The Revised visa fee and BLS service charge are as follows:

• All Fees are non-refundable
• The Visa Fee is subject to change without notice

Insurance for Long Term Visa

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• One National Visa Application form: Each applicant must complete and sign a visa application. Visa applications can be filled out electronically or handwritten in capital letters.
• One Photograph: Photo specifications: In color, printed on matte/glossy paper, taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance, in front of a white/off white background, without dark or reflective glasses, and clearly showing the full oval of the face.
  Do not glue the photo to the application. Do not crop the photo to fit the form.
• Passport or travel document: Original and photocopy duly notarized of the page(s) of the passport that contain biometric data.
  • Issued in the last 10 years.
  • With at least 2 empty pages.
  • Valid for at least the intended period of stay.
• Proof of jurisdiction: Proof of residence in the consular demarcation. Please provide a duly notarized copy of School ID or US driver license/State ID. Who can apply at the Consulate in New York? Students enrolled in universities or educational institutions within our consular district (New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware) or legal residents within our jurisdiction
• For non-US Citizens: Proof of residency: Please provide a duly notarized copy of your Residency Card/Valid Visa in the US
  • (B1/B2 and EAD holders must apply at their home country).
  • Please note that your Visa Stamp must be valid in your passport. I-797 will only be accepted for Green Cards extension.
• Proof of Acceptance
  Original and copy of the acceptance letter for the program, training, volunteering, or mobility program.
  • Higher Education, Post-Compulsory Secondary Education, Training, and Mobility Programs: Acceptance letter by the Spanish educational institution. Mobility program letters must include: Confirmation from the educational center that it will assume responsibility for the student throughout their stay, provision of accommodation (either with a host family chosen by the organization overseeing the student mobility program or at a boarding school or institution arranged within the framework of the program) and a written commitment from the program organizer to cover all related expenses, including tuition, room and board, and return travel to the home country
  • Volunteer Programs: Letter of acceptance and signed agreement with the organization detailing activities, supervision, schedule, expenses, and, where applicable, training. The organization must be legally registered.
  • Training Activities: Acceptance letter. Where applicable, Spanish degree (or duly recognized foreign degree) that qualifies for participation in the training activity. For Spanish or other co-oficial languages studies acceptance a language school officially recognized by the Instituto Cervantes. For language assistants (NALCAP), see NALCAP section.
• Proof of payment or exemption of enrollment fees. The payment requirement may be satisfied by submitting an acceptance letter from the educational center in Spain that certifies any of the following:
  • The enrolment fees have been paid;
  • The enrolment fees are exempt from payment;
  • The enrolment fees have been paid by the student at the center of origin in the USA (within the framework of a program between academic centers or institutions);
  • The center of origin in the USA covers (or is responsible for) the payment of the enrolment fee (within the framework of a program between centers or institutions).
  • Partial payment of enrollment or tuition fees is sufficient. In such cases, the formalization of enrollment is understood to fulfill both the tuition payment and admission requirements.
  • When the deadline for payment of the fee and formalization of registration established by the institution cannot be adjusted to the deadlines of the visa application procedure, this situation and the commitment to pay the registration fees may be accredited.
• Proof of Financial Means: Original and copy of documents demonstrating sufficient funds for the student and accompanying family members. Minimum amounts are based on Spain’s Public Multiple Effects Income Indicators (IPREM: The minimum required amount is equivalent to 100% of Spain’s Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator (IPREM). To this amount must be added 75% of the IPREM for the first family member and 50% of the IPREM for each additional family member). Accepted proof includes:
  
  • Letter from the university or school:
    • A statement or letter of acceptance from a U.S. or Spanish university or school assuming full financial responsibility (this is often included into the acceptance letter), complete with an official seal and signature. Electronic copies with an electronic signature are acceptable.
    • An official or certified translation of this statement into Spanish is required.
  • Support from Parent or Legal Guardian:
    • A notarized letter from the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) assuming full financial responsibility for at least the minimum monthly required amount per month of stay. Suggested wording: “I hereby certify that I am the (father/mother/other) of [Applicant's Name], will support him/her with a monthly allowance of $[Amount] while he/she is in Spain, and that I am financially responsible for any emergency that may arise."
    • This must be accompanied by the last three months of bank statements (All pages from the supporting parent or guardian, a copy of the birth certificate to prove the relationship, and a copy of the photo page of the passport of the parent or guardian assuming financial responsibility.
  • Financial Aid, Scholarships, or Other Economic Aid:
    • Documentation evidencing the receipt of financial aid, loans, scholarships, or other economic assistance sufficient to cover the minimum monthly amount required.
    • An official or certified translation of this documentation into Spanish must be provided.
  • Self-financed Applicants:
    • Provide the three most recent monthly bank statements, including the applicant's full name and a final balance that meets or exceeds the minimum required amount for each month of stay.
    • Proof of current or past employment (justify income)
      Please ensure all provided documents are complete and clearly legible to avoid any delays in the processing of your application.
• Health Insurance: Proof of public or private health insurance contracted with an insurance entity authorized to operate in Spain, the insurance entity must be registered in the list of insurance and reinsurance entities of the General Directorate of Insurance and Pension Funds. The health insurance coverage must be with similar benefits to National Health System services in Spain (articles 7 and following of Law 16/2003, of May 28, on cohesion and quality of the National Health System) and be no co-payments and no deductible. If the policy has a limited coverage to a specific amount, this will not be less than thirty thousand euros, without prejudice to the individual assessment of the application. The insurance contract must be maintained during the authorization period.
  VOLUNTEERS: in addition to health insurance, a copy of the civil liability insurance policy of the receiving organization must be provided.
• No background check or medical examination is required for applicants staying in Spain for 90-180 days.
• For stays of more than 180 days:
  Criminal background check: Applicants of legal age must submit an original or notarized copy of their criminal background check issued by the country/countries of residence in the past 5 years stating that the applicant has no criminal record.
  • It does not apply for students under 18 years of age.
  • Criminal background check must be issued by the U.S. Department of Justice – Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). We do not accept State or Local Police Background Checks.
  • Criminal background check must be issued within the 6 months preceding the submission of the visa application.
  • Criminal background check must be authenticated with the Hague Apostille. The apostille must certify the signature on the Criminal Background check, not other signatures (e.g. we don’t accept apostilles that certifies the signature of a notary that stamps a seal in the criminal background check).
  • Criminal background check must be accompanied by an official or certified translation into Spanish of the Criminal background check. The official translation can include the translation of the Apostille as well, but it is not necessary (The translation does not need an Apostille and the Apostille does not need a translation). You can find certified translators through the
    INFO FBI BACKGROUND CHECK DEPARTMENT OF STATE https://www.travelvisapro.com/fbi-background-check?client_id=832612178
    INFO AMERICAN TRANSLATORS ASSOCIATION: https://www.travelvisapro.com/translations?client_id=832612178
    INFO DEPARTMENT OF STATE APOSTILLE:
    https://www.travelvisapro.com/legalization?client_id=832612178
  • Please include a photocopy (not notarized) of the background check, apostille and official translation(s) with your submitted documents.
  • Under no circumstances will a criminal background check be accepted if it has been altered or damaged in any way, including damage caused by removing staples.
  • If the applicant has lived six months or more in another country (outside the United States) during the last five years: an original or notarized copy of a criminal background check from every country of residence must be provided. These background checks must also be authenticated with the Hague Apostille and include an official or certified translation to Spanish. If the country/countries in which the applicant has lived in the past 5 years is not subject to the Hague Convention of 1961, the background check must be authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the issuing country and then by the Consulate of Spain in said country.
• Medical certificate: Medical certificate demonstrating the applicant does not suffer from drug addiction, mental health issues or any diseases that could have serious repercussions for public health in accordance with the International Health Regulations of 2005.
  • This certificate must be issued within 3 months preceding the submission of the visa application.
  • This certificate must include a stamp from the issuing Medical Center, doctor’s name and signature, doctor’s License Number and date of expedition.
  • The certificate must be written on letterhead paper from hospital/doctor’s office or directly on the provided template.
  • Please include a photocopy (not notarized) of the medical certificate with your submitted documents.
  • medical certificate must be accompanied by an official or certified translation into Spanish. In the case of using the model from our website, the Spanish translation is not necessary. Please find a template in “Download forms”.

Documents required for family members

For each family member accompanying the student, the following must be presented:

• The documents listed above
• Accredit economic means to cover the expenses of stay and return to your country. For the support of family members during their stay in Spain: the last three personal bank account statements that show at least a minimum amount of $480 for the first family member per month of stay and $320 per month for each of the remaining family members who the family unit will be integrated in Spain.
• Original Birth Certificate of the children legalized with the Apostille of The Hague and translated into Spanish. Attach a copy of both parents' IDs. If the parents are divorced, present the final decree of divorce and legalized custody of the minor with the Apostille certification. If the country is not part of the Hague Convention, the document must be legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and then by the Spanish Consulate in that country (original and copy)
• Original Marriage Certificate legalized with The Hague Apostille and translated into Spanish. If the country is not part of the Hague Convention, the document must be legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and then by the Spanish Consulate in that country. (Original and copy).
• Original Domestic Partnership Certificate legalized with The Hague Apostille and translated into Spanish. If the country is not part of the Hague Convention, the document must be legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and then by the Spanish Consulate in that country. (Original and copy).
• Proof of public or private health insurance (travel insurance will not be accepted) from a recognized insurer authorized to operate in Spain. The insurance must cover all risks normally covered for nationals and must be maintained throughout the validity of the authorization. No deductibles or copays.
• Proof of financial means: latest 3 months of Bank Statements (All pages) with enough funds to cover the stay in Spain.

Note: We regret we cannot accept photographs that do not meet these requirements

One passport size photograph: in color, 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) in size, printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper, taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance and in front of a plain white or off-white background.

• Taken against a white background so that features are distinguishable and contrast against the background.
• Clear share quality and with the face in focus.
• Printed on normal photographic paper (camera print).
• Full face, non-smiling [without sunglasses, a hat/cap or other head covering, unless the applicant wears such items because of their religious belief or ethnic background]
• Please stick the Photograph on the Visa Application Form.

Note: Please follow these instructions carefully. If photographs presented do not meet these requirements your application will be considered incomplete. A photo booth meeting these requirements is available at the centre.

Who Can Apply for a Visa: Visa applications must be submitted in person by the applicant. If the applicant is a minor, one of their parents may submit the application on their behalf. Applications may also be submitted through a duly authorized representative.

Visa Application Period: Visa applications must be submitted at least two months before the start date of the studies.

Place of Submission: Applications must be submitted in person at the BLS Visa Service for Spain. Full information is available on their website: BLS Visa Service NYC.
Important: Your passport must remain with BLS during the processing period. Both the submission of the application and the pickup of the passport must be done in person by the applicant.

Proof of Receipt: The Consular Office will provide proof of receipt of the application, including a tracking code that allows applicants to check the status of their dossier online: Check Status

Rectifying the Application: The Consular Office may request missing documents or additional information necessary to make a decision on the application. The applicant may also be called in for a personal interview if required.

Decision Period: The legal period for reaching a decision is one month from the day after the application submission date. This period may be extended if an interview or additional documents are required.
Important Note: Visas for stays exceeding 90 days can only be issued once the Consulate receives authorization from Spain, which typically takes approximately three weeks. This process cannot be expedited, so please plan accordingly.

Collecting the Visa: The visa must be collected in person by the applicant or by their representative (if the applicant is a minor) within two months from the day after the favorable decision is notified. The Consular Office will provide instructions regarding the return of the passport and any other original documents.

Refusal of the Visa or Study Stay Permit: Refusals are always provided in writing, clearly stating the grounds for the decision.

Appeals: If a visa or study stay permit is refused, the applicant may submit an appeal in Spanish through the BLS Visa Application Centre within one month from the day following the notification of refusal. A photocopy of the passport must be included. The maximum period for resolving an appeal is one month.

An application for judicial review may also be filed with the High Court of Justice of Madrid (Tribunal Superior de Justicia de Madrid) within two months from the day after receiving the notification of refusal or dismissal of the reconsideration appeal.

Validity Period of the Visa:

Study stay ≤ 6 months: The visa is valid for the entire duration of the stay; a Foreigner Identity Card is not required.

Study stay > 6 months: The visa is initially valid for 365 days. The student must apply for a Foreigner Identity Card within one month of entering Spain at the Foreign Nationals' Office or the local police station in the province where the permit was issued.

• National Visa Application Form
• Medical Certificate Template
• Checklist