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Why
do I need to prove financial ability?
There are strict US government regulations that determine who
may receive INS Form I-20.
BMCC tries to ensure that our students will not denied be visas
because of financial questions.
In addition, inability to prove financial support results in pain
and suffering for students. BMCC insists that families think carefully
about the real costs of studying and living in New York and make sure
that students' needs are provided for.
What are the components of the financial
documentation package I must submit?
- Statement
of Financial Resources with appropriate attachments.
These attachments may include proof of sponsor's income, bank
statements of accounts, proof of stocks and bonds, and real estate
deeds. Note the sponsor must sign this statement in the presence
of a notary public. The notary public must sign and seal the Statement
of Financial Resources.
Proof of sponsor's income should be stated in US dollar amounts.
Acceptable proof of a sponsor's income include:
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a letter from the sponsor's
employer on the employer's company letterhead stating the
sponsor's salary in US dollar amounts. |
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Income tax receipts and forms |
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bank estimates of the sponsor's
individual income if the sponsor is self-employed. In this
case, the bank should estimate the salary of the individual
sponsor and not the revenue of a company that the sponsor
may own. |
Note: Bank account statements are unacceptable
as proof of a sponsor's income. Similarly, documents stating that
the sponsor has "enough" or "sufficient" income
to support a student are unacceptable.
2. Affidavit
of Sponsor Providing Free Room and Board.
If one of your sponsors is offering you free room and board, that
sponsor must complete this affidavit. Note the sponsor must sign
this statement in the presence of a notary public. The notary public
must sign and seal the Statement of Financial Resources.
Note: Please send these documents in the US mail. Do not fax them.
Except for tax receipts and forms, leases and deeds, all other papers
must be originals. Copies will be rejected and returned.
Where can I find a notary? There are notaries at all US embassies
and consulates. In the US many local pharmacists, lawyers, and accountants
are notaries. There are notaries in all countries although names for
them may be different. Notaries are officials licensed by the national
or regional government to take sworn statements for courts of law
or to witness contracts or property deeds.
Can I submit my financial forms separately
or must they be submitted together? Submit all of your financial papers together.
Families should designate one family member to collect all papers
and submit the complete package. Partial documentation will be returned.
Will it help me if my sponsor promises more
money than the estimated budget? Not necessarily. Sponsors should promise what they truly
intend to give.
If sponsors promise more than they can actually afford, this could
work against you.
Can I sponsor myself?
Yes, international students can sponsor themselves, either partly
or in full. If you want to sponsor yourself, you do not need to submit
an Affidavit of Sponsor Providing Free Room and Board. Provide a recent
bank statement in your name. To determine if you have enough money
to cover educational and living expenses, we will divide the amount
of money in the bank account by two because BMCC has two-year programs.
Can a scholarship count as part of my financial resources?
Yes. Please provide an award letter from the private or government
scholarship board stating how much money you are to receive and for
how many years.
If my sponsor offers to give me free
room and board, how much is that worth?
We estimate that room and board account for more than half
of the dollar amount needed to support a student. If your sponsor
has offered you free room and board, be sure to submit the Affidavit
of Sponsor Providing Free Room and Board, along with a copy of the
property deed or rental lease. Such affidavits will not be accepted
if the place to live is too small or too far away from the college.
How much money do I or my sponsors have to show?
You need to prove that you or your sponsors have enough money
to sustain the minimum estimated budget.
Can I submit supporting
financial documents in a language other than English?
No. Please submit officially translated documents using US
currency.
What is the deadline for submitting my financial
documentation to BMCC? November 30 for the Spring semester. |