Proof of Funding

Before issuing an I-20, the University is required by law to verify that a student has the funds to cover the cost of his or her academic program. We do this by asking for documents to show that the funds are currently available for the estimated total cost of the student’s first year of study and certification that funds will be provided for subsequent years. Below you will find a list of documents that are acceptable for this purpose. We reserve the right to request additional documentation after we have reviewed what you submitted.

Before issuing a DS-2019 Form for J-1 students, the University is required by law to verify that a student has the funds to cover the cost of his or her academic program. We do this by asking for documents to show that the funds are currently available for the estimated total program cost based on the length of time indicated on the DS-2019 form. Below you will find a list of documents that are acceptable for this purpose. We reserve the right to request additional documentation after we have reviewed what you submitted.

Each document must be presented in English on the letterhead of the agency issuing it and clearly show:

  • The name of the account holder 
  • The amount in the account  
  • The currency 
  • Specify the liquidity of the funds, to include a statement that the funds in the account are available for withdrawal before the start date of the program
  • Date document issued (must be within 1 year) 
  • At least one of the following: 
    • Signature of the issuing agency official OR 
    • Issuing agency stamp OR 
    • Issuing agency seal
      Note: this requirement also applies to computer-generated documents that say no signature is required

For documents that follow the criteria stated above, we only accept:

  • Bank statements or letters
  • Money market statements
  • Stock portfolio summary statements for US-based investment companies (we accept 30% of the value stated and the document must be dated within 1 month of the I-20 application submission date)
  • Pre-approved education loan and other loan certificates or letters (must specify the name of the student, dates valid, amount of loan, and any limitations/conditions)
  • Gold certificate issued by a government agency, bank, or investment company (we do not accept jewelry valuations) 
  • Corporate sponsorship letter with the following:
    • Name of student
    • Program of study and dates
    • Funding amount and purpose of funding (specify tuition, living expenses, and/or mandatory health insurance)
    • A statement that the signatory has the authority to commit and withdraw the funds as stated
    • Signed by the CEO or CFO

Supplemental information, such as a corporate bank statement, or other clarification in response to our inquiry must be provided by the issuing agency following the same criteria stated above.

For students awarded Mason funding or government sponsorship:

  • Submit your fully signed offer/sponsorship letter that contains:
    • Letterhead or other official identifying information
    • Name of student
    • Dates of funding or scholarship
    • Funding amount and purpose (specify tuition, living expenses/stipend, and/or required health insurance)
    • Name and signature of an authorized representative of the issuing office

Questions about Proof of Funding requirements should be sent to:

 

What is a CFR?

A Certificate of Financial Responsibility (CFR) and supporting bank statements show your ability to pay the tuition and living expenses.

CFR Instructions

Click here to download a sample Certificate of Financial Responsibility (CFR) form.