<p>so i'm beginning to prepare my application for cornell ED as a rising senior and i've come across the college board's "certification of finances" for international students that are required for all international students to submit (if i'm correct). i think its ridiculous because i live 4 hours away from cornell, which is closer than most american cities yet i have to show that i have enough finances to leave the country should something go wrong?! </p>
<p>anyway... how much money do they typically expect you to provide from parents/other sources before giving you a visa? i've heard from others who've studied in the states that they have had to sell cars etc. to pay for this expense.. i find it all very confusing.</p>
<p>elcrew, the certification of finances, unless something has changed, is not solely to confirm you have the financial ability to leave the country should something happen. It is to confirm that you have the financial ability to pay for your education in the U.S. Generally speaking you will need to show proof of ability to pay via tax returns, bank statements, certified letter from parents’ employers, etc. </p>
<p>You should call Cornell and confirm exactly what it is they need for this certification. You don’t want to cause any delay with the process for obtaining your visa, so it’s best to check directly.</p>
<p>You should call someone at Cornell, as I said, to inquire about this. Keep in mind that, as a Canadian, you will not be eligible for Federal Govt. Aid in the U.S.</p>
<p>alwaysamom is right that the certification of finances are needed for the SEVIS which will give you permission to enter the US for college (University). My D had a 65% scholarship and we still had to show proof of the financial ability to pay for one full year before they would accept her application. Again though I would agree with alwaysamom in the you should contact Cornell’s international student office for advice. The Canadian Government will give you virtually nothing as far student loans or grants to attend a school in the US.</p>