "in state" for tuition purposes. For example, if you are a qualifying family member of a person who is active duty stationed there, or in some cases if you are a veteran. For example, one of the schools gave me in state tuition based on veteran status even though i have NEVER been in that state prior to the interview day.

so check whether they mean "legal resident" as in "citizen or green card holder", or if they mean "legal resident of the state for tuition purposes" as in "paid taxes there" . usually when apps ask if someone is a "citizen or legal resident" they are asking if you were born in the united states or if you were naturalized citizen or if you have a green card. So it has something to do with the legality of your presence in the united states and not with residency of a certain state for tuition purposes.

 

[M&L]

the best way to check if you would qualify for instate tuition in a certain state is to contact the local schools directly.

 

[greys_anatomy]

@M&L : Thanks! What about the other direction, e.g be a legal resident, but not a resident for tuition purposes? Basically, I'm not sure if I should put my "legal residence" as the new state I will move to (and have a permanent residence at, but possibly not some of the other stuff like voter registration etc.), or the state I used to live in and moved out of. Also, on AMCAS they ask this on the primary, so I will probably only have lived in the new place for a short period of time (but with full intention to continue living there permanently) by the time I submit

 

[xffan624]

@M&L : Thanks! What about the other direction, e.g be a legal resident, but not a resident for tuition purposes? Basically, I'm not sure if I should put my "legal residence" as the new state I will move to (and have a permanent residence at, but possibly not some of the other stuff like voter registration etc.), or the state I used to live in and moved out of. Also, on AMCAS they ask this on the primary, so I will probably only have lived in the new place for a short period of time (but with full intention to continue living there permanently) by the time I submit

Each state has different rules for what constitutes "in state for tuition purposes" so without specifics of your new vs. old state it is difficult to advise you.
Most of the time, you or your parents would need to have some sort of valid address in the old state to legally say you are still a resident of that one. Whether you still have voter registration or a car registered there is immaterial. It is unfortunately possible that no state will give you "in state for tuition" preference in your applications but that depends on the specific rules of the state some require more time than others.

Also some states allow you to establish residency for tuition purposes while in medical school if you purchase property, etc. I think Arizona is one.

 

[RickyRic]

Each state has different rules for what constitutes "in state for tuition purposes" so without specifics of your new vs. old state it is difficult to advise you.
Most of the time, you or your parents would need to have some sort of valid address in the old state to legally say you are still a resident of that one. Whether you still have voter registration or a car registered there is immaterial. It is unfortunately possible that no state will give you "in state for tuition" preference in your applications but that depends on the specific rules of the state some require more time than others.

Also some states allow you to establish residency for tuition purposes while in medical school if you purchase property, etc. I think Arizona is one.

From what I understand, Ohio also allows you to establish residency for tuition purposes after M1 if you are financially independent, have an Ohio driver's license, proof of residence, etc