If you plan to study or do research work in Spain for longer than 3 months you will need to have a student visa. Applying for a student visa can be challenging, but remember to stay calm, double-check your paperwork, and know that Mester is here to help answer any questions you may have. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to complete the process, as acquiring and validating the paperwork requires various steps. Once all the paperwork has been submitted, the visa process takes about 4-6 weeks plus about 3-10 days by mail. As of January 2014 a student visa will cost you about $160. In this blog post, Mester will help you get prepared for studying abroad in Spain!
Step 1: Gather the necessary documents
Depending on your designated embassy, the document requirements are slightly different, but all embassies follow the same general guidelines. The following list is a general outline of the required documentation needed to apply for a student visa. It does NOT contain the necessary specifics for each document as they vary by US region.
- National Visa Application form(s)
- Original passport
- ID: Proof of residency
- Passport photo(s)
- Original acceptance letter from Mester Spanish academy, Spain University or US academic institution.
- Planned round trip itinerary/printout
- Evidence of funds
- Proof of health/travel/accident insurance
- Background Check (FOR STAYS OVER 180 DAYS)
- Medical Certificate (FOR STAYS OVER 180 DAYS)
- Visa Fee in money order
- Pre-paid self-addressed envelope for US passport and Visa return
For more information on your specific student visa requirements, contact us!
Step 2: Locate your designated Spanish consulate:
The Spanish Embassy has consulates around the U.S.A: Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, San Francisco, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico
Please visit the embassys website to see your states designated consulate.
Step 3: Make an appointment with the Spanish Consulate at your designated location.
- Boston
- Chicago
- Houston
- Los Angeles
- Miami
- New York City: A prior appointment is not required for student visas
- San Francisco
- Washington D.C.
- Puerto Rico
Step 4: Bring all necessary paperwork to your meeting.
- Be sure to makephotocopies of all documentation, sometimes the consulates request an additional copy of your paperwork.
Step 5: Wait patiently for your Visa to arrive by mail!
- Depending on where you live, you may be required to pick your visa up in person at your assigned consulate.
Step 6: Make necessary arrangements in Spain for student resident card (NIE) (FOR STAYS OVER 180 DAYS)
- Make sure to get your passport stamped upon entry into Spain
- Within one month upon arrival in Spain, you must request a Student Resident Card ID (NIE).
- In Salamanca you can do this at the Oficina de Extranjeros de Subdelegacin
- Located at Calle Gran Via, 31 Salamanca, Spain 37001.
- The office only accepts NIE applications and inquiries within the hours of 9:00am to 2:00pm
Mester wants to make this visa process as simple and stress-free as possible for our students and program participants. For more tips, read our previous Dos and Donts: Applying for a student visa post! Please contact us if you have any questions or doubts during your student visa application process.