Proof of Financial Support

In compliance with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations, University of Illinois at Chicago requires all admitted international students to submit detailed financial information statements before a Form I-20/DS-2019 can be processed. These statements should include the amounts and sources of funds available for their educational expenses in the United States.

Admitted students must submit (or have submitted for them) certified bank statements in English verifying that they have sufficient funds available to finance their first year's tuition and living expenses. Financial assistance awards may be deducted from the amount to be certified. Students planning to enroll in summer courses are advised to budget an additional amount of money to cover their summer tuition expenses.

Because some embassy officials verify students' financial certification, students should obtain two original copies (with original signatures) of the bank letter. One copy can be sent to the University, while the student retains the other copy for obtaining the visa.

The cost estimate for living expenses covers only minimal essential expenditures. Expenses for clothing, recreation, and incidentals are variable, and the cost of travel outside Chicago is not included. Since students admitted to the United States on student visas are not permitted to work off-campus during the first academic year (thereafter only under limited circumstances), employment should not be considered as a means of support.

It is very important that international students who wish to study at the University of Illinois at Chicago come prepared to financially support the cost of their education during the entire time that they expect to remain in the United States.

Dowload the Declaration of Finances form.