What is an independent student?

Independent students are 24 years of age prior to the start of the term, or are married or have a dependent child or provide a minimum of 50% or more of his/her own financial support.   Independent students must document the source of their financial support, clearly demonstrating that a parent or legal guardian no longer claims them as a dependent for federal income tax purposes. 

The student must provide evidence to substantiate the Residency Change Request Worksheet with:

1. Legal ties to the state of Florida – At least two documents must be dated/issued at least 12 months prior to the first day of classes for which the student is enrolling. No single document is conclusive and additional documents may be requested.

   In addition, the student must also produce evidence of no legal ties to another state and an establishment, bona fide domicile in Florida (rather than maintaining a temporary residence incident to enrollment at the university).  Continued legal ties with another state contradict establishment of Florida domicile.

   Required Documentation (provide at least two)

   • Florida driver’s license
   • Florida vehicle registration
   • Florida vehicle title
   • Florida voter’s registration
   • Declaration of domicile
   • Proof of purchase of a permanent home in Florida
   • Florida occupational/professional license
   • Florida incorporation or other evidence of legal residence
   
   
2. Proof of physical presence– Independent students must demonstrate that they have maintained a residence in the state of Florida for the domicile year (previous 12 months) associated with the term of entry to FIU or the request for reclassification.

   Physical presence can be documented by continuous enrollment at the university for the past three terms, or for periods of non-enrollment by providing leases, rent receipts and utility bills in the student’s name or proof of employment.

3. Proof of financial independence– Independent students must also prove that they are financially self-supporting.

   When the Residency Change Request Worksheet or the Residency Reclassification Financial Statement is evaluated, university staff will estimate the student’s expenses for the domicile year.  These estimates are based on cost of attendance figures used for financial aid eligibility.  The estimate is specific to the student and it is dependent on the number of hours enrolled, place of residence (on-campus or off-campus) and other circumstances.

   The student must conclusively document that they have provided at least 50% of these expenses.  Financial independence can be substantiated with:

   • A copy of the parents’ most recent tax return indicating that the student was not claimed as a dependent, and
     
   • Proof of income greater than or equal to 50% or more of the estimated expenses.  (Income can include earned wages for the past 12 months, documented with federal income tax returns, W-2’s and pay stubs. [Earned wages must be declared for consideration; tips and other earnings not reported to the IRS cannot be considered].  Financial aid awards received in the past 12 months. Scholarships received in the past 12 months.)