Proof of funds for a US student visa: what international students should prepare early
Learn what proof of funds means for a US student visa, which documents are accepted, and how international students can prepare early for the visa interview.
Getting your US student visa isn’t just about academics. It’s also about showing that you can realistically afford to study and live in the US.
For many international students, proof of funds is the most stressful part of the process, especially when timelines are tight and documents are spread across banks, family members and lenders. The good news is that this is one area where early preparation can make a real difference.
Here’s what proof of funds means for a US student visa, which documents are commonly accepted, and how to prepare well before your visa interview.
What does “proof of funds” mean for a US student visa?
Proof of funds is evidence that you can cover the cost of studying in the US without relying on unauthorised work or last-minute funding.
For an F-1 student visa, US authorities typically want to see that you can pay for:
Tuition and mandatory university fees
Living expenses such as housing, food, transport and health insurance
Other academic costs for at least the first year of study
These figures are reflected on your Form I-20, which your university issues after reviewing your financial information.
Why proof of funds matters so much
From a visa officer’s perspective, proof of funds helps answer three key questions:
Can you afford your studies without financial hardship?
Are your funding sources credible and lawful?
Are your plans realistic for the duration of the programme?
Clear, well-organised financial documents reduce uncertainty. They also make the interview smoother, because you can explain your funding plan confidently and consistently.
When should you start preparing proof of funds?
Earlier than most students expect.
Ideally, you should begin preparing proof of funds as soon as you accept your university offer, or even earlier if possible. This gives you time to:
Arrange funding across multiple sources
Secure loan approvals or sanction letters*
Avoid rushed bank statements or last-minute transfers
Leaving this until after your I-20 is issued can limit your options and add unnecessary pressure.
Commonly accepted proof of funds documents
US embassies don’t publish a single fixed checklist, but international students typically rely on a combination of the following.
Personal or family savings
This can include:
Bank statements showing available balances
Fixed deposits or term deposits
Savings accounts in your or your sponsor’s name
Statements should be recent and clearly show the account holder’s name and currency.
Education loan sanction letters
An education loan approval letter, often called a sanction letter, is widely accepted as proof of funds.*
It confirms that a recognised lender has approved a specific loan amount for your studies, which is particularly helpful when savings alone don’t cover the full cost of attendance.
The letter usually states:
Approved loan amount
Purpose (education abroad)
Name of the university and programme
Validity period
For visa purposes, approval matters more than whether funds have already been disbursed.
Scholarships or fellowships
If you’ve received a scholarship, you can include:
Official award letters
Confirmation of the amount and duration
Details of what costs are covered
Partial scholarships are common and can be combined with savings or loans.*
Affidavits of support
If a parent or sponsor is supporting you financially, you may be asked to provide:
An affidavit of support
Proof of relationship
Supporting bank statements
This helps establish the legitimacy of the funding source.
How much proof of funds do you need?
In most cases, you’re expected to show funding that matches or exceeds the first-year cost listed on your I-20.
This usually includes:
One academic year of tuition and fees
Estimated living expenses for the same period
Some students choose to show funds for the full programme. While not always required, this can strengthen your financial profile if it’s realistic and well documented.
Using education loans as proof of funds
Education loans are a common and accepted funding source for US student visas.*
Visa officers typically look for:
A credible lender*
A sufficient approved amount*
Clear confirmation that the loan is approved, not just applied for*
A clear and current sanction letter usually meets these expectations.
With Prodigy Finance, for example, students often explain that:
Loans are available to students from 120+ countries*
Eligibility is assessed using future earning potential, not collateral*
USD $100 in-school payments are included as part of the standard product*
Full monthly repayments begin 6 months after your course is complete*
When approved, we send the funds to your school*
What doesn’t usually count as proof of funds
To avoid surprises, it helps to know what may raise questions:
Unverified cash deposits with no clear explanation
Short-term borrowed funds that must be repaid immediately
Informal promises of support without documentation
Transparency matters more than perfection. Multiple funding sources are fine, as long as each one is clearly documented.
Preparing for your visa interview
Proof of funds isn’t just about paperwork. It’s also about how clearly you explain your plan.
Before your interview, practise answering:
Who is funding your education?
How much comes from savings, loans or scholarships?*
How long will this funding last?
Your answers should match your documents exactly.
A simple early-prep checklist
Aim to have the following ready well in advance:
Recent bank statements or deposit certificates
Education loan sanction letter, if applicable*
Scholarship or funding award letters
Affidavit of support, if using a sponsor
A clear summary of how everything adds up
This makes it easier to respond quickly if your university or the embassy asks for more detail.
Final thoughts
Proof of funds is one of the most important parts of your US student visa application, and one of the easiest to strengthen with early planning.
Starting early gives you flexibility, reduces stress, and helps you present a clear, credible financial story. That clarity can make a real difference when it matters most.
If you’re exploring education loans as part of your funding plan, you can check whether a Prodigy Finance loan could support your studies in the US.*
Check your loan eligibility with Prodigy Finance*
