The U.S. federal government requires all F-1 visa applicants to provide documentation of sufficient finances for one year of studies, including living expenses. JCCC collects and verifies this documentation from prospective students prior to issuing a form I-20 through the Certificate of Finances form. The form guides students to calculate the required amount and upload relevant documentation.
Note the following related guidelines:
- Documentation may be in the form of a bank statement or other official bank document from a checking, savings, deposit, or current account. Investment accounts are not acceptable. All funds must be liquid and available for withdrawal.
- Bank documents must clearly show the name of the account holder and the closing balance.
- Bank documents must be dated and less than six months old.
- F-1/J-1 visa holders are not eligible to act as a financial or room and board sponsor.
- JCCC may request additional documentation if needed.
- Each student may have up to two financial sponsors.
Students are responsible for their own JCCC accounts and ensuring timely payments, even if financial sponsorship is provided by another person. Only limited scholarship and work opportunities are available, so having funds available is crucial to success.
Notes for sponsors:
- Financially sponsoring an international student is a serious and ongoing financial commitment. Consider whether you are willing and able to continue providing financial sponsorship for the duration of a student’s time at JCCC, which is often two years or sometimes longer.
- Sponsorship does not give you the right to own/access the student’s academic record or I-20.
- It is illegal for international students to work off-campus without authorization, including providing services in someone’s home in exchange for sponsorship. Providing financial sponsorship is a “no strings attached” agreement.