Funding Requirements 

What Are Funding Requirements?

Federal regulations require J-1 Exchange Visitor Programs to verify that a J-1 Exchange Visitor (EV) and their J-2 dependents have sufficient funding to cover expenses for the duration of the J-1 program that meet the required minimum. In order for ISSS to issue a DS-2019, EVs must submit the appropriate documentation for funding verificaftion. 

General Funding Documentation Guidelines

The estimated minimum amount of funding necessary to cover living expenses is:

icon To adjust for, and to appropriately disclose an accurate cost of living in the Salt Lake Metro area, the minimum proof of funding required will increase to $2,400 per month beginning January 01, 2023. The amount per dependent ($500) will remain the same. This is not a salary requirement. 

• Documentation must include the amounts mentioned above, and dated within 3 Months of the DS-2019 application submission.
• All Documents must be on Official letter head of the institution that provides the letter.
• Funding from multiple sources is acceptable (Personal Funds, the University of Utah, or Outside Institutions).

Personal Funds:

• EV's Bank Account (Checking or savings) must be provided clearly indicating the account holder's name, the current balance, the date of issuance, and the currency type. 
• If a thid party is providing the funding (family member, benefactor, etc.), the third party must provide the account statements and complete and sign the Affidavit of Support to be submitted with their bank statement.

University of Utah:

• If paid by the University of Utah, funding can be demonstrated by the University host department's offer or appointment letter. 
• The letter should state whether the EV will receive employee benefits such as University sponsored health insurance. 

Outside Institutions:

• This could include a visitor's home country government organization, an educational institution or organization, a scholarship, etc. Funding Documents must provide the following:
  • Specific Dates the funding is available. 
  • The amount of funding provided during the entire visit.
  • Clearly state that the funding is to be used to support the Exchange Visitor's program.
  • Signature from an Authorized Signatory at the organization.