Graduate School

Guidelines for Certification of Finances

Please read this information prior to the completion of the Certification of Finances Form

PDF version of this document is available here.

PURPOSE OF FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS

Educational institutions in the United States are required by the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) to have documentary proof of adequate financial support before issuing US Government Forms I-20 or DS-2019.  Failure to fully and properly follow the instructions on this information sheet will result in non-issuance of the I-20 or DS-2019 which is required (1) to obtain a visa and enter the US or (2) to transfer from another U.S. school to The University of Alabama.

Special Financial Requirements.  This information sheet describes regular financial requirements. However, the University reserves the right to require additional or different financial decumentation, including an advance deposit. You will be notified if you must fulfill any special financial requirements. Government Funding, Scholarships, Grants, and Loans.  A letter of award confirming a scholarship or loan must be submitted in place of the "Certification of Finances" and the accompanying bank letter. The award letter must meet the following requirements: must be an original document or certified true copy; must be on official letterhead stationery of the scholarship or loan organization; must be addressed to The University of Alabama; must be dated within twelve months of the intended date of enrollment; must specify the amount, terms and duration of the award or loan, including specific beginning and ending dates; and must contain billing instructions specifying how the scholarship or loan organization intends to pay your tuition and fee bills. Privately Sponsored Students.  Proper completion and submission of (1) the "Certification of Finances" and (2) a supporting bank letter are required (see "Instructions for Supporting Bank Letter" below). Self-Sponsored Students.  An original bank letter must be submitted indicating sufficient funds in an account in your name (see "Instructions for Supporting Bank Letter" below).

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUPPORTING BANK LETTER

An original letter on official stationery, or a certified true copy of such letter, must be submitted from a bank or other financial institution where the prospective student, parent, or sponsor has savings deposits, certificates of deposit, money market certificates, or other types of accounts containing readily available funds.  If deposits are in more than one financial institution, a separate letter must be submitted from each bank. The letter(s) must provide a specific amount of funds. The specific amount of funds verified must total at least US$ $21,892 ($25,580.00 for law students) for the 2003/2004 academic year.  Add US $3500.00 per dependent (spouse/child accompanying you to UA).  These figures are subject to change without prior notice. The letter(s) must be signed and dated less than one year from when the student plans to enroll. No changes, alterations, or modifications may be made to any information appearing on the letter(s). Income tax statements or returns, proof of property ownership, and letters stating that the student or the sponsor possesses “sufficient financial resources “or earns enough are not acceptable as evidence of readily available funds. The letter must be in English; otherwise, attach an official translation into English.

EMPLOYMENT IN THE U.S. AND UA FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

A. Graduate Assistantships.  Awards are based upon merit, not need.  Graduate assistantships and other awards may not cover all estimated expenses.  In this case, the student will be responsible for providing proof of funds for the remaining amount.  The student must, therefore, comply with the financial requirements that apply to students who are not receiving graduate assistantships. B.  Athletic Scholarships.  Scholarships may not cover all estimated expenses.  In this case, you must also comply with the requirements, which apply to students who are not receiving scholarships. C. Capstone International Programs and Services (CIPS) Grants.  Exchange students generally receive grants from CIPS.  However, grants may not cover all estimated expenses.  In this case, the student must also comply with the requirements, which apply to sponsored students who are not receiving CIPS grants. D. On-Campus Employment.  On-Campus jobs are few in number and difficult to obtain.  Therefore, you are advised not to plan on supplementing your financial support with on-campus employment. E. Off-Campus Employment.  It is a violation of BCIS regulations for international students to be employed off the university campus without first obtaining written work authorization.  This permission is not easily obtained.  Therefore, you are advised not to expect to supplement your financial support by working off campus.

Additional Information The form must be fully and properly completed by the financial sponsor.  Incomplete affidavits will be returned to the prospective student, which will cause a delay in the admission decision. An individual Affidavit (photocopy the form) must be completed by each sponsor who is providing a separate bank letter. If your sponsor is not a relative, he/she must submit a letter describing his/her relationship to you and reasons for sponsoring you. Persons in the U.S. who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents are not acceptable as financial sponsors. Only an original Affidavit or a certified true copy of the original is accepted. No changes, alterations, or modifications may be made to any information on the form. Please type or print clearly in ink. The form must be signed and dated within less than one year of the date when the student plans to enroll at The University of Alabama. The financial sponsor must sign in the presence of a bank official, a notary public, a lawyer, a U.S. embassy or consular officer, or another official in the sponsor's country who is authorized to administer oaths or verify identity and signature.

Doc Revised: 7/02/02.

Page Updated: 07/08/2003