Student Visa · from United States
The Student Visa, from the US
The visa for studying, researching or training at a Spanish institution — including intensive language programmes. Financially the most accessible route in, and one that can be switched to a work permit from inside Spain.
Our service fee covers case management, document review, and included sworn translations only — apostille, government and consular fees are separate and paid directly by the client to the relevant authority or provider.
The Student, In Numbers
Government thresholds, updated yearly — your case manager confirms the current figures before anything is filed.
You've been accepted to study, research or train at a Spanish institution — including language programmes of sufficient hours.
Is this your route?
- You've been accepted by a Spanish university, school or academy — the acceptance letter starts everything
- You're joining a language programme of sufficient weekly hours
- You're doing research, training or an internship at a Spanish institution
- You plan to build a life in Spain — student time can lead to work permits, though it counts differently toward citizenship
What goes in the file
- The acceptance letter from the Spanish institution, with hours and dates
- Proof of financial means — your own or a sponsor's, prepaid accommodation can reduce it
- A criminal record certificate for stays over 180 days — the country-specific part below
- Health insurance or the institution's coverage
- Proof of accommodation in Spain
The United States Part of the File
Whichever visa you pick, these are the documents and rules that are specific to applying from the US — and where files usually go wrong.
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Your criminal record is the FBI check — with a federal apostille
Spain wants the FBI Identity History Summary, authenticated with an apostille from the US Department of State. State-level police certificates are not a substitute, and the apostille has to be on the FBI document itself.
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The clock on that check is short, and it varies by consulate
Most consulates accept an FBI check up to six months old. Boston and Los Angeles work to five. Ordering it too early is one of the more expensive mistakes, because it takes the whole file with it.
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The sworn translation must include the apostille
Every word of the certificate and of the apostille — including the back of it. A translation that stops at the front page is a rejection, and it is a common one. Sworn translations are included in our service fee.
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Birth and marriage certificates come from the issuing state
Ordered fresh — consulates generally want them issued within six months — then apostilled by that state's Secretary of State, not by the federal government.
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Your consulate is decided by where you live
Eight Spanish consulates cover the US, each with its own appointment system, financial evidence and paperwork. The table below is where most of the surprises live.
Where You File
What the Spanish consulates in the US typically ask of Non-Lucrative Visa applicants. Your case manager confirms the current requirements for yours before anything is filed.
| Consulate | Appointment | Bank statements | Criminal record age | Typical decision |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | Via consulate (slow) | 12 months | 5 months | ~1 month |
| Chicago | Via BLS (good availability) | 3 months | 6 months | ~2 months |
| Houston | Via BLS (good availability) | 3 months | 6 months | ~1.5 months |
| Los Angeles | Via BLS (low availability) | 12 months | 5 months | ~3 months |
| Miami | Via BLS (moderate) | 12 months | 6 months | ~3 months |
| New York | Via consulate (or BLS) | 3 months | 6 months | ~1.5 months |
| San Francisco | Via consulate | 3 months | 6 months | ~1 month |
| Washington DC | Via BLS (moderate) | 3 months | 6 months | ~1.5 months |
Consulates change their requirements without notice, and several ask for things this table can't hold — notarised affidavits, recent tax returns in Spanish, proof of no mortgage, payment by money order rather than card. Treat this as orientation, not a checklist: the checklist your case manager builds is for your consulate, your visa and your household.
Manage Your Entire Visa Journey in One Place
Manage documents, track progress, communicate with your case manager, and stay organised throughout your application process.
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Application Progress Tracking
See exactly where you are in the process, what's been completed, and what actions may be required next.
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Secure Document Uploads
Upload and store your application documents securely in one central location.
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Personalised Task List
Receive a checklist tailored to your visa type and application stage.
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Direct Communication
Stay connected with your case manager and receive important updates through your dashboard.
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Everything in One Place
Keep your documents, messages, tasks, and application progress organised in a single platform.
What our clients say
Real people, real results
Over 10,000 clients have used our platform to move to Spain. Read their stories — from first eligibility check to visa approval — all managed through the dashboard.
Ready to Start Your Journey to Spain?
Create your free account to check your eligibility, upload documents at your own pace, and track every step of your application — with a dedicated case manager beside you the whole way.
Success rate based on eligible applications.
Carlos is an AI assistant. For critical decisions, always verify with an official source or speak to an advisor.
