All J-1 Exchange Visitors and J-2 dependents must show sufficient funding to cover the duration of their J program.
At UC Berkeley, the minimum monthly funding requirements are: $2000 for the J-1 + $600 for a J-2 spouse + $400 for each J-2 child.
All funding documents must be:
- Issued within the past 6 months
- Converted to U.S. dollars using an online currency converter (attach a printout showing both currency values)
- Translated into English (include both the original language funding document and the translation)
Acceptable Funding Documentation
| Category | How to Calculate | Funding Sources/Examples | Documents to Verify (Should Include) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program Sponsor Funds | Amount indicated on appointment letter (if total amount not listed, amount by length of program). |
UC Berkeley salary, grant, honorarium, per diem, stipend, or endowment Affiliate funding (GTU, ICSI) |
Appointment letter (amount, dates, percentage, authorized signature) For Visiting Scholars, or Visiting Student Researchers, see VSPA's Stipend User Guide. |
| Other Organization Funds | Amount listed for program duration Calculate living expenses only (do not include funding for travel, health insurance or research materials). |
Home university salary or paid sabbatical leave Reimbursements are NOT accepted. |
Official award letter with the following:
|
| Personal Funds | Minimum total funding for length of program: $2000/mo. + $600/mo. spouse + $400/mo. per child x number of months = total | Self-Supported Sponsor (friends, family) |
Personal bank account letter (with bank logo or letterhead) Sponsor's Bank Account (with Guarantee of Financial Support) |