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 applies for foreigners participating in an internship program in Spain (through an internship agreement or of 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 of Sub-delegation of the Government in the province in which it will be carried out.
If these conditions are not met, 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 Houston will consider applications for residents in this jurisdiction: Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas.
Requ ired do cuments
Present original and photocopy of the following documents:
1. National visa application form: Each applicant must complete and sign a visa application form, filling in each of its sections.
2. Photograph: It has to be glued to the application form. A recent, passport-size, 2x2 inches, with white background. The face should be clear and visible.
3. Valid unexpired Passport: Original and copy 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: Notarized photocopy of: State ID, Driver´s Licence or Student ID from one of the following States: Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas.
5. Proof of legal residence in the United States (Non-US passport holders): Must present one of the following documents:
- Notarized copy of Permanent Residence Card (Green Card)
- Notarized copy of Valid US visa plus a copy of the I-20 document duly signed in the endorsement
- 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 (valid for 6 months): stating that the applicant has no criminal records in the place/s where he has resided the last five years.
a. Applicants over 18 must present original and copy of the criminal record check certificate issued by FBI
and legalized with the Federal Apostille of the Hague Convention requested to the Department of State in Washington DC.
b. The certificates must be translated into Spanish by a certified translator: American Translators Association https://www.atanet.org/
c. Local State background checks and Apostilles are not valid
d. The applicant must present criminal record certificates from the countries of residence of the last 5 years
8. Consular visa fees: Money order made out to the Consulate General of Spain in Houston
US Passport holders fee $190
Other nationalities fee $106
For Nationals of Australia, Ethiopia, Canada, United Kingdom and others, different rates are applied based on reciprocity. Please check the visa fee
9. Only USPS (Express or Priority Mail) self-address prepaid envelope with tracking number.
10. Postal delivery authorization
For representative (Attorney): copy of the identity document or passport of the representative and notarized power or document accrediting representation must be submitted. representation must be submitted. Foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and, where applicable, must be submitted together with an official translation into Spanish.
For family members
The following family members of the worker may also obtain the visa:
- The spouse or unmarried partner.
- Children.
- Relatives in the ascending line in the worker's care.
Family members with Authorization of Initial Residence (Autorización de residencia inicial para familiares), issued by Dirección General de Migraciones. must submit:
- All the required documents specified in the above sections from 1 to 8.
- Original and copy of birth Certificate apostilled and translated into Spanish by a certified translator.
- Original and copy of marriage issued in the last 6 months, apostilled and translated into Spanish by a certified translator. Commom-law marriage (informal marriage) also apostilled and translated into Spanish by a certified translator will also be accepted.
- For minors who travel with only one of the parents with joint custody, the non traveling parent must provide a copy of his/her ID along with a notarized authorization, which will be legalized with the Apostille of the Hague.
- Children over 18 must prove their financial dependence and civil status.
- Relatives in the ascending line, must submit original and copy of worker´s birth certificate translated into Spanish by a certified translator, and documents proving financial dependence and that they are part of the family unit. US and non US documents must be legalized or apostilled and, where applicable, must be submitted together with an official translation into Spanish.
The Consular Office may request additional documents.
Procedure
- Who can apply for a visa: This Consulate is competent to accept only visa applications from individuals residing in the consular district (Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas).
- Place of submission: Applications must be submitted via postal mail to the Consulate General of Spain in Houston- Visa Department (1800 Bering Dr. Suite 750 Houston, Texas, 77057).
- 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/Home.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 additional documents are requested or the applicant is called in for an interview.
- Collecting the visa: The Consular Office will inform the applicant regarding the procedure for the return of the passport and any other original documentation.
- Visa refusal: Visa refusals will always be notified in writing, setting forth the grounds on which the decision adopted is 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 notification of the visa refusal or of the dismissal of the reconsideration appeal.
- 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.