Study Visa

​

GENERAL INFORMATION

BLS VISA APPLICATION CENTER

To find more information and schedule an appointment for a Study visa at BLS Spain Visa Application Center in Washington DC, please follow the link: BLS Spain Visa Application Center

The collection of the visa and/or documents must be in person at the BLS office once BLS notifies the applicant that the visa or documents are ready for pick up.

JURISDICTION: Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia​, West Virginia, North Carolina

SUBMIT IN ADVANCE 

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Please note that we do not accept incomplete visa applications. Only complete applications with all the required documents will be admitted and processed.

Index (please check the requirements for your type of visa): 

1.- General student visa:

• Required documents for General student visa
  
• Required documents for family members of a General student visa holder
  

4.- Student Visa for minors:

• Required documents for minors
  

​1.- GENERAL STUDENT VISA

Required documents for General student visa:

1.- Application form (Solicitud de visado nacional - Inglés.pdf ): Each applicant must complete and sign a national visa application, filling out every section. It can be filled out electronically or handwritten in capital letters. If the applicant is a minor, one of their parents or a duly accredited representative must sign the application.

Please do not forget to fill out numbers 17 (your address, email and telephone number), 28 (complete information related to the university or education center in Spain) and 21 (intended date of entry) on the application form.

The intended day of entry can be, for example, 15 days before the beginning of the studies; in this case, make sure that your insurance policy covers your whole period of intended stay in Spain.

​2.- One photograph: A recent (taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance), passport-size, color photograph, printed on matte/glossy paper, taken against a white, clear, uniform background, facing forward, without dark or reflective glasses, or any garments concealing the applicant’s full oval of the face. Photos with a dark background or with objects or people that can be seen behind your head will not be accepted. Please do not staple or use any other option besides glue to attach the photo to the form.

3.- Valid, unexpired passport: Original and photocopy of the page or pages of the passport that contain biometric data. The passport must be valid for at least the requested time of stay and must contain at least two free pages for visas. Passports issued more than 10 years ago will not be accepted.   

4.- Proof of residence or study in our consular jurisdiction: The applicant must be a legal resident or be enrolled in in-person studies within the Consular Section’s jurisdiction (Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina). Residence must be proved by submitting a notarized copy of one of the following valid documents: U.S. drivers' license, state ID, or university student ID. Please do not submit the original document.

For non-U.S. citizens: Immigration status in the US. The applicant must also submit a notarized copy of a US Green Card or valid long-term US student visa. B-1 and B-2 visa holders cannot apply for a student visa in the United States; they must apply for it in their country of residence or origin.

5.- Proof of admission in the study program, training or volunteer activity: Please submit one printed copy if it is an electronically-signed document. If it is not an electronically-signed document, please submit the original document and one photocopy.

The letter of acceptance or certificate of admission must certify the enrollment of the student in the study program. We do not accept letters of acceptance that offer the possibility to enroll while indicating that admission is subject to conditions. 

The document must be written in Spanish and be issued in Spain by the authorized university, school or education center.

The document must prove enrollment in:

• Full-time (minimum 20 hours per week) studies;
  
• At an authorized university, school, research or education center;
• Leading to obtain a degree, diploma or certificate.​

The document must indicate: 

• Name of the authorized university, school or education center;
• ​Address, contact e-mail and telephone number of the education center;
• Student’s full name;
  
• Name of the program;
  
• Start and ending dates of the program;
  
• Name, e-mail and telephone number of the person in charge of the program.
  

​In the case of unpaid training (as part of the study program) that does not entitle an Internship visa: Please submit the letter of acceptance and the signed contract. 

If the applicant is participating in a volunteer program, in addition to the letter of acceptance, he/she must also provide the signed contract with the volunteering organization. If you need it back, please provide the original and a photocopy.

6.- Proof of financial means: The applicant must provide documents certifying that he/she (or the legal representative or relative that supports him/her) has sufficient financial means to cover the expenses of student’s stay and return, as well as that of any family members accompanying him/her.

The minimum required amount is equivalent to 100% of Spain's IPREM (Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator) for the student. 75% of the IPREM must be added for the first accompanying family member and 50% for each additional family member. 

If the student is traveling to Spain alone, the minimum required amount in 2023 is 700 USD per month.

The IPREM indicator changes every year. In 2023 the IPREM is:

7.- Health insurance: Proof of public or private health insurance contracted with an insurance entity authorized to operate in Spain. The insurance policy must cover all the risks insured by Spain's public health system and must cover the entire period of the stay. It should have no coverage limits (Spanish companies offer unlimited coverage), no grace periods for certain benefits, no co-payments, and no deductibles. Health insurance may be accepted from international companies that cover up to a maximum of US$500,000 and meet the other required characteristics.

Travel insurance is not accepted.

An Insurance card will not be accepted as proof of coverage.

If the applicant is participating in a volunteer program, in addition to the health insurance, he/she must also provide a copy of the organization’s civil liability insurance policy. 

WHEN LENGTH OF STAY EXCEEDS 180 DAYS:

8.- 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.

The certificate must be issued in the 3 months preceding the submission of the visa application.

The 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. The recommended model can be found here: Medical certificate model.pdf

9.- Criminal record check certificate: Applicants of legal age (18 years old and older) who apply for a student visa for a stay of more than 180 days must submit the original and a photocopy (not notarized) of their criminal background check(s) issued by their country or countries of residence in the past five years. The 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. 

• The background check must be issued within the 6 months preceding the submission of the visa application.
• Criminal background checks must be authenticated with the Hague Apostille. We do not accept background checks without 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 certify the signature of a notary that stamps a seal on the criminal background check). 
• Criminal background checks must be accompanied by an official or certified translation into Spanish. 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 AMERICAN TRANSLATORS ASSOCIATION
• The criminal background check will not 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 during the last five years in another country (outside the United States) in the past 5 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. 

10.- Disclaimer form (DISCLAIMER.pdf )

11.- Payment of the visa fee: Payment made to BLS. Non-refundable. 

• For US citizens: $160
  
• For citizens of Australia: $420
• For citizens of the UK: 
• ​For stays shorter than 180 days: $85
• For stays longer than 180 days: $214
• ​For citizens of Canada: $92
  
• For citizens of Bangladesh: $96
• For citizens of Mauritania: $255
• For all other non-U.S. citizens: $85
  

Visa fees are revised quarterly according to current exchange rates and can be subject to changes. 

Required documents for family members of a General student visa holder:

For this purpose, a “family member” or “relative” is: the spouse or civil union partner and children under eighteen or children with disabilities and not objectively able to provide for their own needs due to their health status. 

Foreigners who have applied for a student visa or who are in Spain with a General student visa may apply for the corresponding visas for their relatives so that they can legally enter and stay in Spain for the duration of such studies. The visas may be requested simultaneously with the application for a General student visa or at any subsequent time during the period of validity of the authorized General student visa. 

Relatives will not be entitled to work during their stay in Spain.

The following required documents must be submitted for each family member accompanying the student:

1.- Documents listed above under numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 10 and 11, and, if applicable, 8, 9.

2.- Documentation proving relationship to the student (marriage, civil union, or birth certificate, or other documentation, depending on the relationship): This documentation must be authenticated with the Hague Apostille and officially translated into Spanish. 

• For married couples: Original and notarized copy of marriage certificate.
• For civil partners: Original and notarized copy of certificate confirming that the relationship is accounted for in a civil registry or documentation proving that the couple qualifies for a civil partnership, even if not legally registered as such. 
• For children: Original and notarized copy of the birth certificate.
  
• For children of divorced parents: The final divorce and custody filings for the minor, authenticated with the Hague Apostille and translated into Spanish.
  

Note: Documentation issued by government authorities of countries that do not subscribe to The Hague Convention of 1961 must be authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the issuing country and then by the Consulate of Spain in said country.

2.- NORTH AMERICAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE ASSISTANT PROGRAM (NALCAP) VISA

Visa for stays exceeding 90 days to participate in the North American Language and Culture Assistant program (NALCAP) sponsored by the Ministry of Education of Spain.

Required documents for NALCAP visa:​

1.- Application form (Solicitud de visado nacional - Inglés.pdf ): Each applicant must complete and sign a national visa application, filling out every section. It can be filled out electronically or handwritten in capital letters. If the applicant is a minor, one of their parents or a duly accredited representative must sign the application.

Please do not forget to fill out numbers 17 (your address, email and telephone number), 28 (complete information related to the university or education center in Spain) and 21 (intended date of entry) on the application form.

The intended day of entry can be, for example, 15 days before the beginning of the studies; in this case, make sure that your insurance policy covers your whole period of intended stay in Spain.

​2.- One photograph: A recent (taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance), passport-size, color photograph, printed on matte/glossy paper, taken against a white, clear, uniform background, facing forward, without dark or reflective glasses, or any garments concealing the applicant’s full oval of the face. Photos with a dark background or with objects or people that can be seen behind your head will not be accepted. Please do not staple or use any other option besides glue to attach the photo to the form.

3.- Valid, unexpired passport: Original and photocopy of the page or pages of the passport that contain biometric data. The passport must be valid for at least the requested time of stay and must contain at least two free pages for visas. Passports issued more than 10 years ago will not be accepted.   

4.- Proof of residence or study in our consular jurisdiction: The applicant must be a legal resident or be enrolled in in-person studies within the Consular Section’s jurisdiction (Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina). Residence must be proved by submitting a notarized copy of one of the following valid documents: U.S. drivers' license, state ID, or university student ID. Please do not submit the original document.

For non-U.S. citizens: Immigration status in the US. The applicant must also submit a notarized copy of a US Green Card or valid long-term US student visa. B-1 and B-2 visa holders cannot apply for a student visa in the United States; they must apply for it in their country of residence or origin.

5.- Copy of the Acceptance Letter by the Regional Education Authorities (“Nombramiento"): This letter must provide information of the school the applicant has been appointed to (address, phone number, contact email). It must also contain information about the grant, the duration of the program, start and end dates, and the health insurance policy.

WHEN LENGTH OF STAY EXCEEDS 180 DAYS:

6.- 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.

The certificate must be issued in the 3 months preceding the submission of the visa application.

The 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. The recommended model can be found here: Medical certificate model.pdf

If the certificate does not include the text in Spanish, an official or certified translation into Spanish is required. In the case of using the bilingual model from our website, the Spanish translation is not necessary. 

Please include a photocopy (not notarized) of the medical certificate with your submitted documents.

7.- Criminal record check certificate: Applicants of legal age (18 years old and older) who apply for a student visa for a stay of more than 180 days must submit the original and a photocopy (not notarized) of their criminal background check(s) issued by their country or countries of residence in the past five years. The 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. 

• The background check must be issued within the 6 months preceding the submission of the visa application.
• Criminal background checks must be authenticated with the Hague Apostille. We do not accept background checks without 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 certify the signature of a notary that stamps a seal on the criminal background check). 
• Criminal background checks must be accompanied by an official or certified translation into Spanish. 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 AMERICAN TRANSLATORS ASSOCIATION
• The criminal background check will not 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 during the last five years in another country (outside the United States) in the past 5 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. ​

8.- Disclaimer form (DISCLAIMER.pdf )

Required documents for family members of a NALCAP visa holder:

3.- Proof of sufficient financial means: The principal applicant must submit originals and copies of the documents accrediting that there are sufficient financial means to cover the expenses while residing in Spain for the first year, or accrediting that there is a regular source of income of a minimum amount of 100% of the IPREM per family member under the applicant's care. 

The required documents are the following: 

• Bank statements from the last 3 months, from any bank account (do not need to be translated Spanish);
  
• Any other source of income totaling the minimum required;
  
• Last 3 years of complete Tax IRS returns (do not need to be translated Spanish).
  

3.- AU-PAIR VISA

The minimum required amount is equivalent to 100% of Spain's IPREM (Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator) for the au pair.

If the au pair is traveling to Spain alone, the minimum required amount in 2023 is 700 USD per month.

The IPREM indicator changes every year. In 2023 the IPREM is: 100% = 600€ (approx. $700).

If the provided documentation certifies that accommodations for the entire length of the au pair’s stay have been paid for in advance, this amount will be deducted. 

At least one of the following documents must be submitted:

• Documentation proving the issuance of financial aid, loans, scholarships, or other economic aid that covers the minimum amount required. If the original documents are in English, a translation into Spanish must be submitted.
  
• If the applicant him/herself bears full financial responsibility: His/her three most recent monthly bank statements, including the applicant’s full name and a final balance that covers the required minimum funds. The bank statements do not need to be photocopied or translated into Spanish.
  
• Notarized letter (original and copy) from at least one of the applicant’s parents or guardians, in which they assume full financial responsibility for the applicant’s room and board.
  

Suggested wording: "I hereby certify that I, [full name of parent of guardian], [mother, father, legal guardian] of [full name of applicant], assume full financial responsibility for his/her round-trip ticket between Spain and the United States, as well as his/her monthly room and board expenses while he/she is in Spain, and any addition emergency expenses that may arise during his/her stay."

The applicant must attach all of the following documentation to this notarized letter:

• Notarized copy of the parent or guardian’s ID;
• Notarized copy of the student’s birth certificate, demonstrating parental link, or the ruling or decision by which a legal guardian was determined;
  
• The parent or guardian’s three most recent monthly bank statements, showing his/her full name and a final balance that covers the required minimum funds (which must cover the student’s room and board, as well as the cost of the student’s studies or tuition). The bank statements do not need to be copied or translated into Spanish.
  

8.- Health insurance: Proof of public or private health insurance contracted with an insurance entity authorized to operate in Spain. The insurance policy must cover all the risks insured by Spain's public health system and must cover the entire period of the stay. It should have no coverage limits (Spanish companies offer unlimited coverage), no grace periods for certain benefits, no co-payments, and no deductibles. Health insurance may be accepted from international companies that cover up to a maximum of US$500,000 and meet the other required characteristics.

Travel insurance is not accepted.

An Insurance card will not be accepted as proof of coverage.

WHEN LENGTH OF STAY EXCEEDS 180 DAYS:

9.- 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.

The certificate must be issued in the 3 months preceding the submission of the visa application.

The 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. The recommended model can be found here: Medical certificate model.pdf

If the certificate does not include the text in Spanish, an official or certified translation into Spanish is required. In the case of using the bilingual model from our website, the Spanish translation is not necessary. 

Please include a photocopy (not notarized) of the medical certificate with your submitted documents.

10.- Criminal record check certificate: Applicants of legal age (18 years old and older) who apply for a student visa for a stay of more than 180 days must submit the original and a photocopy (not notarized) of their criminal background check(s) issued by their country or countries of residence in the past five years. The 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. 

• The background check must be issued within the 6 months preceding the submission of the visa application.
• Criminal background checks must be authenticated with the Hague Apostille. We do not accept background checks without 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 certify the signature of a notary that stamps a seal on the criminal background check). 
• Criminal background checks must be accompanied by an official or certified translation into Spanish. 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 AMERICAN TRANSLATORS ASSOCIATION
• The criminal background check will not 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 during the last five years in another country (outside the United States) in the past 5 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.

11.- Disclaimer form (DISCLAIMER.pdf )

​

12.- Payment of the visa fee: Payment made to BLS. Non-refundable. 

• For US citizens: $160
  
• For citizens of Australia: $420
• For citizens of the UK: 
• ​For stays shorter than 180 days: $85
• For stays longer than 180 days: $214
• ​For citizens of Canada: $92
  
• For citizens of Bangladesh: $96
• For citizens of Mauritania: $255
• For all other non-U.S. citizens: $85
  

Visa fees are revised quarterly according to current exchange rates and can be subject to changes. 

4.- STUDENT VISAS FOR MINORS

Required documents for Student visas for minors:

1.- Application form (Solicitud de visado nacional - Inglés.pdf ): Each applicant must complete and sign a national visa application, filling out every section. It can be filled out electronically or handwritten in capital letters. If the applicant is a minor, one of their parents or a duly accredited representative must sign the application.

Please do not forget to fill out numbers 17 (your address, email and telephone number), 28 (complete information related to the university or education center in Spain) and 21 (intended date of entry) on the application form.

The intended day of entry can be, for example, 15 days before the beginning of the studies; in this case, make sure that your insurance policy covers your whole period of intended stay in Spain.

​​2.- One photograph: A recent (taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance), passport-size, color photograph, printed on matte/glossy paper, taken against a white, clear, uniform background, facing forward, without dark or reflective glasses, or any garments concealing the applicant’s full oval of the face. Photos with a dark background or with objects or people that can be seen behind your head will not be accepted. Please do not staple or use any other option besides glue to attach the photo to the form.

3.- Valid, unexpired passport: Original and photocopy of the page or pages of the passport that contain biometric data. The passport must be valid for at least the requested time of stay and must contain at least two free pages for visas. Passports issued more than 10 years ago will not be accepted.

4.- Proof of residence or study in our consular jurisdiction: The applicant must be a legal resident or be enrolled in in-person studies within the Consular Section’s jurisdiction (Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina). Residence must be proved by submitting a notarized copy of one of the following valid documents: U.S. drivers' license, state ID, or university student ID. Please do not submit the original document.​

For non-U.S. citizens: Immigration status in the US. The applicant must also submit a notarized copy of a US Green Card or valid long-term US student visa. B-1 and B-2 visa holders cannot apply for a student visa in the United States; they must apply for it in their country of residence or origin.

5.- Proof of admission in the study program, training or volunteer activity or internship: Please submit the original and a photocopy (or 2 printed copies if it is an electronically-signed document). 

The letter of acceptance or certificate of admission must certify the enrollment as a full-time student. 

The document must be written in Spanish and issued in Spain, by an authorized school or education center:

• ​From a Spanish Private High School/School as a full-time student indicating: Name, address, contact person, telephone and email of the school, full payment of tuition, dates of the program, subjects of study and hours of study per week (20 hours minimum);
• From a Spanish Public High School/School as a full-time student indicating: Name, address, contact person, telephone and email of the school, full payment of tuition, dates of the program, subjects of study and hours of study per week (20 hours minimum). The program must be promoted and financed by one of the following:
• Spanish Public Administration;
• ​Non-profit Association or Foundation;
• Other entities or people other than those who exercise parental authority or guardianship, in accordance with the provisions of Article 93 of the Regulation of Organic law 4/2000, of 11 January, approved by Royal Decree 2393/2004, of December 30th.

The letter of acceptance must indicate proof of accommodation with a family or at an institution, and the organizer’s commitment that the expenses are covered.

​6.- Proof of financial means: The applicant must provide documents certifying that he/she (or the legal representative or relative that supports him/her) has sufficient financial means to cover the expenses of student’s stay and return.

The minimum required amount is equivalent to 100% of Spain's IPREM (Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator) for the student.

If the student is traveling to Spain alone, the minimum required amount in 2023 is 700 USD per month.

The IPREM indicator changes every year. In 2023 the IPREM is:

• 100% = 600€ (approx. $700) 
  

If the provided documentation certifies that accommodation for the entire length of the student’s stay has been paid for in advance, this amount will be deducted from the minimum required amount. 

If the letter of acceptance or certificate of admission (point 5) certifies that the applicant’s U.S. or Spanish university or school assumes full financial responsibility for room and board, it is not necessary to provide any additional proof of financial means. 

If not, at least one of the following documents must be submitted:

• Documentation proving the issuance of financial aid, loans, scholarships, or other economic aid that covers the minimum amount required for room and board. If the original documents are in English, a translation into Spanish must be submitted.
  
• If the applicant him/herself bears full financial responsibility for his/her room and board: His/her three most recent monthly bank statements, including the applicant’s full name and a final balance that covers the required minimum funds. The bank statements do not need to be photocopied or translated into Spanish.
• Notarized letter (original and copy) from at least one of the applicant’s parents or guardians, in which they assume full financial responsibility for the applicant’s room and board.
  

Suggested wording: "I hereby certify that I, [full name of parent of guardian], [mother, father, legal guardian] of [full name of applicant], assume full financial responsibility for his/her round-trip ticket between Spain and the United States, as well as his/her monthly room and board expenses while he/she is in Spain, and any addition emergency expenses that may arise during his/her stay."

The letter can include the Spanish text: “Por la presente certifico que yo, [full name of parent of guardian], [madre, padre, tutor legal] de [full name of applicant], asumo la responsabilidad financiera total de su billete de ida y vuelta entre España y Estados Unidos, así como sus gastos mensuales de alojamiento y comida mientras se encuentre en España, y cualesquiera gastos adicionales de urgencia que puedan surgir durante su estancia.”

If the letter is not bilingual, you must provide an official or certified translation into Spanish.

​

The applicant must attach all of the following documentation to this notarized letter:

• Notarized copy of the parent or guardian’s ID;
• Notarized copy of the student’s birth certificate, demonstrating parental link, or the ruling or decision by which a legal guardian was determined;
  
• The parent or guardian’s three most recent monthly bank statements, showing his/her full name and a final balance that covers the required minimum funds (which must cover the student’s room and board, as well as the cost of the student’s studies or tuition). The bank statements do not need to be copied or translated into Spanish.
  

WHEN LENGTH OF STAY EXCEEDS 180 DAYS: 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.

The certificate must be issued in the 3 months preceding the submission of the visa application.

The 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. The recommended model can be found here: Medical certificate model.pdf

If the certificate does not include the text in Spanish, an official or certified translation into Spanish is required. In the case of using the bilingual model from our website, the Spanish translation is not necessary. 

Please include a photocopy (not notarized) of the medical certificate with your submitted documents.

8.- Parental authorization to travel from both parents: Notarized written authorization of both parents/custodians to travel abroad, legalized with the Hague Apostille. 

In the parental authorization, parents must expressly state the period of time that the minor is authorized to travel and: Name, last name, DNI or NIE numbers and address of the person (or people) responsible for the child in Spain. 

If the letter is not bilingual, you must provide an official or certified translation into Spanish.

9.- Notarized copy of parents' (or legal tutors’) passports.  Please add a photocopy of the notarized copies.

10.- Original of the minor's Birth Certificate: The certificate must be legalized with the Hague Apostille and accompanied by an official or certified translation 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. Please add a photocopy of the document, Apostille and translation.

11.- Documents of the person responsible and in charge of the minor in Spain: 

• Letter from the school with the information of the person responsible and in charge in Spain. It may be the mother and father of the family the student is going to live with.
  
• Notarized copy of the passport or national ID of the person responsible and in charge in Spain.
  
• Once the legal tutor has been assigned, applicant must submit a certificate from the Ministry of Justice of Spain stating that this person does not have any sexual misconduct record in the “Datos del Registro Central de Delincuentes Sexuales”

12.- Disclaimer form (DISCLAIMER.pdf )

13.- Payment of the visa fee: Payment made to BLS. Non-refundable. 

• For US citizens: $160
  
• For citizens of Australia: $420
• For citizens of the UK: 
• ​For stays shorter than 180 days: $85
• For stays longer than 180 days: $214
• ​For citizens of Canada: $92
  
• For citizens of Bangladesh: $96
• For citizens of Mauritania: $255
• For all other non-U.S. citizens: $85
  

Visa fees are revised quarterly according to current exchange rates and can be subject to changes. 

5.- PROCEDURE FOR ALL TYPES OF STUDY VISAS

Who can apply for a visa: This Consular Office is competent to accept visa applications from individuals residing in the consular district or studying (even if they are not a resident) in our consular district: Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina.

Please note that if you are a minor (less than 18 years old) in the moment you apply for the visa, you must apply like a minor. If you are 18 years old (or more) in the moment when you apply for the visa, you must apply like an adult. Different required documents apply if you submit the application like a minor or an adult. 

Visa application period: Visa applications must be submitted sufficiently in advance of the beginning of the study programs, as the procedure entails consultations with other authorities.   

​It is possible to apply for a Student visa from 6 months before the beginning of the study program. 

The complete process can take up to 4-6 weeks since the application is received in the Consular Section. Please allow a minimum of 6 weeks between the day you submit the complete application with all the required documents to BLS and the day you expect to collect the visa from BLS.

Place of submission: The student application must be submitted in person by appointment only to the BLS Spain Visa Application Center for Spain in Washington DC. 

To find more information and schedule an appointment for Student visas at BLS Spain Visa Application Center in Washington DC, please follow the link: BLS Spain Visa Application Center

Please note that there are different sections for Schengen visas and for Student visas appointments.

Fulbright grant: If you have a Fulbright grant and you are a resident in our jurisdiction or study in a center in our jurisdiction, you can submit your study visa application to BLS Visa Application Center or directly to the Visa Office of the Embassy of Spain. Find below “Specific procedure for students with a Fulbright grant”.

Decision period: BLS starts the visa process and delivers the application to the Consular Section of the Embassy. Once the application is accepted as complete in the Consular Section, the procedure involves consultations with other authorities that can take up to 1 month from the day the Consular Section forwards the documents through the visa system (not from the day the applicant submits the application at the BLS office). The time frame to receive a resolution may be extended and is not possible to expedite.

 

The Consular Section does not provide information about the status of a visa. If extra documents are needed you will be contacted.

Rectifying the application: The Consular Office may ask the applicant to submit additional documents or data that are necessary for a decision regarding the application.  The applicant may also be called in for a personal interview.

Collecting the visa: The applicant must collect the visa and/or other documents in person at the BLS office once BLS notifies  the applicant (via SMS text) that the visa or documents are ready to be picked up.

Refusal of the visa or study stay permit: Applying for a study visa also entails applying for a study stay permit. Refusals of the visa or study stay permit will always be notified in writing, setting forth the grounds on which the decision adopted was based. 

Appeals: If a study stay permit or 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 in 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: 

If the duration of the studies does not exceed 180 days (180 days or less), the visa will be sufficient to document the stay and it will not be necessary to obtain a Foreigner Identity Card.

If the duration of the studies exceeds 180 days (more than 180 days), the visa will be valid for 90 days. You must enter Spain during the period of validity of the visa. Upon entry and within the first 30 days, applicants must apply for a Foreigner Identity Card or TIE (“Tarjeta de Identificación de Extranjeros”) at the Oficina de Extranjería of the Police office in the city where the study program is being held. The TIE will be valid for as long as the student is enrolled in the program in Spain. In the case of minors, a representative may carry out this procedure.

6.- SPECIFIC PROCEDURE FOR STUDENTS WITH A FULBRIGHT GRANT

If you have a Fulbright grant and you are a resident in our jurisdiction or study in a center in our jurisdiction, you can submit your study visa application to BLS Visa Application Center or directly to the Visa Office of the Embassy of Spain. 

• If you prefer to apply through BLS: You must apply in person, by appointment only. You must pay for BLS additional fees, and you must collect the visa in person at the BLS office.
• ​If you apply through the Embassy (free of charge): You must send your application (with all the required documents, as we do not accept incomplete student visa applications) by postal mail (USPS –United States Postal Service only) to the following address: Embassy of Spain – VISA OFFICE - 2375 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20037. Please indicate your e-mail address and telephone number to contact you, as the collection of the visa must be in person at the Consular Section of the Embassy. 
  

Please find the required documents (except the visa fee) in accordance with your type of visa (general student visa or NALCAP student visa). Please include the certificate of your Fulbright grant in your application. ​