Students will be initially classified as "resident" or "non-resident" based on the information provided on the Admissions Application. Bellingham Technical College complies with applicable state laws regarding residency classification. Washington residency law is codified in RCW 28B.15 and further explained in WAC 250.18. All students taking state funded credit classes are required to apply to BTC and establish residency status.

International Students and non-US citizens, contact our International Advisor in Admissions at admissions@btc.edu or 360.752.8345 early in the admissions process.

See Undocumented Student for assistance for undocumented BTC students.
See Residency for Military, Veteran, and Dependent students for Military, Veterans, and dependents
See Tuition, Fees, Rates & Costs for rate information.

In general, a student is considered a "resident" for tuition and fee purposes under the following conditions:

1. The student is a US citizen, or has permanent or temporary resident status, or holds "Refugee-Parolee" or "Conditional Entrant" status with the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service, or is otherwise permanently residing in the United States under color of law; and

2. The student is financially independent for the current calendar year and the calendar year prior to which application is made (if the student is not financially independent, then his/her residency is based on whether one or both parents have met all residency requirements); and

3. The student (or, if financially dependent, at least one of the student's parents) is in Washington primarily for reasons other than educational and has officially established Washington as his or her true, fixed and permanent home and place of habitation for a period of at least one year prior to the start of the quarter of enrollment.

• Non-Resident to Resident

  If you are requesting reclassification from non-resident status to resident status, submit to Enrollment Services

  1. Washington Residence Questionnaire
  2. Proof of Financial Independence or Dependence
  3. Proof that you have met the one-year residency requirement

  If you are over 24 years of age

  • Proof of employment
  • Proof of 12 months residency in WA prior to first day of the quarter

  If you are under 24 years of age and financially independent

  • Tax return page one for you and your parent/guardian
  • Proof of you living 12 months in WA prior to first day of the quarter

  If you are under 24 years of age and financially dependent

  • Tax return page one for your parent/guardian
  • Proof of parent/guardian living 12 months in WA prior to your first day of the quarter

  If you have been taking classes while establishing residency
  

  • Transcript proving credits per quarter
  • If taking 7 credits or more, proof of employment for 30 hours per week or more
  • Proof that your primarily reason for moving to WA was other than educational

  Examples of proof of living in WA State include, but are not limited to, voter registration, driver's license, motor vehicle registration, home purchase/lease agreement, verification of full-time employment.

• Military, Veterans, and Dependents

  You may be eligible for the Washington resident rate if you qualify under provisions for:

  • Washington State Resident Active Duty Military stationed out-of-state and Dependents
  • Active Duty Military stationed in Washington and Dependents
  • Washington National Guard Members and Dependents
  • Veterans and Dependents

  For more information, visit our Veterans Support page.

• Native Americans

  If you are a member of a federally recognized tribe or a tribe granted reserved lands within WA State and you have been residing in Idaho, Oregon, Montana, or Washington, submit the BTC Residency Questionnaire, your tribal ID card, and proof of residency within the four states listed.

• Recent High School Graduates

  Beginning Summer 2021, students qualify for residency if they meet all the following conditions according to SB5194:

  • Received a high school diploma (or equivalent).
  • Maintained a primary residence in Washington for at least one year (12 months) immediately prior to starting their first admitted quarter at Bellingham Technical College.
  • Affirm that they are a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or that they will file an application to become a permanent resident of the United States as soon as they are eligible to apply.

  If you meet all the above requirements, you can use the updated Washington Higher Education Residency Affidavit to request a change in residency status. Note that if you applied or will apply for state financial aid using the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WAFSA), then you do not need to submit this affidavit form separately. The affidavit is part of the WAFSA.

Who to Contact with Questions

If you have questions about residency, please email our Residency Officer at residency@btc.edu.

If you are ready to submit paperwork, please email your form and supporting documentation to our Residency Officer at residency@btc.edu or call Admissions at 360.752.8345 to make an appointment with our Residency Officer.

For Tuition information, see Tuition, Fees, Rates & Costs.