International Financial Details

F-1 and J-1 students must affirm the ability to cover the first year of study, through financial documentation for the estimated total, before the university can issue a Certificate of Visa Eligibility (Form I-20 or DS-2019).

Required Financial Form

Financial Form 2026

Complete this form if you have been admitted to UB in spring 2026 or fall 2026 and will need an I-20 to apply for a student visa.

Financial Form Summer Start 2026

Complete this form if you have been admitted to UB in summer 2026 and will need an I-20 to apply for a student visa.

Acceptable Financial Documentation

  • Must be printed on official letterhead
  • Must show liquid assets that can be readily converted into cash if needed
  • Must be dated within one year of the anticipated date the student will commence studies
  • Must be written in English or accompanied by official translation
  • Must clearly state the currency of funds
  • Must clearly state the name of the account holder/recipient
  • Must be clear photocopies
  • Documents submitted become the property of UB.
Bank Statement/Letter
  • Must include total available balance (detailed transaction history not required).
  • Specifies type of account (i.e. checking, savings, fixed deposit, certificate of deposit).
  • Maturity date must be before the start of the semester, if applicable.
Scholarship/Assistantship Letter
  • Must clearly state what the scholarship includes, such as tuition, fees and health insurance. 
  • If includes a stipend, it must state the dollar amount.
Loan Letters/Lines of Credit
  • Loans must be fully sanctioned (approved). Conditionally approved or In-Principle Loans will not be accepted as proof of funds.
  • Must clearly state the total approved amount/borrowing limit.
Retirement/Provident Funds
  • Must be accompanied by an official document which specifies that the funds are liquefiable and the amount of money that is immediately accessible.
  • Must clearly state the amount that can be withdrawn before the start date of classes. Just showing a total available balance is not sufficient.
Government Funding
  • Must be printed on official letterhead and signed by an appropriate government officer.
  • Evidence of support should detail the purpose of the support, amount  of support, and specify the period during which the support will be available.
Company Funding
  • The financial support will come from the company and not a specific person associated with the company.
  • Must be accompanied by a letter on company letterhead that is endorsed by the company official with financial authority. The letter must include:
    • the full name of student
    • the amount and duration of sponsorship
    • the name of University at Buffalo as the institution to which the award is applicable.
NOT Acceptable Documentation
 
  • Letters of Employment/Salary Statements
  • Credit Card Statements
  • Insurance Policy Statements
  • Tax Return Statements
  • Trust Funds
  • Mutual Funds
  • Stock Market Statements
  • Valuation Statements (Jewelry, Gold, Property)
  • Chartered Account Statements
  • Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, etc.)