Are You Considered an International Student if You're a US Citizen Living in Canada and Applying to US Universities?

As a U.S. citizen, your application status to U.S. universities can be a bit confusing if you are living abroad. In this article, we will explore whether you are classified as an international student when you apply to U.S. universities from Canada, and the associated implications for tuition, visa requirements, and financial aid.

Are You Considered an International Student?

Regardless of where you are living, as a U.S. citizen, you are not considered an international student when applying to U.S. universities. You will be classified as a domestic student. This is due to the fact that U.S. higher education institutions generally regard U.S. citizenship as a factor indicating a domestic status. However, it is important to note that each university has its own unique policies and requirements that may affect your application. Therefore, you should always check the specific guidelines of the universities you are applying to.

Tuition Differences

When it comes to tuition, the distinction between domestic and international students is particularly significant. For state universities, your tuition will be higher if you are applying from a different state or country. This is because these institutions typically offer lower in-state tuition rates to students who are citizens or residents of the state in which the university is located.

Here are some key points to consider:

State Universities: For tuition purposes, you will be considered an out-of-state student. This means you will pay higher tuition fees than domestic students from within the state. The specific amount of this increase can vary significantly depending on the university and the state. Private Schools: The situation can be more complex. According to various sources, some private colleges and universities may still consider you as an international student for tuition purposes, even if you are a U.S. citizen. For instance, both a classmate from Edmonton and another from Vancouver at Reed College were classified as "international" despite being U.S. citizens.

Visa and Passport Requirements

As a U.S. citizen, you do not need a visa to enter the United States. However, you will need to obtain a U.S. passport if you do not already have one. This is a requirement for all international travel when you are outside of the United States. Obtaining a U.S. passport can take several months, so it is important to start the process well in advance of your planned applications or travels.

Financial Aid

In terms of financial aid, being a U.S. citizen offers certain advantages. You will qualify to apply for federal financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). However, it's important to consider that if your parents have only Canadian tax returns, the process for applying for financial aid could be more complicated than if they had U.S. tax returns. Universities often require documentation of household income, and relying solely on Canadian returns can introduce additional challenges.

Conclusion

In summary, if you are a U.S. citizen living in Canada and applying to U.S. universities, you will be classified as a domestic student, not an international student, based on your citizenship. This classification affects your tuition costs, but also offers the opportunity to apply for federal financial aid. Despite these advantages, you should be prepared for certain challenges, such as the need to apply for a U.S. passport and the complexity of financial aid applications. Always consult the policies of individual universities for specific guidance.