What do I need in order to claim residency in Illinois?

Question

I was born in Illinois but grew up in Michigan. I have spent my time split up between the two states. Unfortunately, I have only worked in Michigan and not in Illinois. What do I need as proof that I reside in Illinois? I'd like to apply to grad school at University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) but I would want in-state tuition. I live with family in Illinois and with my parents in Michigan. I consider Illinois my actual residence. I have no bills in Illinois as I live with family. My drivers license is a Michigan license since I just take the train while in Illinois. Help!!

Answer 1

If you have a Michigan driver's license, pay Michigan income tax, have a residence in Michigan, presumably are registered to vote in Michigan, etc... you're a resident of Michigan. If you consider Illinois your actual residence, why do you submit yourself to the government of Michigan?

That's the observation they are going to make when considering your residency.

So, first step is to take steps to establish that you are a citizen of Illinois. Change your DL (and car registration, insurance, etc...), register to vote in Illinois. Get a job and pay taxes in Illinois (or pay out of state taxes to Illinois). Do things that people in Illinois do to establish that they live in Illinois.

"For an independent student to be considered a resident of Illinois s/he must have physically resided in Illinois for 12 continuous full months immediately prior to the start of the academic year for which assistance is requested and Illinois must be his/her true, fixed, and permanent home."

All graduate students are considered independent. The "true, fixed, permanent..." is going to be determined by which government you submit to. Presently you imply by the Michigan DL and Michigan taxes that you submit yourself to the State of Michigan.