Getting the financials right is the difference between a smooth F-1 interview and a refusal. This guide shows exactly what to show, who can sponsor you, and how to avoid common mistakes—with Nigeria-specific tips.
What “proof of funds” actually means
- Your school (DSO) must review evidence that you can cover study and living costs before it issues your Form I-20. You should also bring this evidence to your visa interview and keep it handy for entry to the U.S. (CBP may ask to see it). studyinthestates.dhs.gov
- At the interview, the consular officer may request evidence of how you will pay all educational, living and travel costs, in addition to your academic prep and intent to depart after study. Travel
Practical translation: Your I-20 lists estimated costs (tuition + living). Be ready to show credible, liquid funding to meet those costs and that your plan is sustainable.
Documents that work (primary options)
U.S. government guidance lists these as acceptable types of financial ability evidence (you can use more than one):
• Family bank statements • Sponsor documentation • Financial aid letters • Scholarship/assistantship letters • Employer letter showing annual salary (where relevant). USCIS
Common, credible proofs Nigerian students use:
- Personal or sponsor bank statements (recent, showing steady history + available balance)
- Bank letter confirming balance/ownership
- Scholarship/assistantship/tuition waiver letters
- Approved education loan letter
- Employer letter (if your employer funds you) stating annual pay and sponsorship details
Tip: University pages will spell out formatting (e.g., “recent statements,” English translation, currency). Follow your school’s exact instructions when they prepare your I-20. (Schools set the cost figures on the I-20 and verify you have resources.) isss.umbc.edu
Sponsors: who can sponsor you and how to show it
Who can sponsor? Parents, close relatives, organizations, your employer, or your school (scholarship/assistantship).
What to attach for private sponsors (parents/relatives):
- Sponsor letter stating relationship, amount and duration of support
- Sponsor’s bank statements (recent history + current balance)
- Proof of income (employment letter/pay slips) or business docs
- Relationship evidence (birth/marriage certificates where relevant)
I-134 (Declaration of Financial Support):
Some sponsors also complete USCIS Form I-134 to formally declare they will support a temporary visitor. It’s not mandatory for F-1 but can add credibility if used correctly; read the official form and instructions to see if it fits your case. USCIS+1
How much to show (and in what form)
- Use the I-20 totals as your baseline for tuition + living for the first year; then show how future years will be funded (scholarship continuation, family income, savings plan, etc.).
- Prefer liquid funds (cash, current/savings, certificates easily liquidated). Avoid relying on assets that aren’t quickly accessible.
Keep your proof simple: a one-page cover note that totals your funding sources in USD (and NGN equivalent), then attach the supporting pages.
Nigeria-focused checklist (ready to adapt)
Your cover note should include:
- Budget table (tuition, fees, living, travel) vs Funds available
- Who pays what (you vs sponsor(s))
- Evidence index (Bank statements, scholarship letters, loan approvals, etc.)
- Large deposits explanation (if any) — a short “source of funds” note
Attach:
- Recent bank statements (clean PDFs, legible names & balances)
- Sponsor packet (letter + statements + income proof + relationship proof)
- Scholarship/assistantship letters (with amounts and duration)
- Education loan approval letter (if applicable)
- Employer letter (if company supports or you’re on paid study leave)
Red flags that cause problems
Misrepresentation (altered statements, fake letters) — can trigger long bans
Large, unexplained deposits shortly before printing the statement
Balances that only meet the target for a few days or via short-term borrowing
Non-liquid assets presented as if they were cash
Name mismatches (passport vs bank account), fuzzy scans, or unofficial letters
Reapplying with the same weak financials after a previous refusal
Sample sponsor letter (edit and print on A4)
[Date]
To: Consular Officer, U.S. Embassy/Consulate
I, [Sponsor Full Name], [relationship to student], confirm that I will provide financial support
to [Student Full Name, Passport No. ______] for study at [School Name] in the amount of
USD [amount] per academic year for [duration]. Funds will cover tuition, fees, and living costs.
Evidence attached: [bank statements for last X months], [employment letter/pay slips],
[relationship proof]. I understand this is a good-faith commitment to support the student’s
temporary stay during study.
Signed,
[Signature]
[Phone/Email]
(If you choose to use Form I-134, include the completed form + required financial evidence per USCIS instructions.) USCIS
When and where proof of funds is checked (3 touchpoints)
- Before I-20 – Your DSO must collect acceptable financial evidence before issuing the I-20. studyinthestates.dhs.gov
- Visa interview – Officer can request evidence of how you’ll pay all costs. Travel
- Port of entry – Keep the same evidence with you; CBP may ask on arrival. studyinthestates.dhs.gov
If your financial situation changes later, your DSO must update SEVIS/I-20 with the new information. studyinthestates.dhs.gov
Quick FAQ
Do I need six months of statements?
There’s no single number in federal rules; follow your school’s I-20 instructions and show a credible recent history (many schools ask for several months). isss.umbc.edu
Can a family friend sponsor me?
Yes—provide a strong rationale for the relationship and complete evidence of the sponsor’s funds/income. Consider adding I-134 if appropriate. USCIS
Are loans okay?
Yes, if approved and documented; include the official loan letter stating the amount available for study. oiss.ucsb.edu
Will I be asked exact figures at the interview?
The officer may ask how you will pay all costs; answer clearly and point to your documents. Travel
Ready-made extras for your post
- Download: F-1 Proof-of-Funds Pack (sponsor letter template, budget table, cover-note outline)
- WhatsApp eligibility check:
https://wa.me/234XXXXXXXXXX?text=Please%20review%20my%20F1%20proof%20of%20funds.
