International I-20 Issuance

You do not need to show evidence of financial resources to be admitted to graduate study at San Francisco State University. Admission decisions are not based on evidence of financial resources. However, students who cannot provide evidence of financial resources will not be issued an I-20 Certificate of Eligibility. You will use the I-20 Form to obtain an F1 VISA at a U.S. consulate or embassy in your home country.

The U.S. government requires all schools, including San Francisco State University, to obtain reliable documentation that an international applicant has adequate financial support to meet the expenses of study for I-20 issuance.

Evidence of financial resources may come from a variety of sources such as: scholarships, fellowships, sponsoring agencies, personal or family funds or an individual sponsor. Documentation of scholarships and fellowships should be in the form of an award letter from the sponsoring agency/organization. Documentation of personal or family funds should be on bank letterhead stationery. Click here for Financial Affidavit form.

Proof of Finances and Medical

San Francisco State University's Financial Affidavit estimates the cost of 2 semesters (9 months) of study as a full time student. You and your sponsor should complete the Financial Affidavit and submit it to our office with documentation from your financial institution.

We recommend that newly admitted students obtain duplicate copies of their financial documents. Be prepared to present your evidence of financial resources to a U.S. consulate or embassy official at the time of your VISA interview.