You are an Illinois resident if you were domiciled in Illinois for the entire year. Full-year resident – You maintained a legal place of residence in Illinois from January 1st through December 31st.For an independent student to be considered a resident of Illinois they must have physically resided in Illinois for 12 continuous full months. Resident of Illinois means: 1) Any person living in the State of Illinois with the intent to remain in the State indefinitely. Broadly defined, you are considered a resident if you intend to reside in Illinois permanently or for an extended period.