Verification of Lawful Presence

Effective Fall 2011, Upon acceptance to Columbus State University, all students seeking Georgia resident tuition classification are required to verify their lawful presence in the United States. The following documents are acceptable:

• A current Driver's License issued by the State of Georgia after January 1, 2008. A limited term license or a license issued for a period of less than two years is not acceptable .
• A current Driver's License issued by the State of Alabama after February 1, 2008. A limited term license or a license issued for a period of less than two years is not acceptable .
• A current ID issued by the State of Georgia after January 1, 2008.
• A current U.S. Passport
• A Certified U.S. Birth Certificate showing the student was born in the U.S. or a U.S. territory. A photocopy provided by the student is not acceptable .
• U.S. Certificate of Naturalization (USCIS form N - 550 or N - 570).
• U.S. Certificate of Citizenship (USCIS form N - 560 or N - 561).
• U.S. Certificate of Birth Abroad issued by the Department of State (DS - 1350) or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS - 240).
• A current, valid Permanent Resident Card (USCIS form I-151 or I-551)

Common Questions and Answers:

Q: Does verifying my lawful presence allow me to pay in-state tuition?
A: No, you must submit the required documents to prove your residency in Georgia.

Q: I am expecting to receive an out of state tuition waiver. Do I need to provide proof of lawful presence?
A: Yes, the policy states that anyone receiving an out-of-state tuition waiver must provide proof of lawful presence.

Q: I have been in Georgia my entire life; do I have to submit documentation to prove my lawful presence?
A: Yes, all incoming students must provide documentation.

Q: Can I get my certified Birth Certificate back once I have proven lawful presence?
A: The certified Birth Certificate will be held in your admission file and unable to be returned to you.

Q: How do I get this information to the Admissions Office?
A: You may mail or deliver a copy of your acceptable documentation to our office (Birth Certificates must be the original). Please do not fax your driver's license, passport, or social security card.

If you have additional questions, please contact us at (706)507-8800 or at admissions@columbusstate.edu