TASFA
In 2001, legislation was passed by the State of Texas to allow certain categories of foreign students to meet state requirements for residency. This classification enables these students to pay resident tuition and fee rates while attending public institutions of higher education in Texas in addition to meeting residency requirements for some state financial aid programs.
If you qualify for resident status based on the criteria, you are eligible to apply for state aid. The Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) is used to help determine eligibility for state financial aid programs that are administered by institutions of higher education in the state of Texas. Students who are classified as Texas residents who cannot apply for federal financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are encouraged to complete the TASFA.
For more information, visit College for All Texans or email finaid@blinn.edu .
You must be able to meet one of the three criteria below to qualify for resident status:
- You must hold a visa that enables you to domicile in the United States*. You (or your parent, if you are a dependent) must be gainfully employed in Texas for at least 12 months preceding enrollment.
- You (regardless of INS status) have petitioned for permanent residency status (have filed an I-130 or I-140).
- You have resided in Texas for 36 consecutive months leading up to graduation from high school or the receipt of a GED certificate, living at least part of that time with a parent or court-appointed legal guardian. You have not established a residence in another state or location and have not taken any college hours prior to Fall 2001 that required admission to an institution of higher education (this includes hours taken through dual enrollment while attending high school).
If you are a foreign student or non-citizen and are eligible to be classified as a Texas resident for tuition purposes, you may also be eligible to receive state financial aid. To apply for state financial aid, submit the Texas Application for Student Financial Aid (TASFA). In addition to the TASFA, documents requested may include but are not limited to the following:
If you are a Dependent Student:
- You and your parents’ tax return transcripts – request online at www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript.
- Student W2(s) and Parent W2(s) – for those who worked but did not file a federal tax return.
- Student Statement of Non-filing – typed statement certifying that you did not work and did not file a federal tax return, OR that you worked but did not file a federal tax return. Must be signed and dated.
- Parent(s) Statement of Non-filing – typed statement certifying that your parent did not work and did not file a federal tax return, OR that they worked but did not file a federal tax return. Must be signed and dated by your parent.
- Selective Service Registration (males between age 18-25) – print your Confirmation Letter online at www.sss.gov.
- Residency Affidavit – to be submitted to the Blinn Office of Admissions.
If you are an Independent Student:
- You and your spouses’ tax return transcripts – request online at www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript.
- Student W2(s) and Spouse W2(s) – for those who worked but did not file a federal tax return.
- Student Statement of Non-filing – typed statement certifying that you did not work and did not file a federal tax return, OR that you worked but did not file a federal tax return. Must be signed and dated.
- Spouse Statement of Non-filing – typed statement certifying that your parent did not work and did not file a federal tax return, OR that they worked but did not file a federal tax return. Must be signed and dated by your parent.
- Selective Service Registration (males between age 18-25) – print your Confirmation Letter online at www.sss.gov.
- Residency Affidavit – to be submitted to the Blinn Office of Admissions.