In-state tuition, otherwise known as "Florida Residency for Tuition Purposes," drastically reduces the cost of tuition for applicants who have lived in Florida for at least 12 consecutive months before they start classes. No one is automatically granted in-state tuition.
Before students can be evaluated for Florida residency for tuition purposes, all students must submit documentation to verify their citizenship or lawful presence as part of the residency review process, per the provisions in the recent State Board of Education Rule 6A-10.044, F.A.C. (2025). Students must be a United States citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or lawfully present in the United States under another eligible status as issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services office. Please note that not all immigration status types are eligible for classification as Florida residents for tuition purposes.
Please locate the category that best applies to your situation and submit the requested documentation.
U.S. Citizens
Please provide one of the following:
- Valid Florida driver's license or state-issued identification card
- Official birth certificate (hospital records cannot be accepted)
- U.S. passport
- Certificate of Naturalization
Permanent Residents
Please provide one of the following:
- Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- Foreign passport containing a valid I-551 stamp
Employment Authorization (Work Permit) Holders
Please provide:
- Employment Authorization Card (EAD)
U.S. Visa Holders
Examples include E, H, K, and other visa categories. Please provide:
- Copy of Visa
- I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
- Passport
If you are on a dependent visa, documentation for the principal visa holder will also be required.
Approval Notice
If you have been approved for a status but do not have an employment authorization card to upload, please provide:
- Most recent USCIS Notice of Action (Form I-797) noting your approval and document expiration information
Pending Immigration Status
Please provide:
- Most recent USCIS Notice of Action (such as Form I-797)
Note: There are limited instances in which we can extend your hold with pending cases. Please submit your most recent notice for review, and our team will let you know if we need additional documentation.
Don't See Your Category Listed?
If you have another form of immigration documentation, please submit what you have or contact the Office of Admissions for assistance. Our team will review your documentation and let you know if any additional information is needed.
Samples of Required Immigration Documents
Certificate of Naturalization:
Permanent Resident Card:
Employment Authorization Card (EAC):
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Notice of Action Form (i.e. I-797 Form):
How to Submit Your Documents
You may submit your documents through any of the following methods:
- Upload while completing your Florida Residency Declaration Form
- Email copies of the documentation to admissions@fsw.edu
- Visit your nearest FSW Admissions Office in person
Please ensure documents are clear, legible, and include all required pages or sides of the document.
Need Help?
Not sure which documents apply to your situation? We're happy to help. Reach out to the Office of Admissions, and a member of our team will be glad to guide you through the process.
We look forward to assisting you and welcoming you to FSW!