U.S. federal immigration regulations require that all F-1 visa applicants prove they have enough funds for the total estimated cost of attending the university and living in the U.S. for one academic year (nine months for most programs).
J-1 visa applicants must show the total cost of attendance for the program dates on their DS-2019. You can multiply your program’s estimated cost by the expected number of years in your program as a starting point. ISSS will provide a more precise estimate once you submit your immigration document request.
ISSS must collect proof of funding from students requesting immigration documents. The proof of funding must confirm that the student has at least the minimum amount of funding to cover estimated tuition, student fees, and living expenses during the required terms for their program.
This minimum amount is called the estimated cost of attendance for your program. ISSS must include information about how you plan to cover your estimated cost of attendance on your I-20 or DS-2019. You may also need to provide this proof for your visa interview or change of status application.
Please note that actual costs may increase for the 2025-2026 academic year and are otherwise subject to change without notice and may not reflect all costs for every program. Taking more credit hours may increase the cost of your program.
Students whose spouse or children will accompany them to the United States must provide proof of how they will cover each family member’s living expenses. Children who will be in an F-2 or J-2 status must be unmarried and under the age of 21. Students in 9-month programs should add $6,750 per year for each dependent family member. Those in 12-month programs should add $9,000 per year for each dependent.
Please review this document for the current cost of attendance numbers for your program.
Please schedule an ISSS advising appointment or participate in walk-in advising hours if you have additional questions.