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Spain Student Visa Instructions
When obtaining your student visa for Spain, it is very important that you contact your local consulate and verify instructions. Each consulate requires different materials for the visa application process.
Who needs to obtain a student visa?
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U.S. citizens studying in Spain on Semester or Academic Year programs that last longer than 90 days are required by Spanish law to obtain a student visa.
- Because the Alicante Intermediate/Advanced program is less than 90 days, students should check with their Spanish consulate for visa requirements.
- Winter Term and Summer Term students who are U.S. citizens do not need a visa.
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Students who are not U.S. citizens should contact the Spanish embassy in their home country about visa requirements.
Where do I obtain my student visa?
- You must apply for your visa at the Spanish consulate nearest your home. Check the Visa Information Packet to see which consulate you should use.
- Some consulates allow students, who attend a college or university in their jurisdiction, to apply even if the student's permanent address is in a different jurisdiction. However, you should always check with the consulate directly, as policies change and do vary from consulate to consulate.
When should I apply for my student visa?
Once accepted into your Spanish Studies program, you should contact the consulate in your jurisdiction immediately to research the student visa application procedure specific to your consulate. Spanish consulates impose pretty tight time restrictions on the student visa process.
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If your consulate requires that you schedule an appointment to apply for your visa, you must do so right away! Aim to have your appointment scheduled no later than 7-10 weeks before the start of your program. Students who wait to schedule their appointments will find that there are none left! |
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If your consulate does not require that you schedule an appointment, you should apply for your visa no later than 7-10 weeks before the start of the program. |
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An FBI background check may be required for Academic Years students or those staying in Spain for over six months. Please check the visa requirements at your nearest Spanish Consulate to see if this background check will be required, and allow ample time for its completion.
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How long will it take for my Visa to be issued once I apply?
- Most consulates are slow and backed up with applications. It will take at least 7-10 weeks to issue your visa once your application has been submitted. Always check the consulate website for the most up-to-date estimations on processing time.
- Make sure you consider any local or Spanish holidays that will occur around the time you submit your student visa application.
- You need a passport in order to apply for your visa, so make sure you have plenty of time to apply for both, if necessary!
- The consulate may keep your passport, while processing your student visa. Plan accordingly, if you are traveling abroad between the time that you apply for your visa and the time that you depart for Spain.
Do I need to schedule a visa appointment?
- Some Spanish consulates do not require you to schedule an appointment to apply for your visa. Check the website of the consulate you will visit to determine if you need to schedule an appointment ahead of time.
Which Visa application do I fill out?
Where do I obtain a student visa application?
- There should be a link to print the National Visa application with the Student Visa instructions on your consulate's website. The Student Visa instructions can generally be found under the Consular Services link of your consulate's website.
How do I fill out the student visa application?
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In your Spanish Studies Abroad General Visa Information Packet there is a page entitled "Line by Line Instructions for the Visa Application." You may use this as a guide to fill out the form.
- Keep in mind that you should ALWAYS follow the instructions given to you by your specific consulate over anything you are told by another person or by Spanish Studies Abroad.
What can I use as “proof of financial means?"
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The consulate’s requirement for “proof of financial means” may be fulfilled in several ways. One option is to provide an original copy of the Letter to the Visa Officer from Spanish Studies Abroad. The Visa Letter states that you, the student, have paid all your fees.
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Be sure to check the consulate website for specific guidelines on how to meet this requirement!
What can I use as “proof of health insurance?"
The health insurance form I have is not an original. Will the consulate accept the form?
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Spanish Studies Abroad has been issuing copies of the Astes Seguro Turistico Form to its students, who have been successful in obtaining student visas, for several years. The Copy of the Health Insurance Form is considered an original because it is the original document you received from Spanish Studies Abroad.
What items from Spanish Studies Abroad should I take with me to my visa appointment?
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Copy of Health Insurance Information (Astes Seguro Turistico form)
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ORIGINAL copy of your Spanish Studies Abroad Acceptance Letter
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ORIGINAL copy of Letter to Visa Officer from Spanish Studies Abroad
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What additional items do I need to take with me to my visa appointment?
How is my visa issued to me?
I am an Academic Year student. Do I need a special visa?
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No, you need to apply for a student visa using the National Visa Application. During your first semester in Spain, you will have an orientation meeting regarding your visa situation.
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Keep in mind that students who plan to be in Spain for more than 180 days must fulfill additional requirements, as part of the Student Visa application. Be sure to check your consulate's website for more information.
Why do regulations vary among Spanish consulates?
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Each Spanish consulate in the United States functions independently and makes its own rules, deadlines, and policies. It’s important that you check the website of the consulate you will visit to keep up-to-date.
I still have questions! Who should I contact?
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Spain 
