F1 Visa Financial Documentation
-
Hello everyone,
I'm currently preparing to apply for an F1 visa for graduate studies in the US, and I'm seeking some advice. I've heard conflicting information about the financial documentation required for the visa application. Can anyone provide clarity on what exactly needs to be included in the financial documentation for an F1 visa application? Additionally, should the funds be in an account solely under my name, or is it acceptable if they're in an account owned by a family member or friend?
Thank you for your assistance!
-
For F1 visa applications, you need to provide evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses for at least the first year of your studies. Typically, this proof can come from:
- Bank statements showing the availability of funds.
- Scholarship letters: If you have received a scholarship, a letter from the institution confirming the scholarship amount (I-20 form may suffice in many cases).
- Sponsorship letters: If someone else (like a parent or other sponsor) is funding your education, a letter from them stating their relationship to you and their commitment to supporting your studies.
- Loan approval documents: If you've secured a loan, documentation that the loan has been approved.
Ideally, having funds in your own name simplifies the process, as it directly demonstrates your available resources, however, this is not the case with most students. Thus, it is common and acceptable for the funds to be in an account owned by a parent or other family member. However, in such cases, additional documentation might be needed, such as affidavit of support (which is a document from the family member or sponsor affirming their relationship to you and their commitment to supporting your studies financially) and/or proof of relationship (e.g., birth certificates, marriage certificates, or other legal documents establishing the relationship).
-
Here's the link to a google doc I made for those applying for an F1 visa: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VQJJpUVOCqjCiLjDcA6VMG56H91zaPCwikfsUd5OE88/edit?usp=sharing