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
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”