What is Individual Submission?
Individual submission differs from WFU visa batch processing because you are solely responsible for your visa application process. Individual submission is best for students who do not yet have a passport, do not have all of their application materials ready by the batch processing dates, or are traveling prior to their program start date.
As a Wake Forest student, you are eligible to apply to only 2 Spanish Consulate locations:
As a Wake Forest student, you are eligible to apply to only 2 Spanish Consulate locations:
- Based on your school jurisdiction: Wake Forest University/North Carolina falls under the Washington DC Spanish Consulate. The information shared from our office relates to this location only.
- Based on your permanent residence: This address must be displayed on your driver’s license or other form of identification. You are responsible for researching the requirements on other Spanish Consulate locations as they vastly differ from one another.
When should you submit your application?
The consulate can take anywhere between 3 - 8 weeks to process visa applications. The process is solely up to their discretion and could take more/less time. Unless told otherwise, your appointment should be scheduled by July 1st for Fall programs and by November 1st for Spring programs - at the very latest. It is highly encouraged to have your appointment before then. Please keep in mind the time needed to travel to collect your passport in-person. We strongly advise submitting your visa application as soon as possible.
How do I schedule my in-person appointment?
If you are applying through the BLS Washington DC location, you can schedule your appointment on the BLS Website here. Be sure that you are applying for a "National Visa" appointment.
You can find information on the other BLS centers (Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, and New York) on the BLS Website here.
You can find information on the other BLS centers (Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, and New York) on the BLS Website here.
Where will my appointment be?
If you are applying through the Washington DC location:
BLS Spain Visa Application Center
1660 L St NW, Second Floor, Suite: 216
Washington, DC 20036
This is also the same location where you will you collect your passport once they notify you that it is ready. You do NOT need an appointment to collect your passport. However, you can only collect between 3:00pm - 4:00pm from Monday to Friday.
BLS Spain Visa Application Center
1660 L St NW, Second Floor, Suite: 216
Washington, DC 20036
This is also the same location where you will you collect your passport once they notify you that it is ready. You do NOT need an appointment to collect your passport. However, you can only collect between 3:00pm - 4:00pm from Monday to Friday.
What do you need to provide for your appointment?
NOTE: Also review the next section to review the documents that the study abroad office provides for you. This is also vital to bring to your appointment
You will also pay your visa fee of $160 (+ additional BLS fees) during your in-person appointment. You can pay by debit/credit card. If you are a non-US passport holder, please see the BLS website to verify your fee amount.
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Affiliate program students will need to bring the following additional documents: (Please print single-sided and in color)
- Printed and Completed National Visa Application
- Instructions on how to fill it out can be found here.
- Write neatly in black or blue ink or you can type your responses electronically
- Your physical passport
- Remember that you will surrender your passport and be without it for several weeks.
- A printed photocopy of your passport main page
- A printed photocopy of your WFU school ID
- 1 passport-sized photograph
- These can be done at most drug stores (CVS, Walgreens, etc.) or even in the study abroad office (Reynolda 116) - Fridays are the best days to do so. The cost is $15 (cash/check only) for four passport photos.
- Glue or staple the photo to your National Visa Application Form
You will also pay your visa fee of $160 (+ additional BLS fees) during your in-person appointment. You can pay by debit/credit card. If you are a non-US passport holder, please see the BLS website to verify your fee amount.
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Affiliate program students will need to bring the following additional documents: (Please print single-sided and in color)
- Letter of Acceptance from your program provider.
- Health insurance letter from your program provider.
- Financial and Medical Guarantee letter from your program provider. **Please note: Some providers do NOT offer this letter, such as St. Louis University/Madrid. If not, you must show proof of funds equivalent to $700+/per month abroad. Detailed information can be found on the DC Consulate website. Students need to choose ONE of the following options:
- Student is supporting themselves
- Three most recent monthly bank statements, including the applicant’s full name and a final balance that covers the required minimum funds. The bank statements do not need to be translated into Spanish.
- Student's guardian is supporting them
- Notarized letter from at least one of the applicant’s parents or guardians, in which they assume full financial responsibility for the applicant’s room and board. Suggested wording is found Here in a template letter.
- Notarized copy of the parent or guardian’s ID or passport
- Parent/legal guardian's three most recent monthly bank statements, which must include full name of party assuming financial responsibility and a final balance that exceeds the minimum monthly required amount per month of stay.
- Copy of student's birth certificate to show proof of relation between the parent/guardian
- Student receives 50% or more in financial aid from WFU
- A letter of financial support from the WFU Financial Aid Office. You will need to contact Elizabeth Sandy in Reynolda Hall 04. If the original documents are in English, a translation into Spanish must also be submitted. Please talk with our office on how we can set this up.
- Student is supporting themselves
- Your affiliate provider should also share information to help fill out your visa application form (i.e. "Address of educational establishment" or #26)
What does the WFU study abroad office provide for you?
WFU program participants are provided with:
Affiliate program participants are provided with:
IMPORTANT: These letters need to be picked up from the GPS office and included with your other materials for your appointment. If you plan to have your appointment early, please contact GPS to ensure we can create your letters in time.
- Letter of Acceptance to your program
- International Health Insurance Letter
- Letter of Financial & Medical Guarantee
- WFU Enrollment/Registrar's Letter
Affiliate program participants are provided with:
- WFU Enrollment/Registrar's Letter
IMPORTANT: These letters need to be picked up from the GPS office and included with your other materials for your appointment. If you plan to have your appointment early, please contact GPS to ensure we can create your letters in time.
Can a study abroad advisor review your documents with you before your appointment?
Yes! If you would like to have an advisor review your application, you will need to schedule an appointment with an advisor. This can be in person during the semester or via zoom over breaks.