Financial Documentation for Issuance of an I-20

Congratulations on your admission to UMBC. The next step toward your arrival here in Baltimore is the issuance of the SEVIS form I-20, which you will need in order to obtain a student visa. Before this form can be issued, however, we need to receive from you documents establishing that you have sufficient funds to support yourself while you are pursuing your studies at UMBC. 

For the 2004-2005 semester, our estimate of expenses for one year of undergraduate study at UMBC is $30,000, and $26,395 for one year of graduate studies.  This cost will be higher if you plan to bring your spouse or dependent children with you.  However, these estimates already include the Health and Accident Insurance Coverage that all international students are required to have.

Please read the information contained in the links below that relates to how you will be supported during your studies at UMBC.  It is important that you follow all of the requirements noted to ensure your issuance of an I-20 form.

Graduate Students
Being supported by:

        A Teaching or Research Assistantship or Fellowship

        Personal Funds

        Parents, a spouse or other sponsors

        Your government or an international organization

Undergraduate Students
Being supported by:

        Parents, a spouse or other sponsors

        Your government or an international organization

Please understand that the cost of living (i.e., food, rent, health care, etc.) in this area is extremely high, and we must be certain that you have sufficient resources at your disposal. Work opportunities on campus are limited, and cannot be counted on as a means of support. Spouses and children on F-2 visas are not allowed to work at all.

If you have further questions about this or any other matter, please feel free to contact the International Education Office.

rvsd Jan. 2005