International Graduate Students Guidelines: F-1 and J-1 Visas
Washington State University (WSU) Financial Proof Requirements
- Study Duration: Decide if you are studying for 9 months or a full year. Note: Summer Sessions have different tuition and fees.
- Dependents: Bringing family? You will need to provide proof of adequate funds for all dependents based on the Estimate Cost Table below.
Proof You Have Funding
- Personal or Family Funds: Provide bank letter (1 page) with an official seal and bank official signature that proves you have the available funds based on the Table of Costs or Cost Calculator, below. The bank letter(s) may not be more than six (6) months old before the term you intend to enroll at WSU. If using personal or family funds, the form below must be submitted. Multiple bank letters may be provided.
- Scholarship: If funded by a scholarship, have the scholarship sponsor send the official scholarship letter verifying the amount to the WSU Graduate School at gradschool@wsu.edu.
- If scholarship does not cover the full amount based on the Table of Costs or Cost Calculator, below, you will need to provide proof you can pay the cost difference.
If Someone is Helping You Pay
- The sponsor(s) assisting you with your costs must provide a bank letter (1 page) with an official seal and bank official’s signature indicating they have available funds based on the Table of Costs or Cost Calculator, below. The bank letter(s) may not be more than six (6) months old before the term you intend to enroll at WSU. The sponsor(s) must sign the form below to confirm their support. Multiple bank letters may be provided.
Understanding Employment and Costs
- WSU Employment: You may be awarded a salaried teaching or research assistantship. If you are not awarded an assistantship, obtaining an on-campus job may be difficult. Campus jobs are limited. Researching employment opportunities ahead of time is recommended.
- Off-Campus Work: As an F-1 student, you can request off-campus work only after living in the U.S. for 12 months, which can be difficult to have approved.
Students with Spouse and/or Dependents
- Obtaining visas for you and your family together may be difficult. Consider coming alone first and have your family come later.
- For visa appointment purposes, it is important to maintain roots in your home country. Immediate family (spouse and/or dependents) can accompany you, but you will need to provide additional funds – see Table of Costs or Cost Calculator, below.
Spouse Work Rules
- J-2 Status: Can work, but only for family living costs.
- F-2 Status: Cannot work in the U.S.
Paying for School
- Tuition Deadline: Pay all tuition and fees by the third week of classes.
- Amount Needed: Refer to the Table of Costs or Cost Calculator, below.
- Payment Methods: Use international money orders, traveler’s checks, or U.S. bank orders. Other methods may have extra fees.
- Your Responsibility: Ensure funds are available. Late payments mean WSU will not issue housing contracts, transcripts, diplomas, I-20s, or DS-2019s for individuals under financial obligation to the university.
Associated Costs for International Students
| Category | 9 Months | 3 Months (summer) | 12 Months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $33,552.00 | $2,304.00 | $35,856.00 |
| Living Expenses | $22,653.00 | $5,064.00 | $27,717.00 |
| Subtotal | $56,205.00 | $7,368.00 | $63,573.00 |
| Spouse | $9,143.00 | $1,717.00 | $10,860.00 |
| Cost per Child | $5,679.00 | $561.00 | $6,240.00 |
Key Notes:
- Assistantships cover tuition and 9-month living expenses for single students.
- Summer living expenses for students and living expenses for dependents (spouse and children) must be planned separately.
Example 1: Single Student (9 Months, Assistantship)
| Category | Cost | Tuition & Fees (9 months) | $33,552 (waived with assistantship) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Living Expenses (9 months) | $22,653 (covered with assistantship) | ||
| Total Expenses | $0 |
Explanation: If you are a single student on a 9-month assistantship, your financial obligation is fully met because the assistantship includes a tuition waiver and stipend that covers living expenses. You do not need to use this calculator unless you plan to bring dependents or stay during the summer term.
Example 2: Student with Spouse (12 Months, Assistantship)
Associated Costs for International Students
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees (9 months) | $33,552 (waived with assistantship) |
| Living Expenses (spouse, 12 months) | $10,860 |
| Living Expenses (student, 3 months) | $5,064 |
| Total Expenses | $15,924 |
Explanation: Assistantships only cover tuition and living expenses for 9 months. Summer costs for the student and living expenses for dependents must be accounted for separately.
Example 3: Student with One Child (12 Months, Partial Funding)
Associated Costs for International Students
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees (9 months) | $33,552 (waived with assistantship) |
| Living Expenses (student, 3 months) | $5,064 |
| Child Costs (9 months) | $5,679 |
| Child Costs (3 months) | $561 |
| Total Expenses | $11,304 |
Explanation: While tuition and 9-month living expenses are covered by the assistantship, summer living expenses and dependent-related costs require additional funding.
Link to Cost Calculator Page
- Calculate Costs:
Use the Cost Calculator or the detailed cost table to determine your financial obligations accurately. - Complete the Certificate of Finance form:
- Ensure all required fields are filled in completely and accurately.
- Both the student and all financial sponsors must sign the form, confirming their understanding and commitment to meeting the financial obligations.
- Submit the Completed Form:
- Once the form is completed and signed, scan it clearly to ensure all details are visible.
- Submit the scanned form via email to gradschool@wsu.edu. Include your full name and WSU ID in the email subject line for easy identification.
By carefully following these instructions and submitting the completed form, you are ensuring compliance with WSU’s requirements and preparing for a successful start to your academic journey in the U.S.