A confidential statement form is a document certifying that an international student has sufficient financial support to complete their academic program in the United States. Completing this form is required at universities like Boston University before the institution can issue immigration documents for your visa application.
What Information Do You Need?
Gather the following specific details before you begin:
- Personal identification: Your full legal name exactly as it appears on your passport, date of birth, country of citizenship, and current address
- Immigration documents: Current visa status and a copy of your passport identification page
- Expense breakdown: Itemized academic year costs, including tuition, housing, meals, medical insurance, books, supplies, and personal expenses
- Financial support sources: Each funding source with the specific dollar amount, whether from personal savings, family funds, government sponsorship, or scholarships
- Sponsor information: If an individual or organization is providing your financial support, their full legal name, relationship to you, and contact details
Who Is Required to Submit This Form?
You must complete a Confidential Statement Form if you are a non-U.S. citizen or non-permanent resident who:
- Is applying for an F-1 or J-1 student visa and needs to demonstrate financial viability to your institution
- Has primary funding sources outside the United States, including family sponsors or government sponsorship programs
- Is requesting immigration documents (I-20 or DS-2019) that require proof of financial certification
- Has a sponsor - an individual or organization - who must certify their financial commitment in writing
Related documents you may also need include an I-864A Affidavit of Support for family-based petitions, or a Financial Affidavit for other legal and financial requirements.
How to Complete the Form Step by Step
- Enter your personal details. Provide your full legal name and information exactly as it appears on your passport. Any discrepancy between the form and your travel document can delay your visa processing.
- List your academic year expenses. Include tuition and fees, housing, meals, medical insurance, books, and personal expenses. Use your institution's published cost-of-attendance estimates as a guide for each category.
- Document all funding sources. For each financial source, list the specific dollar amount available. The total must meet or exceed your estimated expenses. Include funds from personal savings, family support, scholarships, or any sponsoring organization.
- Complete the sponsor certification section. Any individual or organization providing financial support must sign the form. By signing, the sponsor certifies their commitment and takes on responsibility under applicable laws if funding sources are discontinued.
- Attach original documents. Include original bank statements and financial records. Photocopies and facsimiles of financial documents are not accepted. You may submit a copy of your passport ID page, but all financial evidence must be original.
- Submit to your institution. Send the completed form with all attachments to your university's international student services office. Keep copies of all documents for your own records.
Common Questions About the Confidential Statement Form
What documents are not accepted?
Photocopies and facsimiles of financial documents are not accepted under the requirements governing this process. Only originals with official bank stamps or letterheads are valid. A copy of your passport ID page is the only exception.
What if my sponsor is an organization?
An organization sponsoring your studies must have an authorized representative complete and sign the sponsor section. The organization must provide contact details, certify the specific sponsorship amount, and acknowledge financial responsibility under U.S. immigration laws if funding ends.
Can I access related forms on FormsPal?
Yes. You can complete an Individual Financial Statement, review a Financial Statement (Form E), or explore international student visa forms for other countries through our platform.
Does the form require original financial documents?
Yes. Institutions place full financial responsibility on applicants who sign this form. If your funding source changes or ceases, you must notify your institution immediately and agree to explore alternative funding to maintain compliance with immigration requirements.