Certificate of Eligibility: Form I–20

I-20 Process | Completing the Certificate and Affidavit |
Financial Documentation |
Addressing Correspondence & Questions |

 

The Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20) is a document issued by a college indicating that the student has met all admission requirements and has documented sufficient funding to meet all expenses. With an I-20 and original financial documentation, a student may apply for an F-1 student visa. F-1 status permits full-time study in the United States.

I-20 Process

There are several sequential steps required in the process to receive a Form I–20 from Hiram College. The Form I-20 is issued only after a student has been offered admission and submitted the following:

  • Admission Acceptance Form (enclosed with the letter of admission)
  • Non-refundable USD$200 enrollment deposit
  • International Student Profile indicating intended major
  • Clear copy of the passport biography page(s) including those that show passport number and expiration date
  • Verification of Status form (required only from students studying in the U.S. with an F-1 visa)
  • Certificate of Finances detailing your four year financial plan to meet educational and living expenses
  • Affidavit(s) of Sponsorship
  • Documentation of financial capability from each funding source listed on the Certificate of Finances and Affidavit(s) of Sponsorship

Total funds attested on the Certificate of Finances must be sufficient to meet the estimated annual cost of education at Hiram. To calculate the minimum amount of financial resources which must be reflected on the Certificate of Finances, subtract any funds awarded to you by Hiram College from the estimated total costs. Students may show more than the minimum resources needed if the documentation of financial capability supports it.

Estimated Total Costs for 2011-2012

Tuition/Fees

 $ 28,950

Room and Board (standard double)

 $   9,460

Health Insurance and Orientation Fee

 $   1,090

Books and Supplies

 $   1,000

Personal Expenses

 $   1,000

TOTAL

 $ 41,500

 

While international students are eligible to work on campus in non-federal, work-study jobs, these potential earnings cannot be included as a financial resource on the Form I-20. Campus jobs are limited in number and are not guaranteed. Students are responsible for finding on-campus employment.


Completing the Certificate and Affidavit

Following are guidelines to assist you:

  • Complete all forms using BLUE ink. 
  • Everyone attesting to financial support must be listed in the appropriate section on the Certificate of Finances:
    • “Student’s Personal Funds” should identify bank accounts or other funds in the student’s name.
    • “Sponsor(s)” are defined as persons other than you who are willing to provide a portion or all of your education expenses. These may include parents, uncle, aunt, grandparent, guardian, family business partner, friend, etc.  List all sponsors who will be providing funds for you. Do not list funds awarded by Hiram College.
    • “Government/Agency scholarship, loan, or other funding” should list all such resources. 
  • Funds must be listed in U.S. dollars
  • Certificates without student signature and date in the lower right-hand box are not valid.
  • A clear financial plan for all four years must be evident in the supporting documentation that accompanies the Certificate of Finances.

Financial Documentation

Hiram College is required to review financial documentation of funds listed on the Certificate of Finances and Affidavit of Sponsorship before issuing the Form I-20.  
 
When gathering supporting financial documentation, please use the following guidelines: 

  • Documentation of readily available funds for the complete first year must be provided. Typical documentation includes a bank statement showing date of account opening, current account balance, and average account balance should be provided. Bank statements should be printed on bank letterhead or signed and stamped by a bank official.
  • Documentation of the source of funds for years beyond year 1 must also be provided. An example of acceptable documentation would be proof of income, such as an Annual Salary letter printed on company letterhead or official tax records showing annual income.
  • If a student is supported by income from a family business, documentation must include either an official tax record showing annual business income OR accountant certification of annual business income (revenue minus expenses).
  • If supported by a Government/Agency scholarship or loan, a copy of the official award letter must be provided.
  • Documentation must be recent and no more than three months old.
  • Clear scans may be accepted electronically, however, Hiram College reserves the right to require original documents should there be a need for further review.
  • Documentation not in English must be accompanied by an official English translation (signed and/or stamped as a true translation of the original).

After receiving all necessary documents, Hiram issues the Form I-20. The I-20, along with all original financial documents, is then sent to the student by courier for use in the visa application and interview process.

Addressing Correspondence and Questions

Hiram College
Office for International Student Services
11715 Garfield Rd./P.O. Box 67
Hiram, OH  44234  U.S.A.
Phone: +1-330.569.5388
Fax: +1-330.569.5183
Email: interal@hiram.edu