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. It also applies to foreigners participating in an internship program in Spain (through an internship agreement or a trainee contract) with the purpose of improving their knowledge, their skills and their 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 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 Los Angeles will consider applications for residents in its jurisdiction: Southern California, Arizona, Colorado and Utah.
The following family members may also obtain the visa:
- The spouse or unmarried partner.
- Children and adult children who are financially dependent on the worker and who have not created a family unit of their own.
- Relatives in the ascending line in the worker's care.
Applications are in person by appointment only at BLS:
BLS International Office
5455 Wilshire Boulevard, suite 1011
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Required documents
1. ![]()
National visa application.pdf. The applicant must complete and sign a visa application form, filling in each of its sections.
2. Photograph. Glued to the application form. A recent color photo-paper picture, passport-size, taken against a white background, facing forward, without dark or reflective glasses, or any garments concealing the oval of the face.
3. Valid, unexpired passport. Original and a photocopy of the page or pages of the passport that contain biometric data. The passport must have a minimum validity period of 1 year and contain 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.
6. Authorization of Initial Residence for Internship. (Autorización de residencia inicial para prácticas), issued by the Delegation or Sub-delegation of the Government in the province in which the internship will be carried out.
7. Criminal record check certificate. Applicants over 18 must submit both the original and a copy of the criminal record check certificate issued by the FBI. It cannot be older than 6 months from the issued date, and it has to be legalized with the Federal Apostille of the Hague Convention requested to the Department of State in Washington D.C. Local Apostille is not valid.
The certificate must be translated into Spanish by a certified translator.
- The applicant must present criminial record certificates from the countries of residence of the last 5 years. Foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and, when applicable, must be submitted together with an official translation into Spanish.
8. Visa fee. For nationals of Australia, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Canada, the United Kingdon and others, different rates are applied based on reciprocity. Please check the complete most recent ![]()
Visa fees.pdf.
Fees must be paid by money order on the day of your appointment. The visa fee is non-refundable even if the visa is not granted or cancelled.
APPLICANT FROM JANUARY 1ST 2026
US Citizens $ 190.00
Other nationalities $ 106.00
For representatives: If the visa application is submitted through a representative, a copy of the identity document or passport of the representative and notarized power of attorney or document accrediing 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.
Required documents for family members
Family members with Authorization of Initial Residence (TIE), must submit:
- All the required documents specified in the above sectons from 1 to 8.
- Documents proving family relationship; birth or marriage certificates issued by the Civil Registry, certificate of registration as an unmarried couple or any other document proving hat the relationship is an unregistered partnership. Foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and, when applicable, must be submitted together with an official translation into Spanish.
- In the case of adult children, documents proving their financial dependence and civil status. Foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and, when applicable, must be submitted together with an official translation into Spanish.
The Consular Office may request additional documents.
Procedure
This Consular Office is competent to accept visa applications from individuals residing in the consular jurisdiction.
- Who can apply for a visa: Visa applications must be submitted in person by the applicant, or by one of their parents if the applicant is a minor. It may also be submitted through a duly accredited representative.
- Place of submission: Applications must be submitted in person by appointment at BLS International Office, 5455 Wilshire Boulevard, suite 1011. Los Angeles, CA 90036.
- Proof of receipt: BLS will provide the applicant with proof of receipt of the application.
- 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 visa must be collected in person by the applicant or by their representative within a maximum period of 1 month, counted as of the day after the date on which the favourable decision is notified.
- 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.