Obtaining an ҽI-20

International Students who are admitted into a degree program at ҽMethodist University will need to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status (Form I-20) in order to enter and/or remain in the U.S. as an F-1 student. The United States government requires all international applicants to provide proof of ability to pay tuition and living expenses before ҽcan issue the forms required to obtain a visa. This requirement applies both to international students coming from abroad and those transferring from another U.S. university or institution.

 

For ҽto issue you a Form I-20, you will need to submit:

1. The International Student Financial Statement form.  Section one and section two must be completed, including the signatures of both you (the student) and your sponsor.
2. A copy of the picture page from your passport
3. Original Financial Verification from Bank or Financial Institution, on bank letterhead, from you or your sponsor, must be dated within six months of the time of I-20 issuance. Account balance(s) must be shown in an amount greater than or equal to the total estimated costs below. - Any scholarship amount awarded by ҽcan be submitted as part of the financial support documents.
 
  • An example of the wording that can be used follows: “I hereby certify that according to our records, SPONSOR’S NAME, the sponsor of STUDENT’S NAME, is capable of meeting the $90,152 education expenses of the student as indicated on the Estimated Undergraduate Cost form."
 
  • The bank letter must be translated into English and current balance in U.S. dollars.
4. If you are currently attending an institution in the US (college or high school), you will need to arrange for the release of your SEVIS record to ҽonce your program is completed. Please complete our  and upload it within the International Document Submission Form found on your .
 

The ҽInternational Student & Scholar Service Office will process your I-20 request after all required materials have been submitted to the ҽOffice of Undergraduate Admission. Please expect approximately two weeks after your documents have been received for your Form I-20 to be processed. A digital copy of your Form I-20 will be e-mailed to you so you can make your visa appointments at the US Embassy near you. 

 

Estimated Undergraduate Costs

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires that all foreign passport holders planning to study in the United States verify that appropriate funds are available to pay for education, living, and other expenses. This verification is needed in order to process and issue the required I-20 document. The estimated expenses expected to be incurred during the 2024-2025 academic year are as follows:

2024-2025 Education, Living, and Other Expenses Estimated Cost
Fall and Spring Tuition $67,038
Estimated General Student Fees $7,538
Estimated Living Expenses (Double Room with roommate, Including Estimated Health Insurance, International Orientation Fee & Meal Plan) $27,138
International Fee $200
Total $94,376 USD