GENERAL INFORMATION
Visa for foreigners who have obtained a university degree in the past two years, or who are in the process of obtaining a university degree in Spain. Also, it apply for foreigners participating in an internship program in Spain (through an internship agreement or a trainee contract) with the purpose of improving their knowledge, skills and experience in a professional environment.
In any case, the Internship has to be approved by the Delegation or Sub-delegation of the Government in the province in which it will be carried out.
If these conditions do not fit, it is possible to apply for a study visa for the undertaking of other internships in Spain (see “Study visas").
The Consulate of Spain in Chicago will consider applications for residents in this jurisdiction: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
· Applications are in person by appointment only. To request an appointment please follow these instructions:
1. Send an email with the appointment request to cog.chicago.cit@maec.es (one email per family group)
2. Attach a PDF copy of the applicant`s ID (State ID, Driver's License, or Student ID)
3. Include this mandatory information :
· Name and last name of the applicant (for a family group, include all the applicant's names in the same email)
· Email address
· Phone number
· Type of visa
· Intended dates of travel
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
1. National visa application form. The applicant must complete and sign an official application form, filling in each of its sections. If the applicant is a minor, one of their parents must sign the application
2. Photo. Glued to the application form. An updated photo-paper picture, passport size, facing forward, without dark or reflective glasses, or any garments concealing the oval of the face. Photographs of toddlers and babies must not show any part of the adult holding them
3. Valid, unexpired passport. Original and photocopy of the page or pages of the passport that contain biometric data. The passport must have a minimum validity of 1 year and contain at least two blank pages. Passports issued more than 10 years ago will not be accepted.
4. Proof of residence in the consular jurisdiction: State ID, Driver´s License, or Student ID.
5. Proof of legal residence in the United States (Non-Americans). Must present one of the following documents:
· Original and copy of Permanent Resident Card (Green card)
· Valid US long-term Visa
· Holders of B-1/B-2 visas cannot apply in the United States; they must apply in their country of permanent residence.
6. Authorization of Initial Residence for Internship. (Autorización de residencia inicial para practicas), issued by the Delegation or Sub-delegation of the Government in the province in where the Internship will be carried out.
7. Criminal record check certificate. Applicants over 18 must present an original and photocopy of the criminal record check certificate issued by FBI, It cannot be older than 6 months from the issued date, and legalized with the Federal Apostille of the Hague Convention requested to the Department of State in Washington DC. Local State Apostille is not valid.
- The applicant must present criminal record certificates from the countries of residence of the last 5 years.
- The certificates must be translated into Spanish by a certified translator.
8. Visa fee. For nationals of Australia, Ethiopia, Canada, the United Kingdom and others, different rates are applied based on reciprocity. Please check the complete most recent visa fees 2024
Present the payment the day of your appointment. Only money orders are accepted, payable to the Consulate of Spain. No cash, personal checks, nor credit cards. The processing fee will not be returned even if the visa is not granted or canceled
APPLICANT FEE 2024
Americans $ 190
Other Nationalities $ 88
9. Pre-Paid Priority/Express mail envelope from the United States Postal Services along with a tracking number. Once the visa is approved, the Consulate will return the applicant's passport inside that envelope.
10. Shipping Disclaimer form must be downloaded here.
For representative (Attorney): Copy of the identity document or passport of the representative and notarized power or document accrediting representation must be submitted. The originals must be shown when submitting the application. Foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and, if necessary, submitted together with an official translation into Spanish.
Procedure
· Who can apply for a visa: The visa application must be submitted in person by the applicant or through a duly accredited representative.
· Place of submission: Applications must be submitted in person at the Consular Office. An appointment is necessary.
Address:
Consulate of Spain in Chicago
180 N. Michigan Ave, Suite 1500
Chicago, IL 60601
· Proof of receipt: The Consular Office will provide the applicant with proof of receipt of the application with a code that enables them to check the status of the dossier through the following link: https://sutramiteconsular.maec.es/H ome .aspx.
· Rectifying the application: The Consular Office may ask the applicant to submit any missing documents or to provide additional documents or data that are necessary for a decision regarding the application. The applicant may also be called in for a personal interview.
· Decision period: The legal period for reaching a decision is 10 days as of the day after the submission date of the application, but this period may be extended when an interview or additional documents are requested.
· Collecting the visa: The visa must be collected in person by the applicant or by their representative within a maximum period of 1 month after the approval. Or, it will be sent in the prepaid envelope provided by the applicant.
· Visa refusal: Visa refusals will always be notified in writing, setting forth the grounds on which the decision adopted was based.
· Appeals: If a visa is refused, the applicant may submit an appeal for reconsideration to this Consular Office within 1 month of the day following the date on which notification of the refusal is received. An application for judicial review may also be filed with the High Court of Justice of Madrid within the 2-month period beginning the day after the date on which the applicant receives the notification of the visa refusal or of the dismissal of the reconsideration appeal.
· The validity period of the visa: The visa will be valid for the authorized internship period, with a maximum validity period of 6 months (in the case of an internship hosting agreement) or of 1 year (in the case of a trainee contract). The visa accredits legal residence in Spain.
If the authorized internship period is longer than 6 months, it is possible to apply for a Foreigner Identity Card from the Foreign Nationals' Office or the corresponding Police Station.