Basic Residency Requirements
Residency Classification for Tuition Purposes
The New Mexico Department of Higher Education establishes residency requirements for tuition purposes. These requirements apply to US citizens and those with who have applied for or received Permanent Resident status (see additional information on non-citizens below). A student is classified as a resident or non-resident for tuition purposes based on information supplied at the time of admission or readmission. A brochure detailing residency requirements and restrictions is available at any Admissions Office at all campuses.
There are four basic residency requirements:
12 months consecutive residence. Twelve Month Residence Waivers
A student must physically reside in New Mexico for the 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the term. Students whose parents or guardians reside out of state cannot begin to complete the 12 month requirement until their 19th birthday.
Financial Independence. Financial Independence Waivers
Students cannot be approved for residency if they are financially dependent on their parents or legal guardians who are non-residents of New Mexico.
Written Declaration of Intent.
The Admission Form and Petition for In-State Residency Form ask if you intend to be a New Mexico resident.
Overt Acts
Residency regulations require the completion of at least two overt acts which support the student's declaration of intent to become a permanent resident. No overt act can be out-of-state
1. If applicant is financially dependent, a copy of parents or guardians'
previous year federal income tax.
2. NM high school transcript confirming attendance within the past 12
months.
3. NM drivers license or ID card issued prior to the first day of the term.
4. Proof of payment of NM state income tax for the previous year.
5. Evidence of employment in NM.
6. NM vehicle registration.
7. NM voter registration.
8. Proof of residential property ownership in NM.
9. Rental agreement in NM.
10. Utility bill in NM.
11. Other documentary evidence or reasonable explanation of residency
as determined by CNM.
Residency Overrides:
Students meeting any of the following conditions override the four basic requirements and can be granted residency.
1. Any enrolled member of an American Indian nation, tribe or pueblo
located wholly or partially in New Mexico.
2. Any active member (spouse or dependent) of the armed forces
including the national guard stationed in NM.
3. SB582-Any person who attended high school in NM for at least
one year and received a HS diploma or GED from a NM
institution regardless of immigration status may establish residency.
To Change Your Residency Status
A continuing non-resident student who has satisfied requirements for New Mexico residency may file a petition for In-state Tuition Classification in the Records Office. Residency petitions will be accepted through the 15th day of each term. All requirements for residency must be met prior to the first day of the term. All communication from us concerning your residency petition will be sent to your myCNM student email address.
You must submit documentation verifying all four requirements or override above. New students changing residency for the term you applied for only need to submit documentation correcting the condition(s) that made you non-resident.Any act considered inconsistent with being a New Mexico resident-such as voting, securing and/or maintaining a driver's license or automobile registration in another state-will cause in-state residency status to be denied or revoked. Any act from your prior admission application that caused your non-resident status must be proven to no longer exist.
Residency for non-US citizens
Non-citizens who are lawfully in the United States and have obtained permanent status from the Immigration and Naturalization Service, or non-citizens who serve on active duty in the armed forces of the United States, may establish residency by meeting the durational and intent requirements. Any non-citizens on other visas (student, diplomatic, visitor or visiting scholar visa, including spouses and dependents) are non-residents for tuition purposes.
Any person who attended high school in NM for at least one year and received a HS diploma or GED from a NM institution regardless of immigration status may establish residency.
Note: Any required forms may be obtained at any CNM Admissions Office. Many are also available in the forms link on this page.
