Visiting International Researchers

Please reference the Information for Accepted Visiting International Researchers list for all general requirements of enrollment. This includes tuition information.

Requirements specific to the VIR program are listed below.

Admissions Deposit

A $500 non-refundable admissions deposit is required to hold your place in the class.  Your deposit must be received in the International Programs Office by the commitment date specified on your acceptance letter.

J-1 Visa Requirements

The Wake Forest University Center for Global Programs and Studies provides assistance with the visa process. You should read and make yourself familiar with the information found here: http://global.wfu.edu/iss/j1/. This page offers information on the requirements of visiting on the J-1 visa, including the guidelines for arriving and living in the US, J-2 dependent visas, and most importantly, the mandates of the visa regarding health insurance.

You will also be required to fill out a Certificate of Finances indicating that you have the funds necessary to cover tuition and living expenses for the length of your stay. This document requires an explanation of the sources of your funding and supporting documents and signatures from those sources.

In order for the University to process the forms necessary for the J-1 (visiting scholar) visa, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Deportment of State require that we ensure all potential exchange visitors have sufficient funding for their time of stay in the United States. The minimum amount required to prove sufficient funding is $2,500 USD a month for the duration of your stay. 

Check-In Requirement

While there is no formal Orientation, you are required to check-in with the Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs at least 3 business days before the start of classes. During this meeting you will be given important information needed to begin your participation in the program. You will also have a tour of the school and have a chance to ask any questions you may have. We ask that you contact lawadmissions@wfu.edu in advance to schedule this appointment.

Health Insurance

While all international students with F or J visas will be required to have health insurance as a condition of enrollment. Visiting students must provide proof of approved levels of insurance coverage, or enroll in an approved plan. More information will be sent to students with their visa documents, and can be found at https://shi.wfu.edu/.

WFU Identification Card

Wake Forest requires all students to have a student ID card, called the Deacon OneCard. Once you have your WFU username and password, please upload a photo of yourself for the Deacon OneCard Office at http://go.wfu.edu/submitphoto. The photograph will be used for your student ID card (Deacon OneCard). Please use a color photo with a clear shot of your face. Be sure that you are the only person in the photo and that you are not wearing a hat or sunglasses. You will receive your Deacon OneCard at orientation.

Email

You should have received an email from university IT to set up your Wake Forest University username and email address. This will allow you to set up your university accounts such as your email and your student Deacon Electronic Account Center (DEAC) where you will pay your tuition and fees.  If you failed to complete this set-up, please email help@wfu.edu to have your information resent.

Computing Requirements

All students enrolled in the VIR program must have a laptop computer that meets the requirements described on this web page.