US regulations require all internationals students to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds for their program of study. This includes tuition, school fees, and living expenses for themselves and all their dependants (spouse and/or children) who are accompanying them to the United States.

To be eligible to receive the I-20 or DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility you must provide verification of funding for at least the first year of your program to the International Services Office.

If you are supporting yourself, you must provide bank statements verifying that you have the stated funds. Only bank statements or a letter from the bank on official letterhead signed by a bank official will be accepted as verification of funds.

If you are financially supported by someone other than yourself, each person or organization providing financial support must complete a Declaration of Financial Support (DFS) form. The DFS must be submitted to the International Services Office along with supporting bank statements (in some cases organizations may submit an official budget statement in lieu of a bank statement).

If you are receiving a scholarship, government grant, government loan, or private bank loan, you may submit your award letter in lieu of a bank statement.

The DFS and accompanying bank statements should be sent by mail to the International Services Office no later than 90 days prior to your program start date. Faxes and scanned copies are generally not accepted.

Please note that although Fuller only requires proof of funds for one year in order to process the I-20/DS-2019, you should prepare funding for your entire program and be able to show evidence that you will be able to support yourself for the duration of your program to the US Consular Officer at the visa interview.