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Enrollment Requirements at Georgia State University

Understanding Lawful Presence Verification for Admission


If you are planning to study at Georgia State University (GSU) as an undergraduate student, there is an important requirement you must fulfill before qualifying for in-state tuition: you must verify your lawful presence in the United States. Below you’ll find a clear guide to help you prepare.


Georgia State University

What Does “Lawful Presence” Mean?

Lawful presence means that a student is residing in the United States with a status that is legally recognized — such as a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or under an eligible visa or authorization. This verification is required by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia.


Who Needs to Verify?

  • All undergraduate students who want to be classified as “in-state” for tuition purposes.

  • This applies to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, visa holders, and other eligible categories.

  • International students with F or J visas are also included, although their verification is handled differently through the university’s international services.


Ways to Verify Lawful Presence

GSU provides four main options to complete verification, depending on your status:

  1. Through FAFSAIf you submitted the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and are a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or eligible non-citizen, your status may be confirmed automatically. If not, GSU will request additional documentation.

  2. By Providing Official DocumentsYou may submit one of the following:

    • Valid Georgia driver’s license or state ID with REAL ID symbol (front and back).

    • Driver’s license or ID from other approved U.S. states with REAL ID.

    • Certified U.S. birth certificate with official seal.

    • Valid U.S. passport.

    • Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship.

    • Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240) or equivalent documents.

    • Permanent Resident Card (front and back, not expired before the first day of classes).

    • Valid military ID (active duty only, not dependents; in-person verification required).

    ⚠️ Temporary IDs, “Limited Term” or “Not for REAL ID Purposes” licenses, paper receipts, or expired cards are not accepted.

  3. Through SEVIS (for F and J Visa Students)International students on F or J visas are verified automatically through SEVIS, the federal Student and Exchange Visitor Information System.

  4. Through SAVE (Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements)For non-citizens not covered by FAFSA or SEVIS, the SAVE program may be used with documents such as:

    • I-94 arrival/departure record.

    • USCIS approval or receipt notices.

    • Other USCIS-issued evidence of lawful status.


Submission Process and Timeline

  • Documents must be uploaded directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions portal or submitted in person.

  • Processing usually takes 5–7 business days for the hold on your account to be removed.


Why This Matters

Without completing lawful presence verification:

  • You cannot qualify for in-state tuition, which is significantly lower than out-of-state rates.

  • Enrollment holds may block you from registering for classes.


Ensuring your documents are submitted early is the best way to avoid delays in starting your studies at Georgia State University.


 
 
 

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