Visa for foreigners who have obtained a university degree in the past two years or who are pursuing studies that will lead to their obtaining a university degree in Spain or abroad, and who are participating in an internship programme in Spain (through the signature of an internship agreement or of a trainee contract) with the purpose of improving their knowledge, their skills and their experience in a professional environment.
If these conditions are not met, it might be possible to apply for a study visa for the undertaking of other internships in Spain (see “study visas").
Consular Jurisdiction:
https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/sanfrancisco/es/Consulado/Paginas/Demarcacion.aspx
The Consulate General of Spain has jurisdiction over the following States: North California, Nevada, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Washington, Alaska and Hawaii.
Visas applications:
Currently, ONLY accepting applications BY POSTAL MAIL: No specific carrier is requested to mail the application to the Consulate, but it is necessary that the envelope has a tracking number:
ATT VISA SECTION
CONSULATE GENERAL OF SPAIN
1405 SUTTER ST
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109-5417
Visa applications must be submitted sufficiently in advance of the beginning of the pertinent study programmes, as the procedure entails consultations with other authorities.
The application must be submitted no earlier than 180 days prior to the planned date that the program starts.
The processing time until approval for the internship visa can take between 2 to 8 weeks since receiving your application in the office, if all required documents are provided.
Missing documents are subject to cause delays in the approval times.
This General Consulate recommends not purchasing plane tickets until your visa has been granted.
The Consular Section does not provide information about the status of the visa.
The Consulate General of Spain in San Francisco has full authority to evaluate and request documents in addition to those initially submitted by the applicant. You will be contacted via email in the event that you are missing documents or there is a need for additional documents required to resolve your visa request.
Required documents
1. ![]()
Visa Application form 2024.pdf
.Each applicant must complete and sign the visa application, filling in each of its sections.All required fields must be completed, specially #27.
Note: In the application form, it is important to fill in the email field in uppercase and with clear handwriting, as the consulate will contact you through this means if any documents are missing.
2. ![]()
Photograph.pdf.A recent, passport-size, color photograph, taken against a light background, facing forward, without dark or reflective glasses, or any garments concealing the applicant's face. One photo glued to the form (do not use stapples) a second photo must have the applicants name must be on the back of the photograph.Please send a photo with all these requirements. Copies of photos will NOT be accepted.
3. Valid, unexpired passport. Original and PHOTOCOPY in color of the biometric data page(s).
- Passport must be valid for at least the duration of the planned stay
- Passport must have two blank pages to be able to affix the visa if approved and to receive a stamp of entry from Passport Control at your first port of entry in Spain/EU/EEE/Schengen states on your way to enter Spain.
- Passports issued more than 10 years ago will not be accepted.
- As part of the visa application process, you will be required to leave your passport at the Consulate. This is a mandatory step in the process to affix your visa to the inside of your Passport if the visa is granted.
Otherwise, we will not initiate the process. While your application is being processed, you will not be able to travel with your passport.Important note: To apply for the visa you must be in the USA and wait in the USA for approval of your visa.
4. Authorization issued by goverment authority in Spain: “Autorización de residencia inicial para prácticas"
.Proof of financial means. The minimum required amount is equivalent to the100% of IPREM . For 2023 is aprox. US$ 700 per month, to this amount must be added 75% for the first family member and 50% for each additional family member. Provide either of the following:
· Letter in Spanish from the School or US program assuming full financial responsibility.
· Proof of financial aid or scholarship of at least 100% IPREM.
· Three (3) last bank statements of the student's bank account showing a minimum balance for the complete stay in Spain.
· Notarized letter of parents/custodians, assuming full financial responsibility for room and board, along with their bank statements of the last three months.+ copy of birth certificate to proof relationship + copy of Passport of the person signing the affidavit.
Suggested wording: "I hereby certify that I the (name of father, mother, other) of (internship visa applicant´s name), will support her/him/them with a monthly allowance of us $700 per/month while she/he/them is in Spain and that I am financially responsible for any emergency that may arise."
6. Proof of health insurance from an insurer recognized and authorized to operate in Spain. The insurance must cover all risks normally covered for nationals and must be maintained for the entire duration of the authorization.
It must cover at least all the preventive, diagnostic, treatment and rehabilitation assistance activities that are carried out in health centers or socio-health centers, as well as urgent health transport.
The health insurance must not have a deficiency, copayment, or coverage limit, that is, it must cover 100% of the medical, hospital, and out-of-hospital expenses.
7. Criminal record certificate. Original and copy of the criminal record certificate(s) issued by their country or countries of residence for the past 5 years.
The Criminal record certificate cannot be issued more than 6 months preceding the submission of the visa application.
Residents in the US:
- Certificate must be based on fingerprins and issued by FBI and legalized with the Federal Apostille of the Hague Convention requested to the State Department and translated via an official Translators - Sworn Interpreters (exteriores.gob.es)
- FBI BACKGROUND CHECK: https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks
- APOSTILLE: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/records-and-authentications/authenticate-your-document/apostille-requirements.html
- Translations: Translators - Sworn Interpreters (exteriores.gob.es)
Applicant(s) that has lived outside the United States during the past 5 years must provide an additional criminal background check from every country where he/she has lived, authenticated with the Apostille of The Hague and translated into Spanish, with a notarized copy of both documents.
If the country in which the applicant has lived in the past 5 years does not subscribe to The Hague Convention of 1961, the background check must by authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the issuing country and then by the Consulate of Spain in said country.
Note: Criminal record check certificates issued by US Local/State authorities will not be accepted. Applicant will be informed in the cases when they can be required in addition to the FBI records.
Apostilles are required: Contact Official Apostille authorities to get an estimate on processing times before submitting your visa application.
8. A Responsible declaration of the absence of criminal records of the last 5 years must also be provided by the visa applicant.
9. Bilingual ![]()
Medical Certificate.pdf accrediting good health pursuant to the 2005 International Health Regulations.
- It must have the Doctor's Stamp, or can be printed on medical center´s letterhead
-It must be signed by an MD – Medical Doctor: name,last name and license number of the MD must clearly appear in the document, also contact information.
- It must not be older than an 3 months .
9. Proof of residence in the consular jurisdiction: Copy of State ID, Driver´s License or Student ID, please don't send the originals.
Non-U.S. citizens must also submit their U.S. Green Card or long-term stay visa (notarized copy). 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.
10. Payment of the visa fee:
Form of payment: MONEY ORDER payable to "CONSULATE GENERAL OF SPAIN".
No cash, personal checks, nor credit cards.
The processing fee will not be returned even if the visa is not granted or cancelled.
APPLICANT FEE
US Nationals $ 160
Other Nationalities* $ 88
*Except for nationals of Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, and the United Kingdom different rates are applied for reasons of reciprocity. In these cases, the amount of the fee must be consulted with the Consular Office by sending an email to cog.sanfrancisco.vis@maec.es RE: Question about visa fee.
11. Self-addressed and Pre-Paid US “Express-Mail" envelope from the Post Office to have your passport returned by mail. We do NOT accept any other type of courier or messenger service (No FEDEX – No UPS). Tracking of mailed items is the sole responsibility of the applicant. (MANDATORY)
IMPORTANT NOTE:
When necessary to assess the application, the Consular Office may request additional documents or data and may also ask the applicant to come in for a personal interview.
Procedure
This Consular Office is competent to accept visa applications from individuals residing in the consular district.
· Who can apply for a visa: The visa application must be submitted in person by the applicant, or by one of their parents if they are a minor. It may also be submitted through a duly accredited representative.
· Place of submission: Intership visas can currently be submited via postal mail. When applications must be submitted in person at the Consular Office, an appointment is necessary.
· 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 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 favorable decision is notified. 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.