Student Certification Form
International students planning to enroll on a student (F-1 or J-1) visa must complete the Student Certification Form and provide proof of financial support. Before an I-20 or Ds-2019 Form will be issued, the student must be admitted to the University and provide assurance that sufficient financial resources are available to cover the costs for the first year of study and that adequate funding will be available for subsequent years.
Financial support may be obtained from more than one source, but documentation must be original, certified, and no more than 6 months old. Applicants should maintain a second set financial documents to apply for the visa as the documents submitted to the University will not be copied or returned.
Financial Information
Providing Proof of Availability of Funds.
If a family member or another individual is sponsoring you, then you must submit:
An affidavit of support signed and certified by each sponsor indicating his or her willingness to provide financial support for you during your entire stay in the United States. The affidavit must be witnessed by a notary, a bank official, or another person who is authorized to administer oaths.
An original and certified bank statement, less than 6 months old, showing current available balance and average funds balance (in U.S. dollars) for the past year (for each affidavit) OR a certified statement from an officer of the bank, postal or other financial institution where sponsor has assets, including the following details regarding the account:
- Date account was opened;
- amount deposited for past year (in U.S. dollars) and
- Present balance (in U.S. dollars).
- You may also include: A certified letter from the employer of each sponsor that verifies
- The dates of employment;
- The sponsor’s position;
- Annual salary (in U.S. dollars) and
- Whether the position is temporary or permanent.
→ If the sponsor is a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, he or she must submit a copy of current year’s federal income tax forms.
→ The total of all sponsored/individual funding sources must equal or exceed total costs for one full year of study.
If you are paying for your education with your own funds, you must submit: An original and certified bank statement, less than 6 months old, that shows both current available balance and the average funds balance (in U.S. dollars) for the last year. A certified statement from an officer of the bank, postal or other financial institution where you have assets, including the following details regarding the account: Date account was opened; Total amount deposited for past year (in U.S. dollars) and Present balance (in U.S. dollars). * The documents submitted must provide proof that you have enough money for the entire period of study.
If you are funded through a government loan, grant, or scholarship: You must have your sponsoring agency submit an official letter explaining the amount, terms, and duration of the award. The letter should also include instructions as to how and when tuition and fees will be paid (billing must be through an embassy or agent in the United States).
If you are receiving financial aid (assistantship, scholarship, etc.) from Norfolk State University: You must have the department provide a copy of your award letter to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions or the Office of Graduate Studies.
If a local sponsor is providing in-kind support through room and/or board: You must submit a notarized bank statement certifying the support and any terms under which it is granted. On the affidavit, write “housing” in the third blank space of item #2 so that the sentence reads, “…or will provide housing as a means of support.”