becoming a resident

the UCal system is 1 yr for residency.

Just want to correct the comment.

Have you checked the UVI website? I believe you have to attend classes for two semesters, live off campus, pay rent, etc to establish residency.

I had a friend who looked into it and said it was 6 mos.

I don't know about UVI, but to be counted as a resident for purposes of employment, it's one year.

According to their site, it's 12 continuous months.

http://www.uvi.edu/pub-relations/admissions/admiss_policy-04-05.html#Anchor-51004

Linda J: Please clarify. Generally, a legal US resident can start working in the USVI immediately, no?

STXBob, I sure started working immediately as a US citizen.

Sorry I was not clearer. Yes, any US citizen can work immediately in the USVI. But businesses who hire VI citizens (persons who've lived here at least a year) can take advantage of certain tax benefits - EDC benefits. Often a business will prefer a VI resident over a non-resident because of these tax advantages.

Timing of residency is confusing in the USVI because every department has a different timeline. To apply for a business license, you usually need to have been here for 30 days. You are expected to have a USVI driver's license if you have been here 3 months. You qualify as a "local" for employment purposes if you have been here a full year. The BIR (the IRS of the islands) expects you to pay taxes to them if you earn ANY income in the USVI, no matter how little time you may spend here. Residency for collegiate purposes is one full calendar year in most places and I believe that holds true in the USVI. You can work and/or attend school sooner, but will not be considered a resident worker by EDC companies or a resident student for tuition rates.