Admissions
PROVING FINANCIAL ABILITY
Information for
International Students
Applying to BMCC
Visa Requirements
Obtaining your F-1 visa
INS I-20
Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
Financial Support
Employment options
On-Campus Employment
Off-Campus Employment
Based on Economic Hardship
Curricular Practical Training
Optional Practical Training
Workshops
Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions about Financial Support &
Financial Documentation for International Students

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?
  1. 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:
    a letter from the sponsor's employer on the employer's company letterhead stating the sponsor's salary in US dollar amounts.
    Income tax receipts and forms
    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.
Download affidavits
Proving Financial Ability
Estimated minimum budget
FAQ's
13 rules for students and sponsors
Affidavit of free room & board
Deadlines:
Documentation must be submitted by
November 30 for the Spring semester
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