Financial documentation
Requirements
A valid U.S. government form (Form I-20 or DS-2019) is required for you to:
- Obtain a visa and enter the U.S.
- Transfer from another U.S. school to the University of Missouri.
- Maintain F or J visa status once a student is within the U.S.
Educational institutions in the United States are required by a U.S. federal regulation to have documentary proof of adequate financial support before an international student may:
- Be admitted to the university and receive a Form I-20 or DS-2019.
- Extend or change program information on the Form I-20 or DS-2019.
- Change financial information on the Form I-20 or DS-2019.
Documents showing proof of adequate financial support
Documents meeting the requirements in the categories below will be accepted at the discretion of the admissions or international student adviser. All financial support documents must be:
- Original documents or certified true copies (faxes and photocopies will not be accepted).
- Dated within 12 months of the intended date of enrollment or time of I-20/DS-2019 change/extension.
- In English or with an official translation into English attached.
Government, scholarship and graduate assistantship funding
- Must be on the official letterhead of the organization or department.
- Must specify the amount, terms and duration of the funding, including specific beginning and ending dates.
Funding from family or friends
- Must complete Affidavit of Support.
- Bank statement or letter must be on bank letterhead and include the name of the account holder, the account number and the specific amount of funds.
- The name of the sponsor on the affidavit of support must match the name of the account holder on the bank statement or letter.
Self-funding
- Bank statement or letter must be on bank letterhead and include the name of the account holder, the account number and the specific amount of funds.
- The name of the account holder on the bank statement or letter must be that of the student/applicant requesting the I-20 or DS-2019.
How much financial support must be shown?
- New MU students must show adequate funding for at least one year at MU, based on the Estimated Annual Expenses.
- Continuing MU students' funding requirements vary based on request and student standing. Contact an international student adviser to determine the amount required.
Frequently asked questions
Can another F-1 or J-1 student be my sponsor on the affidavit of support?
No, a fellow F-1 or J-1 student cannot act as a sponsor for the financial documentation.
Can I make changes to the financial documentation after it has been completed?
No changes or alterations may be made to the document. It must not contain any correction marks upon submission.
Are stocks, bonds or life insurance policies acceptable financial support?
All financial support must be readily accessible. Stocks, bonds and life insurance policies are generally not acceptable.
Are income tax statements, proof of property ownership or employment letters acceptable financial support?
No. You must be able to access the funds within 24 hours. Exception: MU graduate assistantship letters are acceptable.
Do I need to complete an affidavit of support if I am self-funded?
No. If you are providing your own bank statement as your only proof of funding, you do not need to complete an affidavit of support.
Can the letter from the bank state verify "sufficient financial resources" instead of stating the exact account balance?
No. The letter must provide a specific amount of funds.
Can I submit an account statement printed from the Internet?
A statement printed from an online bank account must be stamped by the bank in order for it to be accepted.
