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S4 Blog: Financial Proof for Your I-20: Sponsors, Affidavits, Loans and Employer Letters
Each school sets its own required amount, and it can differ by program (a doctorate may differ from a master's). Ask your school for the exact figure and the exact evidence it accepts. Documents must be genuine, official and current. Never alter a document.
What schools typically ask for
If you cannot show the full amount yourself
Common routes, subject to what your school accepts:
What is an affidavit of support?
It is the school's form in which a sponsor confirms they will cover your costs. The sponsor does not transfer money in advance. Your school's checklist includes its version.
Third-party funds: documents to expect
Sponsor's official statement, completed affidavit, proof of relationship if requested, and a copy of the sponsor's identification. Ask the school for its exact list.
Why documents must never be altered
Altering or falsifying a financial document can lead to denial of your I-20 or application and can seriously affect your immigration record. If a document is unclear or does not meet the requirement, ask the school what to provide instead.
Plan this before your SEVIS record moves
A scenario from our call patterns, anonymized: a student released her SEVIS record early, then found the new school's I-20 required more funding proof than she could show, and she could not return to her previous school. For that reason, confirm financial clearance before any release.
Next steps
Ask your school for: the exact amount, accepted evidence, document-date rule, and its affidavit form. Collect documents in that order.
Disclaimer: General information only, not legal or financial advice. Requirements change.
What schools typically ask for
- An official bank statement, often no more than about three months old. Check your school's exact rule.
- The statement should show available funds at or above the required amount, in your name or a sponsor's name.
- Financial proof shows funds are available. It is not a payment to the school, and the money usually does not need to be frozen. Tuition is billed separately.
If you cannot show the full amount yourself
Common routes, subject to what your school accepts:
- Combined accounts - Statements for several accounts, in your name
- Sponsor - A parent, relative or close friend completes the school's affidavit of support and submits their own official statement
- Home-country accounts - Official statements from banks abroad, in the form the school requires
- Education loan - An official approval or sanction letter, where the school accepts it
- Employer letter - A sponsorship letter, where the school accepts it
What is an affidavit of support?
It is the school's form in which a sponsor confirms they will cover your costs. The sponsor does not transfer money in advance. Your school's checklist includes its version.
Third-party funds: documents to expect
Sponsor's official statement, completed affidavit, proof of relationship if requested, and a copy of the sponsor's identification. Ask the school for its exact list.
Why documents must never be altered
Altering or falsifying a financial document can lead to denial of your I-20 or application and can seriously affect your immigration record. If a document is unclear or does not meet the requirement, ask the school what to provide instead.
Plan this before your SEVIS record moves
A scenario from our call patterns, anonymized: a student released her SEVIS record early, then found the new school's I-20 required more funding proof than she could show, and she could not return to her previous school. For that reason, confirm financial clearance before any release.
Next steps
Ask your school for: the exact amount, accepted evidence, document-date rule, and its affidavit form. Collect documents in that order.
Disclaimer: General information only, not legal or financial advice. Requirements change.