Certain countries require students to provide a financial guarantee when applying for a visa. This guarantee ensures the country's immigration authorities that you will have enough money to support yourself while you are abroad. Check the visa regulations for your host country to find out whether a financial guarantee is required.

There are two ways of satisfying the financial guarantee requirement. You may choose to provide either one:

• Bank Statement - If possible, this should be the original, hard copy bank statement that was mailed to you. If you use online banking, print out a copy that looks official and is in color. It needs to have your name, the bank's name, the bank's logo, and the balance of your account. Check your host country's visa regulations to determine the minimum balance required.
• Bank Letter - In lieu of a bank statement, you may submit a letter from your bank. It must be on official bank letterhead and signed by a bank official. It must state your name, the last four digits of your bank account, and that you possess at least the minimum balance required by the host country's visa regulations. This amount should be stated explicitly ("a balance in excess of XXX US dollars"). The letter may be addressed "Dear Consular Officials" or simply "To Whom It May Concern."
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If you do not possess enough money in your own bank account to fulfill the visa requirement, you may also submit information for your parents' bank accounts, using the same documentation listed above. In addition, you must also provide:

3. Affidavit of Support - The bank statement or letter proves that your parents have the required level of
funds. The Affidavit of Support confirms that they are willing to use those funds to support you if necessary.