I am a genderqueer trans man currently in the process of transitioning. My family is considering moving to Canada, since it’s close (I’m based in NY) and easy enough to move to from the States.
I am a high school senior currently going through the college application and acceptance processes. Does anybody know what would happen if I moved internationally after I commit to an American college? Would I still be considered an intra-national student, or would I be swapped to international? Could this change my admissions plan in any way? I’m getting kind of worried about this as time goes on, and I would really love any advice or anecdotes you guys have.
Feel free to ask any questions you need to answer me! I’m not sure what information I should include in this post, so I’m open to clarifying anything needed.
Thank you!
Post edited by moderator to comply with forum rules.
Some clarification- your applications will go in with you being an American citizen, currently residing in NY, but by the time you show up at college your family would be living in Canada?
A US citizen living abroad is still considered domestic for admissions purposes, won’t impact any acceptances, but you lose in-state tuition advantage for NY public universities.
I can’t imagine any change in YOUR status- unless you are planning to apply to public U’s in New York where it’s possible your parents domicile could raise questions about you getting in-state NY tuition rates.
If NY publics are on your list- you should be able to get a quick answer from admissions/financial aid at any of the colleges themselves.
If you are hoping to attend a U in Canada I think the question is a little more complicated, both financially and visa/immigration-wise.
You are currently a US citizen and a resident of your state. If your parents move to Canada, eventually you could lose your in state status, but if by then you are living off campus and you are not filing a fafsa, how is the school to know?
I’d make sure your parents review the latest updates to Canadian immigration. Many Americans think they can just move to Canada and be eligible for all of their benefits and that’s not the case.
As a US citizen, you would be a domestic student at US universities.
NY residency for tuition purposes at SUNYs is described at https://www.suny.edu/smarttrack/residency/ . If you graduate high school in NY after at least two years of attendance, you may be able to retain NY residency for tuition purposes.
I am going to be dorming on campus and filling out the fafsa so they would probably find out one way or another
And no, I’m not applying in Canada as of right now.
Jumping in months later to add, in your case as long as your parents filed taxes last year, you would be considered in state for NY if aiming for Fall 2025.
I am a US citizen and we have been abroad for a few years, we still I file taxes in our home state and vote and my kid was given in state in the state we vote and pay/file taxes.
I would encourage you if you move abroad to maintain your status in the US through tax filings and voting.
This is not always the case. The domicile for an undergrad student is where they sleep (or in the case of a college student…the parent permanent address).
If this student’s family moves out of NY state, they will lose their NY residency for tuition purposes most likely.
