Frequently Asked Questionsfor International Students
Note: This document contains important information to help you complete the paperwork required for an F-1 student visa. Please read carefully!
What documents are required to receive my I-20 paperwork needed for my F-1 visa?
- As a first step, please make sure to complete the online enrollment form and submit your enrollment deposit. Refer to the admitted student websiteat business.wfu.edu/welcomefor steps on how to submit your enrollment deposit.
- Submit a completed “Certification of Finances”form, available in the Financial Aid section of the admitted student website at business.wfu.edu/welcome.
- Submit official documentation from the appropriate financial institution, which verifies the accuracy of information provided in Section 8a and/or 8b of the Certification of Finances.
Can I provide scanned copies via email instead of originals?
- Yes, electronic (scanned copies) are acceptable and will speed up the process. However, the School of Business reserves the right to request original documents. Please send electronic copies via email to: .
On the Certification of Finances, am I required to list resources for multiple years?
- No, you must only list resources for the first year of your program.
What dollar amount do I need to list in Section 8 of the Certification of Finances?
- Your sources of funds must cover the difference between the total cost of attendance for the current year, minus any scholarships awarded by Wake Forest. For cost of attendance information, see the “Tuition and Financial Aid” section for your program on the School of Business website atbusiness.wfu.edu. If tuition amounts have not been updated yet on the website for your academic year, you should increase your total funding amount by 3% – 5% to cover anticipated tuition and cost increases.
- By signing and submitting the Certificate of Finances, you certify that the information is true, correct, and complete, and that you will not require additional assistance from Wake Forest University.
What proof do I need for the financial resources listed in Section 8 of the Certification of Finances?
- A statement of account from the financial institution must be presented on official letterhead, with the value of each listed account and the accountholder’s name shown on the document. Also, the financial institution’s contact information and bank official’s signature must appear in Section 8a.
My bank official states they cannot sign in Section 8a of the Certification of Finances. What should I do?
- Please remind the official that their signature is simply verification that the document (statement of account) they are providing is authentic;in other words, the statement of account is true at the moment it is released. Sample job titles of those officials for whom a signature is acceptable include clerk, teller, assistant manager, and manager. They should not be concerned over the possibility of further obligations or commitments.Please note that we cannot accept a Certification of Finances without signatures.
What are examples of “other sources” in Section 8b, 8c, 8d? Are these sections required?
- Sections 8b, c and d allow you to document other sources of funds beyond your personal or family savings, such as investments, grants, government benefits or other sources of additional funds you plan to use to finance your education. If you are not receiving funds from these sources then you should leave that section blank.
What amount should I enter for Question 13 on the Certification of Finances?
- This question is asking about the amount of spending money you expect to have upon your arrival at Wake Forest. This is not related to money you have in the bank or would otherwise use to pay tuition. It is simply asking how much money you expect to have accessible during the school year for personal expenses.
What sources and amounts should I enter for Question 16 on the Certification of Finances?
- Students should list the same sources provided in Section 8 and the amounts should be enough to cover their cost of attendance through the summer.
What happens after I submit all of the required documents?
- The documentation you have presented will be used to complete an F-1 visa request, which will then be transmitted to the WFU Center for Global Programs & Studies. The F-1 request will be reviewed and if accepted, will be used to establish an I-20.
- TheI-20 document will then be sent to you via the requested delivery service, in order for you to present it to your embassy for their issuance of an F-1 student Visa.
- Generally, the I-20 leaves our campus within 14 business days after we receive the Certification of Finances. Delays in processing can occur during peak work periods or if information is incomplete or requires additional action.
- NOTE: always provide a postal/zip code for the mailing address given on the Certification of Finances. Your I-20 packet will not be mailed without this information.
- We will send you an email the day the I-20 packet leaves campus for delivery to you, along with tracking information, so you can anticipate the delivery date and communicate directly with the delivery service provider.
How long will it take for me to receive the I-20 after it is mailed from WFU?
- Delivery services vary based on location; please allow at least 14 days for the I-20 packet to reach you. We recommend you contact your delivery service to establish a more specific time frame.
I submitted a Certification of Finances as an undergraduate student; do I have to complete a new Certification for graduate school?
- Yes, please submit an updated Certification of Finances and current documentation must also be provided from the respective financial institutions.
How do I transfer my financial resources to WFU for tuition payment?
- WFU participates in the Flywire (formerly peerTransfer) service to facilitate payments for international students. See more information on this service at:
- WFU recommends that you establish a local banking account in order to quickly receive any refunds for living expenses. Local banks close to campus are:
- BB&T: 2815 Reynolda Road, Winston Salem, NC 27106-3110
(Ph.336-733-0250)
- Wells Fargo: 1834 Wake Forest Road, Benson Center, Winston Salem, NC 27106
(Ph.336-759-7576)
- Once your local account is established, you will be able to complete the Direct Deposit authorization form. For instructions, see “Sign Up for Direct Deposit” at:
If you have additional questions regarding the Certification of Finances or other documents, please contact Denise Kelly in the School of Business at , or by calling 336-758-4114.
For further information regarding Flywire payment transfers, please contact Student Financial Services at 336-758-5234, or at .
For general questions regarding issuance of visas or your arrival on campus, please contact the Center for Global Programs and Studies at 336-758-5938.
Updated February 2018Page | 1