- Carefully review the checklist below and the consulate website to determine what you’ll need to submit.
- Gather the various documents required for the visa application.
- Submit your documents by the ACCeSS deadline (IES Abroad students only)
- Schedule an appointment at BLS for no more than 180 days before the start of your program or submit your materials to GLO for group processing by the deadline required (CIDE and CASA only)
Spain - Student Visa Guidelines
Most* students planning to study in Spain for more than 90 days are required to apply for a student visa.
As a Northwestern student, you must apply for your visa in person at BLS International in Chicago or at the Consulate serving your home state .
You are highly encouraged to apply through BLS in Chicago
BLS International
121 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1307
Chicago, IL 60601
516-888-1169
info.chies@blsinternational.net
The visa process could take up to 6 weeks from the day all documents are presented, plus mail delivery.
Your passport must remain at the Consulate because the visa is affixed inside. Do not plan international travel while your visa is being processed.
*Non-U.S. and non-EU citizens should refer to the Consulate General of Spain that services your country of citizenship to determine your visa application process.
**If you are an EU citizen, you may not need to apply for a student visa. Talk with your program's enrollment team to confirm details about your legal entry and stay in Spain.
Visa Timeline for Fall and Full Year Study Abroad
- Confirm your international health insurance coverage. More information regarding insurance will be available in GLObal Gateway.
- Drop off your visa application, passport, and supporting documents at IES Abroad, GLO, or the BLS International office downtown on your assigned appointment date and time. Note that your passport must remain at the Consulate because the visa is affixed inside.
- Check your email! If your visa is approved, an automatic response will be sent to the email address you provided when making your initial appointment at BLS.
- Pick up your visa in person at BLS.
- If you will not be in the Chicago area when your visa is ready for pick up, BLS can Express Mail it to your home address using a prepaid envelope.
Visa Requirements Checklist
To apply for a student visa you must provide ALL of the following to BLS International or GLO/IES Abroad. The following guidelines have been adapted from the Consulate website to assist you with the application process. Before submitting, you should review the original guidelines online because the Consulate can change requirements at any given time.
Required Documents to Apply for Student Visa in Spain
Provide both an original and a photocopy of ALL the following:
| Confirmation Email | The email you received from BLS confirming the date and time of your appointment. A confirmed appointment is needed to submit the visa application in person at BLS. |
| National Visa Application Form | The application form must be signed and filled out in print. Illegible or incomplete forms cannot be accepted. |
| Original Passport | Passport must be valid for at least one year, with at least one blank page to affix the visa. |
| Wildcard and Driver's License | Must show proof of residency in the Chicago Consulate’s jurisdiction by providing a photocopy of your Wildcard and/or Driver's License. |
| 1 Passport-Size Photo | Follow these photo guidelines for Schengen Visas. Photos can be taken at Walgreens or CVS. |
| Original Acceptance Letter | Letter will be in Spanish from the University or Provider coordinating your program. These letters will be sent to you directly. |
| Proof of International Health Insurance |
CIDE Bilbao: Request your personalized enrollment information for Global Student Insurance through Expat & Co. from the University of Deusto. This coverage is in addition to your GeoBlue Coverage CASA: You will be enrolled in a insurance plan through Sanitas by Brown University. IES Abroad: CISI enrollment information will be provided by your program. **Insurance requirements for student visas have changed over the past year, often without notification. Please double check requirements before your appointment to ensure you have the correct insurance coverage.** |
| Evidence of Funds | Your letter of acceptance should include a statement assuming full financial responsibility for room and board. If included, you do not need additional documentation. If this statement is not included, provide one of the following documents:
|
| Letter from Northwestern | Letter explaining that: “credits obtained by student in Spain will be transferred to Northwestern University towards student's graduation". This letter will be provided by GLO (CIDE & CASA) or by IES Abroad. |
|
Proof of Accommodation |
Statement from the University/School or US program assuming accommodation. Letter will be in Spanish from the University or Provider coordinating your program. |
| Non-refundable Visa Fee | Cash or Debit Card for $183. Confirm the visa fee online beforehand. |
| Prepaid Express Mail Envelope | You must include a prepaid, self-addressed Express Mail envelope from the U.S. Postal Service, so your passport can be returned by mail. Note: it is your responsibility to request a tracking method from the Post Office (e.g. delivery confirmation or similar) and this is highly recommended. |
| Evidence of Immigration Status (non-U.S. passport holders only) | Provide an “alien Registration Card” or a U.S. Visa with I-20 / IAP-66 (except B1-B2). |
Additional Tips and Information
BLS does not return original documents (aside from passports/greencards) or make photocopies of your documents, as such, we recommend making a copy of all documents to keep for yourself. The Consular Administration has the authority to evaluate and request additional documents, the submission of which does not guarantee the issuance of a visa, as well as to request a personal interview. BLS does NOT expedite or rush visa applications.
Application Form Tips:
- #10 For Minors – SKIP if over 18
- #11 Spanish National Identity – SKIP
- #19 Current Profession – Student
- #21 Intended Date of Entry – Should not be more than 10 days from the beginning of the studies
- #23 Postal Address – Address from acceptance letter
- #24-27 – SKIP
- #28 (All of page 3) – Use address, phone, and contact info provided in acceptance letter
- On the visa application, all dates must be in the European format day/month/year (e.g. 25/8/17)
Recommendations and Information:
- Do not purchase your travel tickets until your visa has been approved.
- If you are studying in Spain for the academic year (August/September - May/June), you have additional requirements in order to obtain a visa, including an FBI background check and a medical certificate. Please check the Consulate website for more details.
- If you are an international student, we recommend talking to OISS about applying for visas and maintaining U.S. student status while abroad.
- You must apply for your visa in person and be physically in the U.S. to receive the visa by mail. The visa cannot be sent by mail to Spain by any means.
- You must enter Spain using the passport with affixed visa, and ensure that your passport is stamped by the Border Authorities upon entry into the Schengen area.