What is F1 Visa Sponsorship?

F1 visa sponsorship is the process of proving that you have enough funds to cover your tuition, fees, and living expenses for the duration of your program. You need to show that you have a reliable source of income or savings that can pay for your education and living costs without depending on public assistance or unauthorized employment. F1 visa sponsorship is also known as financial guarantee or affidavit of support.

Who Can Be Your F1 Visa Sponsor?

You can be your own sponsor if you have enough personal funds, assets, or property that can be converted into cash. However, many international students do not have sufficient financial resources to sponsor themselves. In that case, you can rely on help from other people or organizations who are willing to sponsor you. Your sponsor can be:

• A relative or friend who is a US citizen or permanent resident
• A relative or friend who is a foreign national living in the US or abroad
• An organization or institution that is a nonprofit or educational sponsor not related to you
• A government agency or scholarship program that offers financial aid to international students

Your sponsor does not have to live in the US or be related to you. However, they must be able to provide evidence of their financial ability and willingness to support you. Find more

What are the Requirements and Documents for F1 Visa Sponsorship?

To apply for F1 visa sponsorship, you and your sponsor need to meet certain requirements and provide some documents. Here are the main steps you need to follow:

• Fill out the Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. This form is issued by the school you have been accepted to and shows the details of your program, the estimated cost of attendance, and the amount of financial aid you have received. You need to sign the form and keep it with you when you apply for the F1 visa.
• Fill out the Form I-134, Affidavit of Support. This form is filled out by your sponsor and shows their relationship to you, their income and assets, and their promise to support you financially. Your sponsor needs to sign the form and attach supporting documents such as bank statements, tax returns, employment letters, etc.
• Prepare other documents that prove your financial ability and ties to your home country. These may include your academic transcripts, test scores, admission letter, passport, bank statements, scholarship letters, etc. You need to bring these documents with you when you attend the visa interview at the US embassy or consulate.

Conclusion

F1 visa sponsorship is an important part of your student visa application. You need to have a financial sponsor who can cover your education and living expenses while you are in the US. Your sponsor can be yourself, a relative, a friend, or an organization. You and your sponsor need to fill out some forms and provide some documents that show your financial ability and willingness to support you. By following these steps, you can increase your chances of getting your F1 visa and pursuing your dream of studying in the US.