International students: How to show financial ability

International students accepted to an American college must then demonstrate financial ability to pay for tuition, books and living expenses while in the United States, according to a story in the U.S. News & World Report.

“There are numerous ways international students can demonstrate financial ability,” explained Ron Cushing, director of UC International Services for the U.S. News & World Report story. “Students must show that they have the first year of support available and indicate how subsequent years of study will be funded.”

U.S. News & World report reports that accepted students at American colleges will work with their designated school official, or DSO, who serves as a liaison between the school and the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. SEVP is a U.S. government program that ensures U.S. schools and international students comply with laws and regulations.

DSOs "are required to receive, review and evaluate proof of financial responsibility for an international student prior to issuing the student a Form I-20," Paige Hughes, a spokeswoman for Homeland Security Investigations, wrote in an email.

A Form I-20 certifies that an international student has been admitted for full-time study once proof of financial ability is established. Hughes says prospective students must provide evidence that meets their school's specific requirements.

After a school issues an I-20, students are eligible to apply for a student visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. A U.S. government official will review the documents, including the evidence of financial ability, and make the final decision about whether a student can pay, and if so will issue a student visa to study in the U.S.

UC enrolled 4,616 international students for Fall 2024 with nearly half coming from India and substantial numbers also coming from China, Vietnam, Nepal and Nigeria, according to the Office of Institutional Research.

Read the full U.S. News & World Report article online.

Featured image of UC students taken by Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand.