🚨If you haven’t already applied for a passport, you should do so ASAP! Passport applications can take up to eight weeks to process. While it is possible to hurry, it is quite expensive.
Check your passport. It should be valid for at least ONE YEAR after you leave Europe.
Scan a copy of your passport and save it somewhere in your email/cloud. Keep your original in a safe place. We also recommend having a passport case to avoid any damage.
You DO NOT need a student visa, but you DO need an Número de Identificación de Extranjero (NIE).
❓What is this: a personal, unique and exclusive number that is assigned to foreigners who, for economic, professional, educational or social reasons
❓Why do I need this: Spain requires all foreign nationals—whether from the EU or outside the EU—to officially register as residents if they plan to stay for an extended period.
❓Who needs this: Any EU citizen.
❓Where do I apply: You have two options:
Apply in the US at the Spanish consulate that supports your jurisdiction. You can check which consulate you should be visiting below.
Apply and attend an appointment as soon as you land in Spain.You start the process by getting an appointment with local authorities where you’ll provide documentation. You can check the step by step process in this site.
Note: Although we do have experience working on the NIE process with the consulates in the US, we have little experience supporting students getting the NIE onsite. We recommend you get the NIE before arrival.
❓How do I apply:
Be sure you have determined which consulate you will need to go to apply for your NIE. Usually you do not need an appointment but be sure to check with your consulate to ensure this is accurate.
Start gathering the necessary documents. You can use the following list as a guide but be sure you check your consulate website. Gather that information by googling “NIE required documents for _____________ (insert consulate location).
NIE application. You can find instructions on how to fill out the application here.
You will need your original passport as well as a color copy just in case.
Your school in Barcelona letter of acceptance (BSAE will provide this). You should print it in color.
Proof of residence in Spain will be shown in your Barcelona SAE acceptance letter (BSAE will provide this).
Pay the fee of around $15. Check with your consulate to see how they’d prefer you submit the payment.
DISCLAIMER: This is a general list for ALL consulates. You should still check to see if there are any additional requirements.
You DO NOT need a student visa, but you DO need an Schengen Visa.
❓Why do I need this: Allows non-EU citizens and non-U.S citizens to enter into the Schengen area and travel freely. Additionally, it will allow you to stay for the entire duration of the program.
❓Who needs this: Please take a look at this website. If your country of citizenship is listed, you must apply for a Schengen Visa.
❓Where do I apply: You have two options:
You will need to go to the General Consulate of Spain that serves your jurisdiction. You can take a look below to determine which consulate that might be. Consulates will require the following basic documents, however, you should check the specific consulate website to get a full list.
Passport sized photo
Valid passport
Proof of residence in the consular jurisdiction (State ID, Student ID, Drivers License)
Proof of residence in the U.S. (Green card, long-term visa, F1 visa, etc)
Travel insurance (provided either by your school or Barcelona)
Payment of visa fee ($94)
Proof of financial means
Proof of housing (provided by Barcelona SAE)
DISCLAIMER: This is a general list for ALL consulates. You should still check to see if there are any additional requirements.
❓How do I apply: After you determine the consulate that serves your jurisdiction, you will need to see how they’d prefer you apply. Some consulates require you to make an appointment and others allow you to walk-in and drop off documents.
Gather that information by googling “Schengen Visa required documents for _____________ (insert consulate location).
Use the Schengen Calculator to find out how many days you'll be abroad. It will also tell you if you need a visa.
U.S., Canadian, or Australian passport (or one of the countries listed as exempt) can stay for up to 90 days within the Schengen zone during a 180-day period without a visa. You will be considered a tourist and upon arrival will be given a "tourist visa,"
If your academic program is fewer than 90 days, you do not qualify and cannot apply for, a student visa.
If you were in Europe in the 90 days before your program starts, those days count towards your stay. Spending 2 weeks in Germany in July counts toward your 90-day limit if you arrive in Barcelona in September.
Participants on a "tourist" entry must track their 90-day window. This is important if they plan to travel before or after the program ends.
“If you leave the Schengen Zone, the countdown clock stops and doesn’t start until you enter it again. Once you reach your 90-day limit, you have to stay out of the Schengen Zone for the next 90 days.” You could travel outside the Schengen area for a while. Good options include England, Croatia, Scotland, Ireland, Turkey, or Morocco. For example, if you go to Morocco for 5 days (outside the Schengen Zone), this pauses your 90-day clock for a few days. You cannot count partial days, so if you leave for Morocco at 8 am, it still counts as a day within the Schengen Zone. The same goes for the days that you arrive in Schengen - if you land at 11 pm, it still counts as a day in the Schengen zone.
The consequences of overstaying your visa are difficult to judge. The outcome relies on the customs officer you encounter and the nature of their day. If you overstay your visa, you may be able to leave without any problem at all OR you could face a fine (some sources say that this is up to 500€). In the worst case scenario, you could face a ban for up to 3 years from re-entering the region. We do not recommend participants overstay their 90 day window.
Here are a few more sites that can help explain the visas: click here and here.
If your program is longer than 90 days or if you are NOT a citizen of a country (see list) that allows a 90 day tourist visa, you must obtain a student visa.
If a student needs a visa to stay longer than 90 days for school, they must appear in person to the Spanish consulate and show a host of documents. Students spending more than 90 days at UB, UPF, UAB, and SIS qualify for this visa (not summer or intern).
You need to obtain a student visa, which requires a lot of work, BEFORE coming abroad, as Spain does not issues visas when after you arrive. Talk to your advisor as you prepare for your travel. This will help you ensure you do everything needed to get your visa.
If you stay in Spain for more than 6 months (180 days), do this: After getting your visa, go to a local police station. Show your visa to get a local ID card. It is your responsibility to take care of this, so please ask our staff if this applies to you.
Note: The Summer programs last under 90 days, so you don't need a visa. This makes it easier to prepare for your trip. However, it limits your travel time in the Schengen region before or after the program. Internships that are not for academic credit do not qualify for a visa. This is why almost all our internship options run for fewer than 90 days.
To obtain a student visa, most Spanish Consulates in the US REQUIRE YOU TO TRAVEL to appear in person before an immigration officer. Others may require you to mail your documents in.
Map of the Schengen Zone (1 visa applies to full zone)
If you are a U.S. passport holder and your program is longer than 90 days:
You will need to visit a Spanish Consulate in the U.S. to apply for a STUDY VISA. This will allow you entry into Spain and allow you stay for more than 90 days (but less than 180 days) for the purpose of academic study.
Determine which consulate in the U.S. you must. You may only apply at the consulate which serves either:
The state where your school is located OR
Where you hold permanent residence.
You may need to make an appointment right away. Appointments fill up VERY quickly! See below for the requirements of each specific consulate. Please review the booking rules from the consulate since you cannot hold more than 1 appointment at a time, and they will cancel both appointments.
Your passport must be valid for at least ONE YEAR past the program end date.
Applications must be submitted 2 months BEFORE you program start date.
For Spring 2026 - you should have your visa appointment no later than November 7th.
The consulate requires proof that you have paid your program fees in full. BSAE will provide updated documentation.
Your health insurance must cover 30 days PRIOR to your program start date and 15 days after. BSAE will provide updated documentation.
Your visa will be dated to start 30 days before the program start date and end 15 days AFTER the end date. That said, you can do extra travel without needing to leave the Schengen Zone as previously advised.
IMPORTANT: Still check the visa expiration dates once your receive your documentation back.
Previously, a medical certificate was not needed for stays under 180 days but longer than 90.
NEW: As far as we know, a medical certificate is necessary for Boston, Chicago, and Miami. So you should:
Make an appointment with your primary care physician for a checkup/physical.
After the appointment, ensure you receive either:
The template listed on the consulate website with the doctor office stamp, signature, and doctor’s license number. The doctor MUST be licensed in the state listed jurisdictions. You can find which states are included in consular jurisdictions below.
A letter with a letterhead from the office that says you are in good health with their signature and license number. This should then be translated into Spanish.
15 Court Square, Suite 520
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 516-888-1169
Jurisdiction: Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, & Vermont
Place of submission: Applications must be submitted in person at the Consular Office in Boston when they are 100% compiled. An appointment is necessary and can be booked here. Frequently check here for updates.
Arrive 10 mins before your appointment start time, any late arrivals will be asked to return with a new appointment.
Collecting the visa: The visa, passport, and other original documents must be picked up in person from Monday-Friday between 3pm and 4pm within maximum of 2 months.
A list of student visa application requirements can be found on this website. Barcelona SAE will be providing you with:
Acceptance letters from both Barcelona SAE and Spanish University- Includes Proof of Accommodation/Housing
Verification of Health Insurance (this may also be provided by your home institution)
A template letter of Proof of Financial Means (to be completed by you and/or your parents)
Medical certificate template (to be completed by a medical doctor to show you are in good health to travel)
The Consulate General of Spain in Boston accepts cash (exact amount) or Debit/Credit cards as the form of payment for visa applications. All fees paid are non-refundable.
The current fee for U.S. Citizens is $160
The current fee for most non-U.S. Citizens is $104
Additional mandatory fees: $26 (BLS service charge & SMS fee)
Take a look at the "Additional Services" page to see what additional charges may be added on should you choose to use a service while there.
IMPORTANT: If your documents are incomplete, you will have to make a new appointment.
An original and copy of your passport must be presented.
Do not paste/staple your passport photo to your application.
You should bring a notarized copy of your proof of residence in the jurisdiction.
If your parents are providing financial support, you must bring your birth certificate to show the relation.
Be sure you print and sign this disclaimer form.
Does not accept emergency passports.
Place your documents neatly in a folder labeled with your name.
121 W Wacker Dr. Suite 1307
Chicago, IL 60601
cog.chicago@maec.es
Jurisdiction: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, & Wisconsin.
Place of submission: Applications must be submitted in person at the Spain Visa Application Center. An appointment is necessary. To schedule an appointment please click here.
Arrive 10 mins before your appointment start time, any late arrivals will be asked to return with a new appointment.
Collecting the visa: The visa must be collected in person at the Consular Office in Chicago consulate by the applicant from Monday-Friday between 3pm and 4pm within maximum of 2 months.
A list of student visa application requirements can be found on this website. Barcelona SAE will be providing you with:
Acceptance letters from both Barcelona SAE and Spanish University- Includes Proof of Accommodation/Housing
Verification of Health Insurance (this may also be provided by your home institution)
A template letter of Proof of Financial Means (to be completed by you and/or your parents)
Medical certificate template (to be completed by a medical doctor to show you are in good health to travel)
The Consulate General of Spain in Chicago only accepts cash or debit card (no credit card) as the form of payment for visa applications. All fees are non-refundable.
The current fee for U.S. citizens is $160.
The current fee for non-U.S. citizens is $104.
Additional mandatory fees: $26 (BLS service charge & SMS fee).
Take a look at the "Additional Services" page to see what additional charges may be added on should you choose to use a service while there.
IMPORTANT: If your documents are incomplete, you will have to make a new appointment.
Do not paste your photo on your application. Additionally, do not cut your photo.
If your parent is accompanying you OR assuming financial responsibility, you must also provide your original birth certificate and a copy of the parent's ID.
If student visa is not listed, you can choose NALCAP.
Ensure you include this disclaimer form.
Provide a notarized copy of US Driver's License and/or student ID.
2500 West Loop South 3rd Floor, Suite 350
Houston, Texas 77027
info.houes@blsinternational.net
Jurisdiction: Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, New Mexico, Oklahoma, & Texas
Place of submission: Applications can be submitted either in person by requesting an appointment here OR by postal mail at BLS Application Center for Spain in Houston.
Arrive 10 mins before your appointment start time, any late arrivals will be asked to return with a new appointment.
Collecting the visa: You must collect your passport directly from the consulate in person.
A list of student visa application requirements can be found on this website. Barcelona SAE will be providing you with:
Acceptance letters from both Barcelona SAE and Spanish University
Verification of Health Insurance (this may also be provided by your home institution)
A template letter of Proof of Financial Means (to be completed by you and/or your parents)
Medical certificate template (to be completed by a medical doctor to show you are in good health to travel)
The Consulate General of Spain in Houston only accepts money orders as the form of payment for visa applications. All money orders are made payable to the The Consulate General of Spain in Houston, and all fees paid are non-refundable.
The current fee for U.S. Citizens is $160
The current fee for most non-U.S. Citizens is $104
Additional mandatory fees: $26 (BLS service charge & SMS fee)
Take a look at the "Additional Services" page to see what additional charges may be added on should you choose to use a service while there.
IMPORTANT: If your documents are incomplete, you will have to make a new appointment.
Be sure to bring a color copy of your drivers license, state, or student ID.
If a parent is assuming financial responsibility, they must provide documentation of kinship. (student's birth certificate and a notarized copy of the parent's ID.)
Glue photo on visa application.
5455 Wilshire Blvd. Suite #1011
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Phone: 516-888-1169
Jurisdiction: California (counties: Imperial, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Barbara, and Ventura), Arizona, Colorado, & Utah
Place of submission: Applications must be submitted in person at the Consular Office in Los Angeles. An appointment is necessary. Make an appointment here.
Arrive 10 mins before your appointment start time, any late arrivals will be asked to return with a new appointment.
Collecting the visa: The visa must be collected in person by the applicant or by a legal representative within a maximum period of 2 months. This can be done Monday-Friday from 3pm-4pm.
A list of student visa application requirements can be found on this website. Barcelona SAE will be providing you with:
Acceptance letters from both Barcelona SAE and Spanish University - Includes Proof of Accommodation/Housing
Verification of Health Insurance (this may also be provided by your home institution)
A template letter of Proof of Financial Means (to be completed by you and/or your parents)
Medical certificate template (to be completed by a medical doctor to show you are in good health to travel)
The Consulate General of Spain in Los Angeles only accepts exact cash or debit card for BLS fees and money order for the visa fee, and all fees are non-refundable. Make the money order out to "Consulate General of Spain in Los Angeles".
The current fee for U.S. citizens is $160.
The current fee for non-U.S. citizens is $104
Additional mandatory fees: $26 (BLS service fee & SMS fee) - can be paid in cash or debit at the consulate.
Take a look at the "Additional Services" page to see what additional charges may be added on should you choose to use a service while there.
IMPORTANT: If your documents are incomplete, you will have to make a new appointment.
Do not paste the photo on the form.
The original and a notarized copy of a driver's license, voter registration, state, or student ID is needed
Bring an original and copy of financial means
Must include a notarized copy of the parent/guardian ID, original and notarized student birth certificate, and parent/guardian three most recent bank statements.
3191 Coral Way, Suite 611
Miami, FL 33145
info.miaminational@blshelpline.com
Phone: 786-329-7199
Jurisdiction: Florida, South Carolina, & Georgia
Place of submission: Applications must be submitted in person You must request the appointment here.
Arrive 10 mins before your appointment start time, any late arrivals will be asked to return with a new appointment.
Collecting the visa: The visa must be collected in person by the applicant or by a legal representative within a maximum period of 2 months. The Consular Office will inform the applicant regarding the procedure for the return of the passport and any other original documentation. Collection hours are Monday-Friday between 3:00pm and 4:30pm.
A list of student visa application requirements can be found on this website. Barcelona SAE will be providing you with:
Acceptance letters from both Barcelona SAE and Spanish University- Includes Proof of Accommodation/Housing
Verification of Health Insurance (this may also be provided by your home institution)
A template letter of Proof of Financial Means (to be completed by you and/or your parents)
Medical certificate template (to be completed by a medical doctor to show you are in good health to travel)
The Consulate General of Spain in Miami only accepts money orders or cash (exact amount) as the form of payment for visa applications. All money orders are made payable to "Counselor Outsourcing BLS Services", and all fees paid are non-refundable.
NOTE: The consulate is not accepting the green USPS money orders, only the new USPS money orders. You can see an example of the new USPS money order here. Western Union is also accepted.
The current fee for U.S. Citizens is $160
The current fee for most non-U.S. Citizens is $104
Additional mandatory fees: $26 (BLS service fee & SMS fee)
Take a look at the "Additional Services" page to see what additional charges may be added on should you choose to use a service while there.
IMPORTANT: If your documents are incomplete, you will have to make a new appointment.
Arrive 10 minutes before your appointment time. Notarized copy of your passport AND drivers license/student Id.
MUST present both original AND copies of remaining documents.
Do not paste your photo on the application.
If you parent is assuming financial responsibility, you must provide you (the student) birth certificate.
55 W 39th St. 18th Floor
New York, NY 10018
Info.nyc@blshelpline.com
Phone: 516-888-1169
Jurisdiction: New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Pennsylvania, & New Jersey
Place of submission: Applications must be submitted in person at the Consular Office in New York. An appointment is necessary. You can book an appointment here.
Arrive 10 mins before your appointment start time, any late arrivals will be asked to return with a new appointment.
Collecting the visa: The visa must be collected in person by the applicant or by a legal representative within a maximum period of 2 months. The Consular Office will inform the applicant regarding the procedure for the return of the passport and any other original documentation.
A list of student visa application requirements can be found on this website. Barcelona SAE will be providing you with:
Acceptance letters from both Barcelona SAE and Spanish University- Includes Proof of Accommodation/Housing
Verification of Health Insurance (this may also be provided by your home institution)
A template letter of Proof of Financial Means (to be completed by you and/or your parents)
Medical certificate template (to be completed by a medical doctor to show you are in good health to travel)
The Consulate General of Spain in New York only accepts exact cash or credit/debit cards as the form of payment for visa applications. All fees are non-refundable.
The current fee for U.S. citizens is $160.
The current fee for non-U.S. citizens is $104.
BLS Service Charge & SMS fee: $26
Take a look at the "Additional Services" page to see what additional charges may be added on should you choose to use a service while there.
IMPORTANT: If your documents are incomplete, you will have to make a new appointment.
Do not glue your photo to the application.
Submit a notarized color copy of your passport and license/student ID.
If a parent is providing financial support, you will need to provide certificates proving kinship with the student (birth certificate) and a copy of the parent/guardian ID.
717 Market St. Suite 425
San Francisco, CA 94103
516-888-1169
Jurisdiction: Alaska, Northern California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, & US Pacific
Place of submission: Applications must be submitted in person You must request the appointment here.
Arrive 10 mins before your appointment start time, any late arrivals will be asked to return with a new appointment.
Collecting the visa: You must return and pick up your passport/visa in person. The consulate will let you know when your documents are available for pickup.
A list of student visa application requirements can be found on this website. Barcelona SAE will be providing you with:
Acceptance letters from both Barcelona SAE and Spanish University- Includes Proof of Accommodation/Housing
Verification of Health Insurance (this may also be provided by your home institution)
A template letter of Proof of Financial Means (to be completed by you and/or your parents)
Medical certificate template (to be completed by a medical doctor to show you are in good health to travel)
The Consulate General of Spain in San Francisco only accepts money orders as the form of payment for visa applications. All money orders are made payable to the "Consulate General of Spain in San Francisco", and all fees paid are non-refundable.
The current fee for U.S. Citizens is $160 (money order)
The current fee for most non-U.S. Citizens is $104
BLS Service Charge & SMS fee: $26 (pay with Debit Card)
Take a look at the "Additional Services" page to see what additional charges may be added on should you choose to use a service while there.
IMPORTANT: If your documents are incomplete, you will have to make a new appointment.
Original and copy of Student or State ID.
Original and copy of financial means and MUST include a notarized copy of the parent/guardian ID, original and notarized student birth certificate, and parent/guardian three most recent bank statements.
You may glue or paper clip your photo to the application form.
1660 L Street. NW, Second Floor, Suite 216
Washington, DC. 20036
info.wases@blsinternational.net
Jurisdiction: Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, District of Columbia, & North Carolina
Place of submission: Applications must be submitted in person. You will need to request an appointment here.
Arrive 10 mins before your appointment start time, any late arrivals will be asked to return with a new appointment.
Collecting the visa: The visa must be picked up in person from the BLS office once they notify you via SMS that the visa/documents are ready to be picked up. Must be picked up one month after notification.
A list of student visa application requirements can be found on this website. Barcelona SAE will be providing you with:
Acceptance letters from both Barcelona SAE and Spanish University- Includes Proof of Accommodation/Housing
Verification of Health Insurance (this may also be provided by your home institution)
A template letter of Proof of Financial Means (to be completed by you and/or your parents)
Medical certificate template (to be completed by a medical doctor to show you are in good health to travel)
The Consulate General of Spain in Washington DC only accepts money orders or cash (exact amount) as the form of payment for visa applications. All money orders are made payable to the The Consulate General of Spain in Washington DC, and all fees paid are non-refundable.
The current fee for U.S. Citizens is $160
The current fee for most non-U.S. Citizens is $104
Additional mandatory fees: $26 (BLS service charge & SMS fee)
Take a look at the "Additional Services" page to see what additional charges may be added on should you choose to use a service while there.
IMPORTANT: If your documents are incomplete, you will have to make a new appointment.
Original and copy of financial means and MUST include a notarized copy of the parent/guardian ID, original and notarized student birth certificate, and parent/guardian three most recent bank statements.
Glue/clip your photo to your application.
Access the application here.
When filling out your visa application, be sure to do the following:
Fill out using blue or black ink in legible and capital letters. Pencils will not suffice.
If you are typing, use capital letters.
You MUST fill in all the boxes. If it is not applicable to you, then write N/A.
ONLY paste your passport size photo to the application if the consulate says to do so. DO NOT cut your photo to fit the box.
Leave the vertical rectangle on the right blank identified as “ESPACIO RESERVADO PARA LA EMBAJADA O CONSULADO”
For all date formats use DD/MM/YYYY. This is NOT 12-Jan-2025 but it is 12-01-2025.
Do not add extra days to program start and end dates.
DO NOT RUSH
All information was input using the Student Visa Application Instructions
Here, you can find a video filling out the Visa Application step-by-step.
You will be providing your original AND copy of your passport for the ENTIRE processing time.
The process cannot be expedited. Your passport will be at the consulate for about 8 weeks.
Check below for what the copy of your passport should look like.
This is NOT a photo of your passport, but a copy from the copy machine.
You DO NOT need to include copies of the additional pages.
This is NOT a selfie or photo you take. You must go to get this taken at your nearest:
Walgreens
CVS
UPS
FedEx
Search "Passport size photo near me" to find a different place.
See below for an example of what your 2x2 photo should look like.
This is to show that you live OR go to school in the consular jurisdiction.
Get a copy done by scanning it on the copy machine and printing it out. TO BE SAFE, get it notarized to prove it is a REAL copy.
You can show proof of financial means in THREE DIFFERENT WAYS:
If your parents are assuming responsibility:
Provide the NOTARIZED proof of financial means form.
Three of their most recent consecutive bank statements.
TO BE SAFE: Provide a copy of your birth certificate to show the relationship.
TO BE SAFE: Provide a NOTARIZED copy of your parents ID OR Passport.
2. If you are assuming responsibility: ONLY provide your three most recent bank statements.
3. If your university is assuming responsibility: Provide a letter from your university showing you will receive $2100 or more in financial aid. THEN get it LEGALLY translated into Spanish.
ONLY CHOOSE ONE OPTION TO PROVIDE
Access the medical certificate here.
Must be issued within 3 months of application submission
Include a stamp from the issuing Medical Center, doctor’s name and signature, doctor’s license number and date.
Must be written on letterhead paper from the hospital/doctor’s office or directly on the provided template.
Ensure the doctor puts your name on BOTH the top and bottom translations.
The MD at your campus clinic would be a perfect option. You can also try:
Urgent Care
Minute Clinics
This document MUST be filled out by an MD! Not a nurse or nurse practitioner!
US citizen: $160
All other nationals: $104
BLS fees: $23
Read above to determine how to make your visa payment (exact cash, money order, debit card, etc)
This is ONLY for batch processing. You would know if you are apart of a batch.
This document:
Authorizes the Barcelona SAE representative to drop off your documents on your behalf.
Acknowledges that you agree to surrender your passport for the duration of the process.
Print this out and get it NOTARIZED
Barcelona SAE Admissions letter - This will also serve as your proof of housing.
Barcelona University Admissions letter - This will also serve as your proof of program payment.
Verification of Health Insurance
NOTE: If you attend the following schools, THEY will provide your health insurance for you:
Appalachian State University
East Carolina University
Elizabeth City State University
Fayetteville State University
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
North Carolina Central University
North Carolina School of the Arts
North Carolina State University
The University of North Carolina at Asheville
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke
The University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Western Carolina University
Winston-Salem State University
The copy of your passport should look like the one above. You should be able to see both pages clearly. This SHOULD NOT be a photo. Be sure to sign the top page of your passport on the line provided.
This is to show you live in the jurisdiction of the consulate. You should not submit the original, ONLY a copy.
The provided bank statements should include:
Statement beginning and end dates.
Parent information so the consulate can see the statements belong to them (Name, address, etc). Account number can be blurred out if you wish, but this is not a requirement.
Total BEGINNING balance in the account. This should be $2100 OR MORE - no less.
No withdrawals/transactions need to be included. Only the cover page.
Three of the most recent statements should be provided. For example, if you are applying in August, you should provide May, June & July.
If you are NOT providing a letter from your school covering your program expenses or your own bank statements, you must provide:
Notarized proof of financial means form AND parents bank statements from the last three months totaling $2100 EACH MONTH.
In the example to the right, notice:
The parents names have been typed/written in.
The students name has been typed/written in.
The Spanish and English translations are present. Both are needed for the consulate.
It is signed at the top AND bottom.
This signed document acknowledges that you understand/agree that you cannot request your passport/visa before the batch is ready.
This document grants permission for the BSAE representative, Jalan Gunning, authorization to drop-off/pickup your documents. This MUST be notarized; therefore it must be signed in the presence of a notary. The Spanish and English translation must be present.
Spain is in the Schengen Zone. This lets U.S. citizens stay for 90 days in any 180-day period without a student visa. Adhering to these rules is crucial to avoid legal issues, such as fines or deportation.
Previously, if you were arriving before your program start date or staying after your program ends, you would need to leave the Schegen Zone.
NEW: You will be given 30 days before your program begins and 15 days after your program ends. Using those dates, you can do additional travel without leaving the Schengen Zone.
Be sure you check your visa dates after receiving your visa back to ensure you are covered.
If your consulate requires a money order for your payment, feel free to use this as a guide to fill it out. You can go to anywhere a Western Union is present (usually grocery stores) OR you can get one from the bank.
This process can be very daunting and at times, frustrating. You have additional options in order to get assistance with this process.
Attend a Visa Webinar: First Monday of every month from 2pm-3pm EST.
If you attend both and are still confused, only then should you send an email to Jalan with your question at jalan.gunning@barcelonasae.com
Getting a visa to live and work in Spain is quite expensive and very difficult. Most of our former participants that decide to return come either on an internship program, to teach English in Spain with a visa, or to study a masters degree. You can find more info here.