Moving to Spain is a life-changing choice and it is well worth it! Despite the excitement of moving abroad, the logistics are overwhelming and stressful. My goal is to make this process as easy as possible for you. Beginning your visa journey is the first step to your next chapter. This comprehensive guide aims to simplify the process for individuals applying for a Spain student visa at the New York Consulate. If you are not applying to the NY consulate, learn which one you need to apply to here. This information is helpful to any consulate, but the specific documents mentioned align with the requirements at the New York Consulate. Whether you’re pursuing full-time studies, training, internships, or voluntary work, this guide covers all the essential details, providing clarity and ease of navigating the student visa process.
Student Visa Overview
A Spain student visa is essential for people looking to stay in Spain for more than 90 days for various educational activities, including studies, training, internships, or voluntary work. The visa is also applicable for au pairs and teaching assistants. It’s crucial to note that study stays of less than 90 days may require a short-stay visa, depending on the applicant’s nationality.
Family members of students, including spouses, unmarried partners, and minor or disabled children, can also obtain a visa to accompany the student. Importantly, visas for family members do not constitute work permits, meaning your family members cannot legally work in that country. If they would like to work abroad, they need to apply for a work visa.
Student visa applications are accepted at the New York Consular District if your legal residence or current university is in one of the following states: New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.
Eligibility for a Study Visa
A study visa may be obtained for various activities, including:
- Full-time studies leading to a degree or certificate.
- Doctorate studies.
- Training activities.
- Student mobility programs at secondary education levels.
- Training placements at public or private bodies.
- Volunteer services for public interest goals.
- Au pair programs.
- Conversation class assistants.
Required Documents for your Visa
National Visa Application Form
Complete and sign the visa application form, with a parent’s signature if the applicant is a minor.
Valid Passport
Submit the original and a photocopy of the passport containing biometric data. The passport must be valid for the planned stay duration with two blank pages.
- Note that when your visa is being processed, the consulate will keep your passport. Do not plan any international travel while your visa is pending. You will not have your passport.
Photograph
Provide a recent passport-size color photograph. Make sure you have two copies.
- This can be collected at USPS for $15. I would recommend doing this early in the process.
- You are required to obtain a TIE, the Tarjeta de Identidad Extranjera, if you are a non-EU student planning to stay in Spain for over 180 days. The TIE is the identification card provided to non-EU citizens residing in Spain. This card serves as a tangible document housing essential personal information, including your NIE and visa details. If you know you will be in Spain for more than 180 days, make sure to have an extra copy of your photograph for that application.
Criminal Record Check Certificate
For applicants of legal age staying more than 180 days, submit the original and a copy of the criminal record check certificate(s) for the past 5 years. As stated on the consulate site, “Foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and, where applicable, must be submitted together with an official translation into Spanish. The US records issued by the F.B.I. are valid. Local Police or State Police background checks will not be accepted.”
- I used this site to help with getting my criminal record check. You can go to USPS to get your fingerprinting done as that is required when receiving a background check. While you are there, you can get your passport sized photos. The identification record request form was $18. The fingerprinting for the FBI was $50. I recommend this is done first as you have to get your background check apostilled for the NY Consulate which takes a very long time. Learn about apostilles in NY here. Since I had limited time to get my government apostille before moving to Spain, I paid US Express Apostille $150 to expedite the process. I highly recommend this if you are stressed about time. Since an FBI background check is a federal document, it requires apostillation by the U.S. Department of State (USDOS) in Washington, D.C. which takes longer than your local state apostille.
- Note, the document must have an official translation in Spanish. I contacted an official translator and they assisted with translating my document. I scanned the documents and emailed them to the translator. It was $70 to get the official translation.
Proof of Acceptance
You will need an original and a copy of the document proving acceptance at an authorized teaching or research center, or into a student mobility program. This will be sent to you via your program and should be easy to obtain. Since it is sent from Spain, you do not need to get this apostilled or translated. If it is not from Spain, you need to have it apostilled and legally translated.
Proof of Financial Means
It is essential to have an original and copy of documents proving sufficient financial means to cover expenses, equivalent to 100% of Spain’s Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator (IPREM). If you are teaching abroad, your program will send a document that states your monthly income while there. That will suffice as your proof of financial means. If you are concerned, you can print a copy of your bank statement, but they did not need that for my appointment.
- Note, my program sent this in English and Spanish so I did not have to worry about getting the official translation. Since the document was sent from Spain, I also did not need to get it apostilled.
Health Insurance
You must obtain an original and a copy of the certificate accrediting public or private health insurance covering all risks insured by Spain’s public health system. I used Cigna health insurance which was really easy to get. My program, Meddeas, had a slightly discounted rate for this, but Cigna is accepted at the consulate and by the Spanish government. Note, the health insurance must be an accredited provider that is accepted in Spain.
Medical Certificate
It’s mandatory to get the original and a copy of a medical certificate accrediting good health for stays exceeding 180 days.
- This was the most difficult thing to get as the doctor and hospital workers were confused about my request. It should have been simple, but it became very complicated. I brought an English script of what they needed to write and a Spanish script.
- In English, I had:
This certificate verifies that ____ your name and birthday___, Patient Signature: _______________ with Personal ID/Passport number ________, does not suffer from any diseases that may have severe implications for public health in accordance with the provisions of the International Health Regulations 2005. Ms. ____name and birthday___ is a very healthy individual in all senses, she has no pre-existing medical conditions and she is capable of traveling abroad.
- In Spanish, I had:
Por el presente se certifica que _____Your name, passport number, and birthday __________________, Patient Signature: _______________ with Personal ID/Passport number ________, no padece ninguna de las enfermedades que puedan tener repercusiones de salud publica graves de conformidad con lo dispuesto en el Reglamento Sanitario Internacional de 2005.
Sra. _____your name and passport number_______ se encuentra en buen estado de salud general y presenta un historial médico libre de enfermedades, por lo que se estima apto para viajar al extranjero.
- You must have the physician’s signature, date, place, and their official stamp. Do not sign your name until you are at your notary appointment. If your doctor refuses to sign a form in Spanish, you can use the same official translator you used from the list.
Proof of Residence
You must provide a student ID or your license as proof of residence in the consular district (non-U.S. citizens submit Alien Residence Card or residence visa). I advise you make 2 copies of both sides of your license/student ID.
Proof of Representative's Identity
If applicable, submit copies of the identity document or passport of parents or legal representatives.
Authorization of Legal Representatives
For minors, submit the original and a copy of parents’ or guardians’ authorization for temporary relocation to Spain.
Payment of Visa Fee
Make sure to check the visa fee with the consulate before your appointment.
- Payment is required through a check or money order issued by a U.S. bank, payable to NYS Department of State. Your money order can be made at a USPS. Please note that cash and credit cards are not accepted at the NYS DOS Local Office.
Additional Requirements for Specific Programs
Language Assistants Visa
In addition to general requirements, applicants must submit a letter of admission from the Ministry of Education, including program details, health insurance, and financial support provided by Spanish authorities.
Au Pair Visa
Au pair applicants must submit an Au Pair Collaboration Agreement signed by both host family and student.
Required Documents for Family Members
Family members accompanying the student must submit documents specific documentation from the consular page. Additionally, provide certificates proving kinship and, if necessary, document legalization or apostillation.
Visa Application Procedure
The application process involves the following steps:
Submission: Applications must be submitted in person at the Consular Office. An appointment is necessary and can be requested via email. Note that they will provide you a day and time when you send the email. Learn how to know your consular office and how to apply for an appointment here.
Proof of Receipt: The Consular Office provides a code for applicants to check the status of the dossier online.
Rectification: Applicants may be asked to submit missing documents or attend a personal interview.
Decision Period: The legal period for reaching a decision is one month, but it may be extended if an interview or additional documents are requested.
Collecting the Visa: The visa must be collected in person within a maximum of two months from the date of the favorable decision.
Refusal or Appeal: Refusals will be notified in writing, and applicants can submit an appeal for reconsideration within one month.
Validity Period: The visa is valid for the entire stay for up to six months. For stays exceeding six months, a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) must be applied for within one month of entry into Spain.
Your Journey Awaits
Obtaining a Spain student visa at the New York Consulate may seem daunting, but with this detailed guide, the process becomes more manageable. Follow each step meticulously, and ensure all required documents are in order. If you encounter challenges, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from the Consular Office. Your educational journey in Spain awaits, and this visa is your key to a transformative experience. Good luck!
Not all those who wander are lost -TTT
