how to get a student visa for spain from usa

There are two ways to get a Spanish student visa:

1. You either travel to Spain for a short stay (so as a tourist, less than 90 days) and apply for a student visa while in Spain or;
2. You apply for a student visa from the US. Because of all the documentation you need from your home country, if you already know you are going to Spain for a long time, this option is recommended.

Full Answer

What do you need to know about a Spanish student visa?

What is a Spanish student visa? A student visa for Spain is a legal document adhered to one of the inside pages of your passport that you must have before entering Spain. The visa serves as approval from the Spanish government for you to legally remain in Spain for the duration of your study abroad program.

Can I work in Spain with a student visa?

The Spain Student Visa allows you to work up to a maximum of 20 hours per week, and your work mustn’t interfere with your studies. To get a job or study, the first step is to obtain a work permit from the Foreign Office. Take into account that the length of your contract mustn’t extend longer than the end date of your course.

How to get a Spanish student visa from Switzerland?

If a student from Switzerland or the EU is planning on being in Spain for more than three months, they will have to apply for a Spanish student visa. All other students should consider applying for a visa from near their home. There are Spanish embassy’s and consulates in every home nation.

When is the best time to apply for a Spanish student visa?

We recommend you set your appointment no later than mid-July for Fall programs or mid-November for Spring programs. There are eight Spanish consulates in the United States. Each consulate serves a jurisdiction, which is a specific geographic region. The consulate that serves your jurisdiction is where you will apply for your Spanish student visa.

Where to apply for a Spanish student visa?

The consulate that serves your jurisdiction is where you will apply for your Spanish student visa. Use the tool below to determine your jurisdiction (s). Each consulate has specific instructions on applying for a Spanish student visa that may differ from other Spanish consulates.

What is a student visa in Spain?

What is a Spanish student visa? A student visa for Spain is a legal document adhered to one of the inside pages of your passport that you must have before entering Spain. The visa serves as approval from the Spanish government for you to legally remain in Spain for the duration of your study abroad program.

How much does a Spanish student visa cost?

The current Spanish student visa fee for U.S. citizens is $160. This is a price determined by the consulate and paid directly to the consulate that serves your jurisdiction.

What is a Student Visa Spain?

A student visa Spain is an authorization from the Spanish government to study, work or train as a foreign exchange student for longer than three months. Remember if you are a student from the EU or Switzerland, you will not need a Spanish student visa.

What are Student Visa Spain Requirements?

Besides the official acceptance letter from the program you are intending to study, you will need other documents to apply and get a visa from Spain. These include the following.

How long do you have to stay in Spain to get a residence card?

Those students who will be staying in Spain longer than six months will need to apply for a residence card at the Spanish immigration office within thirty days of arriving in Spain.

What are the Language Requirements for Studying in Spain?

That is not the case, though. Many of the universities will offer degrees taught exclusively in the Spanish language. Students desiring to be in one of these programs must show they are proficient in the Spanish language.

How long does it take to get a Spanish student visa?

You will apply for your student visa through the nearest Spanish Embassy/Consulate in your country. Normally you can expect an answer in 10-15 working days.

When to apply?

We recommend you to apply for your visa at least 8 weeks in advance. Some Embassies and Consulates demand an appointment. In others you can just leave your documents with them directly.

Is student expat visa confusing?

This can be complicated and confusing, because often the information you find online is contradicting. Luckily, there is no need to feel discouraged, Student Expat´s experienced and knowledgeable visa consultants will guide you, each step of the way!

How long before a trip to Spain do you need an appointment?

It must be request at the website of the Spanish embassy or consulate nearest to you, at least 3 months before your trip.

How long does it take to get a visa?

The deadline for processing long-term visa applications is one month after the application has been submitted , except for the case of non-lucrative residence visas, in which it is three months.

How long is a passport valid for?

your U.S passport, valid for 6 months beyond stay and at least two blank passport pages available for entry and exit stamps,

How to get a medical certificate?

Medical Certificate – Obtain a health certificate from a doctor verifying you are in good health and don’t suffer any illnesses that could cause serious repercussions to public health. It should be issued by your family doctor, signed by your doctor, and on the office’s letterhead. Also, it must be translated into Spanish or directly issued in Spanish.

Do you have to have a student visa to work in Spain?

Proof of Sufficient Funds – Since non-lucrative and student visa do not allow working in Spain, you have to prove that you have sufficient income or savings to support yourself.