Anything that deals with Spanish bureaucracy can be a huge headache and you might find yourself spinning in circles, getting different answers for every question you ask, which starts here with your Student Visa in Spain.  But!  Fear not!  It’s really not all that hard and as long as you collect all of your documents with enough time (to avoid the crazy rushing), submit it in a timely fashion, and have a sense of humor, then you’ll be fine.

How to Apply for a Student Visa for Spain (New York Consulate)

1 // Before collecting any documents, go ahead and make yourself an appointment on the New York consulate website. 

Make an account and then choose ‘long stay visa application’.  Try to get an appointment for 6 weeks-1 month from your intended travel date, but if there is nothing, fear not! 

Choose an appointment as close to what you want as possible (even if it’s quite late) and check back every single day!  Appointments get cancelled all day long. 

(Pro tip: Make 2 accounts with different usernames- one for keeping a “back-up” appointment and one for checking if new ones are available, because once you have an appointment, you can’t see what else is available).

2 // Before worrying about getting the rest of your documents, apply for your background check so there is enough time to have it apostilled. 

• In Pennsylvania, you need to send your request to the PA State Police (here are the instructions.  Note: You cannot use their online system for this.   You need to print the form for SP4-164 and check the box for it to be notarized, fill out all of your information, and send a money order (made to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania) for $27 (as of September 2018) to the indicated address.  They will send your notarized criminal background check back, but this can take up to ONE MONTH!  For me, it only took 1 week, but do it in advance!
• As soon as the notarized criminal background check is sent back to you, send it out to be apostilled.  Here are the instructions.  This can take about a week.  If you are in a pinch, you can drive to Harrisburg and have the document apostilled while you wait.  I did this and it was very easy, but I had to drive 2 hours each way.  Check the website for the address and open hours.

3 // Collect the following documents:

• 1 completed National Visa Application form (be sure to include your phone number and e-mail!).  Fill out the form by hand on blue or black ink.  I would also print an extra copy to bring to your appointment.  
• your original valid passport (valid through the end date of travel) with at least 1 blank page for them to put your visa
• a color copy of your passport (this is not required, but is not a bad idea either)
• Two passport size photographs in color, [2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) in size, printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper, taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance and in front of a plain white or off-white background.] You can have these done at most Targets, post offices, Walgreens, CVS, etc.  Stick the photo on the space provided in the application form. Please do not staple or use any other option apart from glue to attach the photo to the form.
• 1 COPY of either your US driver’s license, US State ID card or current Student ID card
• Letter of acceptance from the Auxiliar program (carta) (or letter of acceptance from other school that shows at least 20 hours of study per week and includes all of the information from the school)
• Proof of paid health insurance (this should be provided by the program, but if it’s not, it needs to include a minimum of 30,000 euros of coverage and reparation and evacuation services covered.)
• Proof of financial means for the duration of the program (this should be sent to you by the ministry to show you will receive money as an Auxiliar) or: Letter from the university or school in Spain or in the US assuming full financial responsibility during your stay (this is often included into the acceptance letter). b) Proof of financial aid or scholarship for at least $700 per month for room and board. c) Notarized letter from the parents or legal guardians assuming full financial responsibility for at least $700 per month for room and board. Suggested wording: “I hereby certify that I’m the (father/mother/other) of (…), will support him/her with a monthly allowance of at least $700 while he/she is in Spain and that I’m financially responsible for any emergency that may arise”.
• Money order to pay the non-refundable fee (currently $160- MUST BE USPS Money Order). Money orders must be included along with the rest of the visa application. Do not send money orders separately or this Consulate will not be responsible for additional times on the visa processing.
• Copy of the Police Record Certificate for persons 16 years old and up from the country of origin or place of you residence for the last five years, bearing the “Apostille of the Hague Convention” (see additional information above). If the certificate is issued outside the US it must be duly legalized by the corresponding Consulate of Spain plus one copy. The original certificate must be kept and brought to Spain in case of being required by the Spanish Police.
• Medical certificate: doctor’s statement on a doctor or medical center letterhead, indicating that the student has been examined and found in good physical and mental health to travel to study abroad and is free of contagious diseases or any other illnesses which could lead to public health repercussions according to the International Sanitary Regulations-2005 of the World Health Organization.

4 // Take your completed application to your appointment (don’t forget the originals of all documents, including your passport)

• 150 East 58th St., 30th Floor, Nueva York, NY 10155

They don’t say this online, but apparently they no longer KEEP your passport.  They will call you within 1-3 weeks, when your visa is ready, and ask that you bring back your passport, where they will affix the visa.

5 // My experience

• I arrived an hour early to my appointment and they saw me right away.
• The woman who took my documents was super nice.  She didn’t need any of the information about my health insurance plan- she only wanted the proof.  She did not want copies of my ID or passport (but bring them anyway).  She did not want my financial information.
• She took my passport for 5 minutes (to enter information into the computer) and then gave it back and told me I will bring it back when they call me for my visa.
• She told me they will call me, so make sure you put a phone number where you can be reached!
• Now it’s time to hope it comes in less than 2 weeks!!