What type of visa do I need?
You will be applying for a National (Type D) Student Visa for Spain.
How do I apply for the visa?
You must apply for your visa through the Spanish Consulate which has jurisdiction over your state. You will be required to apply in-person with your passport and additional required documents. After your arrival in Spain, AFS Spain will assist you in obtaining a Residence Permit.
What documents will I need to collect in order to apply for the visa?
- A list of required documents will be sent to you by your Visa and Compliance Specialist.
*You will also need to contact your consulate for a finalized list of requirements.
When do I apply for the visa?
There are many steps involved in applying for your student visa and registering your attendance at your host school. You will begin gathering and providing the required documents five months before your departure. You must apply in-person for your visa with your passport and required documents within a month of your departure.
How much will the visa cost?
The cost of the visa is currently USD $160 but may vary between consulates. Fees and requirements are determined by immigration authorities and are subject to change at any time.
Are there any other expected costs?
There are many additional costs involved in obtaining, translating, notarizing, or legalizing the required documents. There are also additional costs associated with traveling to the Consulate for an in-person appointment. After your arrival in Spain, you will be required to pay a visa extension fee.
Are any of these costs covered in my AFS program fee?
Additional costs involved in obtaining, translating, notarizing, and authenticating the required documents as well as traveling to the consulate for an in-person appointment are not covered in your AFS program fee. Previous participants and their families have spent between $350 and $2,000+ on visa-related expenses.
Can I travel before the start of my program?
AFS recommends that you not plan any travel outside of the United States during the three months before your program departs. Obtaining a visa takes time, and your passport is usually required for this. Should you choose to travel within the three months before the start of your program and not allow enough time to procure your visa, you will run the risk of jeopardizing your travel arrangements. If this occurs, you are responsible for all resulting fees and consequences. Fees and requirements are determined by immigration authorities and are subject to change at any time.