Financial Support Documentation

In order to obtain a Form I-20, the document which is used to apply for an F-1 visa, a student must demonstrate that sufficient funds are readily available to meet all expenses for the first year of study.

  • Tuition and fees are just one part of the overall cost to attend CU Boulder. The full cost of attendance for an academic year could include expenses such as on-campus housing and food, books and supplies, and items that are not billed by the university, such as personal expenses, transportation, and medical insurance. View the full cost of attendance.

Funding Amount

You are required to demonstrate available funds that are, at minimum, equal to the total amount listed on the “Estimated Cost of Attendance Worksheet” for your program. It is acceptable to have multiple financial sponsors and/or a combination of acceptable document types to meet this requirement. An Affidavit of Support is required from each individual person providing documents showing financial support. All documents must be translated to English.

Acceptable Documents

  • Bank/financial institution account statements
  • Bank/financial certification letter
  • Term deposit statement
  • Support/Funding/Assistantship Offer letter from the University of Colorado Boulder
  • Sponsorship letter
  • Scholarship award letter
  • Educational loan sanction letter
  • Educational savings accounts (including a 529 College Savings Plan or Roth IRA)

Funding Documentation Criteria

  • Must be dated within 6 months
  • Must show name of financial institution/ be on bank letterhead
  • Must state the name(s) of the account holder(s) in English
  • Currency type must be clearly displayed
  • Clearly show the account balance
  • Clearly show the statement date
  • Should be one summary page only
  • Must be liquid assets such as checking and/or savings account, certificate of deposit, mutual funds, etc.
  • Must be dated within 6 months
  • Must show a closing available balance no less than the amount of funds you intend to use to demonstrate sufficient funds
  • Must be on financial institution’s letterhead and indicate their address
  • Must state the name(s) of the account holder(s) in English
  • Currency type must be clearly displayed
  • Clearly show the account balance
  • Must be signed by bank official with their name and title printed
  • Must have bank seal
  • Must be liquid assets such as checking and/or savings account, certificate of deposit, mutual funds, etc.
  • A separate, completed, and signed Affidavit of Support is required for each individual providing sponsorship of the student.
    • If a joint account statement is provided, then an Affidavit of Support is required for each person who is listed as an owner of the account.
    • The Affidavit of Support requires either a wet ink signature or a legally binding digital signature, such as one from or a similar product.
  • You DO NOT need to provide a separate Affidavit of Support for the following:
    • Accounts that are listed in the student’s name
    • Government Sponsorship
    • Funds that come directly from the University of Colorado Boulder.
      • For example:
        • Department Assistantships
        • Academic Scholarships
        • Athletic Scholarships
        • Educational Loans
  • Must mention the University of Colorado Boulder
  • Must be dated within 6 months of submission date
  • Must include:
    • Full name of the student
    • Level of study (Bachelors, Masters, etc.)
    • Major
    • Admission Term
    • The statement the sponsor will “cover all tuition and required fees”
    • The duration of the support
    • The amount of the MONTHLY stipend
    • The number of months, per year, the stipend will be received
  • Must be printed on official letterhead
  • Must be signed by the sponsoring agency
  • Must be dated within 6 months
  • Must state the amount, length, and type of award
  • Must clearly show your name
  • Must show the amount of the approved loan
  • Must be fully sanctioned

Documents NOT Accepted:

  • Older than 6 months
  • Business bank statements for an individual sponsor
  • Income or salary statements
  • Assets that are not liquid (real estate, jewelry, automobile, etc.)
  • Tax returns
  • Pension or retirement funds
  • Conditional loan approvals
  • In-principle loan letters
  • Life insurance policy statements
  • Stock holdings
  • Investment portfolios
  • Brokerage accounts
  • Funds that are not immediately accessible
  • Sponsor Letters stating they are “For Admission Purposes Only”