Financial Documentation & Funding Requirements

You must demonstrate sufficient financial support to cover your stay in the United States before Stony Brook University can issue your Form DS-2019.

The same financial documentation will generally be required when applying for your J-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Estimated Funding Amounts

The funding estimates provided by Stony Brook University are used to determine the minimum financial support required for DS-2019 issuance.

Please note:

• Funding amounts are estimates only
• Actual expenses may vary
• Costs may change over time
• You should plan carefully to ensure sufficient resources throughout your stay

Acceptable Funding Sources

State Support

Required Documentation:

• Letter of offer including:
  • Job title
  • Salary
  • Employment dates
• Signed by the academic department chair

Research Foundation Support

Required Documentation:

• Letter of offer signed by:
  • Academic department chair
  • Project director

U.S. or Foreign Government Support

Required Documentation:

• Official government letter on agency letterhead
• Must include:
  • Purpose of funding
  • Amount of funding
  • Dates funding will be available
• Signed by an authorized government official

Agency or Business Support

Required Documentation:

• Letter on official letterhead including:
  • Purpose of funding
  • Amount of funding
  • Funding dates
• Signed by an authorized official

For private company funding, also provide:

• Company bank statement showing sufficient available funds

Personal Funds

Required Documentation:

One of the following:

• Bank statement showing:
  • Current balance
  • Six months of transaction history

OR

• Bank letter showing:
  • Current balance
  • Average balance during the previous six months

Support from Other Private Individuals

Required Documentation:

• Completed Affidavit of Support
• One of the following from the sponsor:
  • Bank statement showing current balance
  • Bank letter confirming available funds

Financial documents must clearly demonstrate sufficient funds to support the scholar throughout the program.