Student funds checks: what the consulate counts, by destination

Every student visa asks the same question in different currencies: can this applicant pay tuition and living costs for the first year without working illegally? The UK counts 28 consecutive days of funds; Canada wants a GIC or a year of living costs; Australia sets an annual living-cost figure and checks the source; the US wants funds for the whole programme on the I-20.

Funds in a parent's or sponsor's account count almost everywhere with a signed sponsorship letter and relationship proof. Education loans count where the lender is recognised; cash deposits made days before the statement do not.

• Closing balance held for the full seasoning period (28 days UK, similar elsewhere)
• Statements in the applicant's or declared sponsor's name with the bank's stamp or digital signature
• Education loan sanction letter from a recognised lender, disbursement terms visible
• Tuition already paid, shown on the CAS, LOA or COE
• Fixed deposits only if the maturity or break terms are shown

• Balance dips below the threshold for one day inside the seasoning window
• Sponsor is an uncle or friend without a supporting relationship story
• Large unexplained credits in the final month
• Statements older than 31 days on the day of submission

The student checklist per destination lists the exact figure in the applicant's currency and the seasoning rule. Uploaded statements run through the document check, which flags date ranges, name mismatches and recent large credits before you file.

Your counter staff and case officers quote the same number the consulate uses because the figure comes from the destination record, not a spreadsheet.