Who can Sponsor a Student Visa in the USA?

One of the most well-liked study abroad options for Indian students is the United States. A 2021 Statista analysis states that approximately 0.3 million Indian students attended American universities. Obtaining a US student visa, however, is a complete mess.

An Indian student may receive financial assistance from several sponsors to study in the United States.

1. Employers: If a multinational corporation or organisation currently employs you, they might pay for your studies in the United States. Some companies provide scholarships to staff members who want to pursue higher education, or they may have tuition reimbursement plans.

2. University: In exchange for job obligations, certain graduate programs in the USA offer assistantships, such as research assistantships (RA) or teaching assistantships (TA), which pay a stipend, tuition remission, or both. 

3. Educational Loans: Some students take out student loans to pay for their education. You can apply for these loans at banks or other financial organisations in the USA or your country of origin.

4. Personal or Family Funds: Many overseas students have family or financial support. This involves paying for living expenses and tuition using cash from personal or family savings and financial assistance from parents or other close relatives.

5. Government: Numerous governments worldwide, including those in the USA, provide scholarships to study abroad. Usually, academic merit or other factors determine the recipients of these scholarships.

Additionally, you might need to provide proof of your ability to pay for tuition and living expenses with your own money or money sponsored by an employer when applying for a U.S. student visa (like an F-1 visa). The study abroad advisors at Edvoy can help you with the financial elements of studying in the United States.

Parents and other family members may be able to sponsor students who are willing to study in the United States. Applicants may also search for education loans to finance their studies in the US. If an employer is prepared to hire applicants following their study abroad experience, they may also sponsor an F-1 visa in certain circumstances.

Applicants seeking a green card and work visa can search the following databases:

• Immihelp

• Visadoor

• H1B Grader

• Bridge USA 

A minimum bank balance is not required when applying for an F-1 visa in the United States. However, it is generally advised to have between USD 18,000 (about ₹15,00,000) and USD 24,000 (approximately ₹20,00,000) in your bank account.

These amounts must also be shown in the statements from the preceding six to nine months. This figure does not include the USD 350 SEVIS charge and the USD 185 DS-160 form fee, which are only payable by F-1 visa applicants. Nevertheless, the precise amount needed for a US student visa still vary depending on the applicant's school and program choice, the cost of living in the specific US state of study, and the applicant's situations.

The minimum bank balance requirement for studying in the USA ensures that the applicant has enough money to cover living expenses and tuition for the first year of study. The student's bank balance proves they can afford their education, regardless of the financial aid options available in the United States. This covers support from sponsors, government organisations, private sources, and US universities specifically.

Numerous organisations can help you get a sponsored student visa in the United States. Let's examine every avenue that could be pursued for sponsoring an American visa:

• Parents: Your parents are always the first people to try.

• Relatives: It's also acceptable for blood relatives to sponsor you. How they are connected to you must be mentioned on the form. Cousins, grandparents, and immediate uncles and aunts on both the paternal and maternal sides can help you.

• A mix of both: To demonstrate the full one-year cost, you may also need two or three sponsors, including parents and other family members.

• Banks: Banks can support your application for an F-1 visa and give you an educational loan to travel overseas.

Now, let's continue to learn about the requirements for sponsors of F-1 visas. The following are some of the most crucial qualifications for an F-1 visa sponsor that you need to meet to qualify for an F-1 student visa in the United States:

• Sponsor letter for F-1 visa

• Affidavit of Sponsorship for F-1 visa

• Official bank statements

• Document stating the relationship status between the applicant and the sponsor

• Other financial documents (loan letter, property papers, etc.)

In addition to the financing sources mentioned above, the student must also meet certain additional conditions, which vary depending on the kind of funding the student provides to the university as part of the evaluation of financial documents that the US Immigration Department uses to award an F-1 study visa to overseas students:

In conclusion, the I-20 form is approved for obtaining a student visa in the USA, even though it only covers one year's tuition fees. Several financing sources can be listed, and a minimum bank balance will also be considered. As a result, candidates should prepare themselves and their financial documentation appropriately.

We hope you found the blog informative. If you want to get further details or would like to prepare for IELTS, you may contact our expert counsellors at Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC). You can also take free online counselling through our website. Our expert counsellors will provide you with the best support and guidance you need for admission and visa. In addition, they will help you shortlist the universities according to your profile. For more information or any queries, contact application02@meridean.org or 1800-1230-00011.