What kinds of funding can I show for my US student visa?
Accepted US student visa funding sources include personal savings, savings of your parents or sponsors, fixed deposits that can be accessed when needed, approved education loans, university scholarships or fellowships, and teaching or research assistantships. You must show enough money to the satisfaction of the embassy or consulate.
For a US student visa, you can show several sources of funding as long as you can prove you have enough money for your education and living costs. These include your own savings, family support, approved loans and university awards. The embassy or consulate decides whether your evidence is satisfactory.
Funding sources you can show
| Funding source | Notes |
|---|---|
| Personal savings | Your own funds |
| Parents' or sponsors' savings | Backed by a sponsor letter or affidavit of financial support if the university asks |
| Fixed deposits | Must be accessible when needed |
| Approved education loans | Support with the loan sanction letter |
| University scholarships or fellowships | Support with the award letter |
| Teaching or research assistantships | Support with the assistantship letter |
Papers to have ready
- Form I-20, which shows estimated costs for the academic year or the programme length, whichever is shorter
- Bank statements and balance certificates
- Fixed deposit certificates where applicable
- Sponsor's income tax returns, salary slips or employment proof, and business documents if the sponsor is self-employed
My Advice
Choose the mix of funding that you can document clearly, and avoid sources you cannot prove. If you combine savings, a loan and a scholarship, line the amounts up against your I-20 total. Check the official visa guidance for your appointment before you finalise your file.
Cash income, business income or no ITR?
See whether your funds and documents will pass the US visa check.
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