The United States Immigration and Naturalization Service requires evidence that an F1 student is able to pay for all expenses while studying in the United States. F1 students MUST study a minimum of 18 hours/week. The AlA estimate of school AND living expenses is $2400/month. This is how much your bank statement, or the bank statement of your sponsor, must show for the length of time you want to study: 3 months: $7200 4 months: $9600 6 months:$14,400 8 months: $19,200 12 months: $28,800. AlA estimates and additional $400/month for EACH dependent (a child or spouse) that comes into the US with an F1 student. NOTE: Student must be 17 years old at the start of schooll. If the person financially responsible for you is in the U.S. and will be your sponsor, that person must fill out Form 1-134, Affidavit of Support. Find the form here: https://www.uscis.gov/i-134