Applying for I-20

• A completed I-20 application
• Financial certification portions of the application
  • Financial Affidavit
    • DMin
    • HMP
  • Affidavit of Support (Parents or Family Private Sponsor)
  • Affidavit of Support (Govt Agency Church or Other Ministry)
• Be ready to comply with all regulations and provisions for the F-1 student visa
• Read, sign, and date the Statement of Understanding of Financial Responsibility on page 2 of your application.
• Submit completed Application for I-20/Visa Certificate, Financial Plan, financial certification documents, and any other supporting materials required to the following address:

Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
ATTN: DMin Associate Registrar and Program Manager
130 Essex Street
South Hamilton, MA 01982

or Fax to: 978-646-4163

or send .PDF attachments to: [email protected]

Any questions regarding F-1 student visas and the Application for I-20/Visa Certificate should be addressed to the Associate Registrar and Program Manager for Doctor of Ministry, [email protected] at 978-646-4163  by e-mail to [email protected].

When completing the Application for I-20/Visa Certificate, you are required to show full proof of funding for one academic year in the amounts specified on page 2 of the application. To meet this requirement, you must submit all documents, including bank statements, support letters/affidavits of support, and any other information requested of you. Please note that the embassy/consulate will require original documents; therefore, we recommend that you request two sets of financial documents from each source of funding.

All documents must have been prepared within the last 3 months and should indicate reasonable means of support for future years.

Tips:

• First, consider the use of personal funds.
• If necessary, seek support from family members, friends, denominational agencies, local churches, and mission boards. Each supporter must complete an Affidavit of Support and submit original bank statements proving they can support the amount pledged. In some cases, Gordon-Conwell and/or the embassy/consulate may request additional information from supporters.
• For Doctor of Ministry, scholarships are limited. See the Tuition and Financing page for information. However, you should not plan to include these opportunities in your first year of financial support documentation.

Note: All documents must be presented in English using U.S. $ (USD) conversion. Include any conversion rates used in determining U. S. dollar equivalency.

Note: Gordon-Conwell and the embassy official will subject financial documents to careful review and consideration. Especially during your visa interview, be prepared to explain all financial sources and if requested, submit additional documentation as needed.

• Canadian & Bermudian citizens are not required to obtain an F-1 visa.
• Canadian & Bermudian citizens must, however, receive an I-20 and pay the SEVIS fee.
• Canadians & Bermudians are required to maintain F-1 status, including provisions for employment and full time enrollment each residency period.
  • Bermuda citizens: Click here for more information.
  • Canadian citizens: Click here for more information.