Proof of Funds for I-20 Issuance

AT OHIO WESLEYAN, we’re dedicated to providing a superior teaching and learning environment for every student, and doing it in the most cost-effective way possible. The basic fees at Ohio Wesleyan are generally comparable to those of other institutions of our size and academic reputation.

By United States law, we cannot issue the SEVIS Form I-20 until we receive authoritative documentation that you have adequate support for your education. This is for your benefit as well as ours. It would be unfortunate for you to have to interrupt your education because of a lack of financial support.

Once we receive your financial certification and relevant documentation, we can issue the I-20 form within a few days, although slight delays could occur during periods when our office is closed. It benefits you to send your financial information as soon as possible. If you need special express mail or a courier service to get the forms from us in a timely manner, you’ll incur additional charges in advance (please see the I-20 Issuance Form (34k PDF*) for details).

It’s important that you know that Ohio Wesleyan takes this Certification of Finances (123k PDF*) very seriously. Providing false information can jeopardize your status as a non-immigrant as well as your status as a student at Ohio Wesleyan.

The following information is required. You may use the College Board’s Certification of Finances (123k PDF*) form or submit other documents if appropriate. We must receive original—not faxed—documentation before we can issue your I-20 form. You, your parents, or your sponsor may contact us anytime to receive answers to questions and concerns.

• Names of all sources—persons and agencies—that contribute to the student’s financial support.
• The amount of funding provided by each source for each year of study.
• Official documentation of the specific amount of funds from each source. Appropriate documentation might include the signature of bank official or a separate bank letter; an official letter from an employer documenting salary; parent, sponsor, and student signatures.
• Assured support for the first year of study must be absolutely guaranteed and must equal the difference between the Ohio Wesleyan financial award and total expenses.
• Projected supported for all other years of study. You may not begin a degree program without such projected support, which must take into account the expected four percent or greater annual increase in expenses. (See Figuring the Amount to Be Certified)
• Expected earnings from on-campus employment or from any other employment in the United States cannot be included as a source of support.

Note: To avoid delays and leave time for paperwork corrections and to make travel arrangements, it’s important to file your paperwork as early as possible.

Figuring the Amount to Be Certified

The amount that you must certify for the first year is $44,790 (total expenses for 2008-2009, which includes University fees, books, estimated health insurance, estimated personal and vacation living expenses) minus the amount of any financial assistance from Ohio Wesleyan. For example (see below), a student receiving a $12,000 award would need to certify $32,790 for the first year. For the remaining years, add $1,400 each year (estimated).

EXAMPLE

(In this example, the student receives a $12,000 scholarship)

* Note: Total expenses for 2008-2009 are fixed. Other years’ expenses are estimated.

Common Problems

Delays in processing your I-20 may occur because of the following issues:

• Not remembering to take annual fee increases into account, resulting in incorrect amounts.
• Not submitting documentation with the Certification of Finances.
• Not submitting the required signatures on the form or documentation.

If you omit these steps, the I-20 cannot be issued and you will be contacted to make the corrections.

Other Issues

• If there are unexpected delays caused by the above omissions, you might need us to send the I-20 by courier. Courier service costs $45 in advance (see the I-20 Issuance Form).
• If we don’t have an acceptable mailing address, we may not be able to honor your request for courier service. Couriers do not deliver to Post Office boxes; they must have a street address.
• If you receive your 1-20 form close to the beginning of a new term, you may find that the lines at the U.S. Consulate are much longer than usual and you may not be able to make appropriate travel arrangements.

Submit your financial certification as early as possible!

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