Financial Documentation Guidelines

In accordance with U.S. immigration regulations, international students must demonstrate sufficient financial resources before Whittier College can issue a Form I-20.

Students are required to provide documentation confirming funding for tuition, fees, and estimated living expenses for themselves and any dependents (if applicable).

The information below outlines acceptable documentation standards and required elements.

Acceptable Forms of Financial Support

The following documentation is generally accepted:

  • Checking or savings account statements
  • Officially approved education loans (final approval only; conditional or “in-principle” approvals are not accepted)
  • Official bank letters or solvency certificates
  • Fixed, term, or time deposits and government bonds available for withdrawal at any time
  • Official sponsorship or scholarship letters from an employer, government agency, or recognized organization
  • Provident funds only if the document clearly specifies the amount available for immediate withdrawal

Private U.S. Education Loans: An I-20 will not be issued based on conditional, pending, provisional, or “in-principle” loan approvals.

Unacceptable Forms of Financial Support

The following documentation does not meet I-20 financial eligibility requirements:

  • Investments in non-liquid assets (real estate, gold, jewelry, vehicles, etc.)
  • Retirement accounts, pension funds, or insurance policies
  • Tax returns
  • Salary, payroll, or income statements
  • Pending, provisional, conditional, or “in-principle” loan approvals
  • Accountant-prepared portfolios or Demat accounts
  • Scholarship applications or candidate award letters that are not officially awarded
  • Cryptocurrency accounts or digital wallets
  • Screenshots of online financial accounts

Financial resources must be liquid and available for immediate withdrawal. If Whittier College is unable to verify liquidity or access to funds, additional documentation may be required.

Documentation that is unclear, incomplete, excessively lengthy, or difficult to read will not be accepted.

Only the current total balance of each account is required. Transaction histories are not necessary.

Required Elements for All Financial Documents

All financial documentation must include:

  • Date of Issuance
    Documents must be dated no earlier than one year prior to the start of the student’s admitted term at Whittier College.
  • Account Holder Name
    • The student’s name; or
    • The sponsor’s name (parent, family member, or other sponsor). If the account holder is not the student, a signed Certification of Finances form must also be submitted.
  • Official Letterhead
    Documentation must be issued on official bank or institutional letterhead and include an authorized signature and/or stamp.
  • Final Available Balance
    The total amount of liquid funds available must be clearly stated. Currency must be specified.
  • English Language Requirement
    Documents must contain sufficient English to verify the financial information or be accompanied by a certified professional English translation.

The Office of International Programs reserves the right to request additional documentation if needed to confirm financial eligibility for I-20 issuance.