What is Lawful Presence Verification?

Georgia Gwinnett College admits all applicants to the college who meet the admission requirements, regardless of immigration status.

The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) policy requires Georgia Gwinnett College to verify United States lawful presence for every admitted student seeking in-state tuition or an out-of-state tuition waiver. This policy requirement also applies to students seeking readmission to GGC and transient students. If a student’s status cannot be verified, GGC cannot offer in-state billing of tuition and fees, regardless of established domicile in Georgia. Questions regarding verification of lawful presence should be sent to @email.

Although lawful presence is required for in-state tuition, being verified lawfully present does not necessarily mean a student is eligible for in-state tuition. USG tuition classification policy conditions must also be met. Students classified as nonresident and out-of-state for tuition purposes, will need to submit additional  documentation if they wish to be reviewed for reclassification. Questions regarding tuition classification should be sent to @email.

Lawful presence and tuition classification requirements are detailed in the following Board of Regents policies:

What can I submit for Verification of Lawful Presence?

1. Students that file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and are eligible for federal student aid will have their lawful presence verified as part of the FAFSA process.
2. If the above does not qualify, applicant must submit one of the following documents:

  • Upload a clear, color copy of the document saved as a .PDF or .JPG through your Grizzly Profile – Supplemental Item: Verification of Lawful Presence (with the exception of military IDs). Do not email a copy of your document.
    • Current Georgia driver’s license or ID (front and back copy)
      • Must have a REAL ID symbol
      • Limited term licenses and temporary paper copies not accepted
    • Current driver’s license or ID issued by any of the USG approved states (PDF) (front and back copy)
      • License or ID must be valid and meet USG requirements
    • Original or certified birth certificate issued by a state, county, municipal authority or territory of the United States bearing an official seal
      • The copy must clearly show the raised or written seal to be accepted
    • Current U.S. passport
    • Current Permanent Residence card (front and back copy)
    • U.S. Certificate of Naturalization
    • U.S. Certificate of Citizenship
    • U.S. Certificate of Birth Abroad issued by the Department of State or Consular Report of Birth Abroad
    • Current military ID (service members only, not dependents)

Nonresident Alien students in the U.S. on an F, J or M Visa will have lawful presence verified through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Please email International Admissions for document requirements.

Nonresident Alien students in the U.S. on any other Visa will have lawful presence verified through Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE). Please email Tuition Classification for document requirements.