You Are Admitted—Now Take the Next Steps!

Congratulations on your admission to UMSL!  As you prepare for this exciting new chapter, there are a few important documents you will need to submit to receive your Form I-20 “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status”, which is required to apply for your F-1 student visa.  You can find the complete list below and upload your documents to the Triton Portal.
 
If you have any questions or need guidance, we are here to help! Reach out to your UMSL rep, and they will make sure you have everything you need to move forward with confidence.
   

1. Copy of Your Passport

  • Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the U.S.
  • Make sure the Visual Inspection Zone and Machine-readable Zone are clear and complete.

machine readable passport

 

2. Proof of Finances

Before submitting your Proof of Finances, review the guidelines below to make sure your documents are complete, acceptable, and show funds that meet or exceed the cost of your program. 

For each F-2 dependent (spouse or child) you plan to bring with you, you must show an additional $4,000 on your financial documents in addition to the total required for your I-20.

Example using the Graduate Business I-20 total of $61,480:

  • Student only: $61,480
  • Student + spouse (1 dependent): $61,480 + $4,000 = $65,480 required

Submit a scan of an official printed bank statement that:

  • Shows liquid assets (checking or savings)
    • Investment accounts require a notation or letter on official letterhead confirming funds are immediately accessible
  • Includes the financial institution’s name and letterhead
  • Lists the account holder’s name
    • Business accounts must include a letter of authorization on official letterhead
  • Clearly displays available balance and currency type
  • Has a bank signature and stamp
  • Is issued within the last 3 months
  • Is translated into English (unofficial translations accepted)
  • Shows enough funds to cover one year of expenses

Submit an official loan approval letter that:

  • States the borrower's full name, loan amount, and disbursement period (must overlap with program dates)
  • Provides proof of acceptance (signature agreeing to terms or origination fee payment receipt)
  • May be conditional only if the sole condition is receipt of your I-20 or F-1 Visa
  • Is dated within the last 3 months

If you received an UMSL Global scholarship, that letter is already on file.  If you also received an Athletic Scholarship or Graduate Assistantship, you need to:

  • Upload your award letter signed by you and the department
    • Be sure to return a signed copy to the department

Submit an official scholarship letter that:

  • Is on official letterhead
  • States your full name, exact amount, and length of support
  • Names the University of Missouri–St. Louis as the institution to be paid
  • Has an official signature
  • Is dated within the last 3 months

We Cannot Accept:

  • Documents older than 3 months
  • Income or salary statements
  • Life insurance, pension, retirement, or provident funds
  • Tax returns or documents without a signature and stamp
  • Screenshots, transaction receipts, or incomplete bank letters
  • Loan applications or conditional loan approvals with conditions other than receipt of I-20 or F-1 visa
  • Non-liquid assets (property, vehicles, etc.)

U.S. law requires us to verify that all students have sufficient funds to cover their stay in the United States. In most cases, the same financial documentation will also be needed at your U.S. Embassy or Consulate appointment.  If we are unable to verify your financial documents directly, we may guide you through a simple, independent verification process with our official partner agency, Veri Once.

 

3. UMSL Affidavit of Support

Before UMSL can issue your I-20, you must show proof that you or your sponsor(s) have enough money to pay for your first year of tuition and living expenses. Although we only require proof for one year, you must have funding for your entire program. This form goes with your first-year financial documents to show that you and your sponsor(s) understand the financial and legal responsibilities for the full length of your studies.

  • Please complete this form electronically.
  • Fill out all sections, and reach out to us with any questions. 
  • If you have more than one sponsor, submit a separate form for each sponsor.
  • No signatures are needed for UMSL Scholarships.
  • Accepted signature methods:
    • Hand-signed with pen or stylus
    • Official DocuSign signature
    • Adobe Certified signature
  • Incomplete or handwritten forms cannot be accepted.
Download UMSL Affidavit of Support

4. If you are an F-1 student already in the U.S.

  • Submit a copy of your current F-1 Visa and I-20
  • Complete your SEVIS Transfer