Franklin University’s Office of International Students and Programs is authorized to issue a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status (Form I-20) only if "proof of financial responsibility for the student" has been received and evaluated (8 CFR 214.3(k)(2)). When determining who is eligible for an F-1 visa, consular officers must determine if students “have sufficient funds to successfully study in the United States without resorting to unauthorized U.S. employment for financial support” (Foreign Affairs Manual). In addition, all students must pay tuition by university deadlines to be eligible to enroll in courses (University Bulletin), so the ability to pay tuition on time is essential to maintain legal F-1 status in the U.S.

Any prospective and current F-1 student, therefore, must submit proof of financial responsibility when:

• requesting an initial I-20 for entry to the U.S.,
• inviting dependents to enter the U.S. in F-2 status,
• transferring a SEVIS record to Franklin from another school,
• applying to a new degree program at Franklin,
• requesting to extend the program end date on an I-20,
• submitting an application to USCIS for reinstatement or change to F-1 status.

Proof of financial responsibility should be in the form of complete, recent, and authentic documents that certify sufficient funds will be available for the duration of the program and that verify immediate access to tuition, fees, and living expenses for one year if sponsored or two years if self-funded.

Due to strict legal limits on work authorization, F-1 students cannot be expected to earn sufficient funding for more than discretionary expenses if authorized for employment in the U.S. Students who are unable to provide official evidence of sufficient funds are eligible to be academically admitted to the University but will not be eligible to apply for an F-1 visa or immigration status.