Study Visas – Do we need one?

This is a frequently asked question and the answer depends very much on both nationality and length of study.

Nationals of the following countries may not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days:
(a) EU countries, Australia, Canada, Japan and US;
(b) Andorra, Argentina, Aruba, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Korea (Rep. Of), Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands Antilles, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Switzerland, Uruguay, Vatican City and Venezuela

Students who intend to study for longer than 90 days may require a student visa.

Students who are nationals of countries not appearing above may require a visa to enter Spain

Documentation

The following may be required:

Completed application form.
4 passport-size photos.
Passport (Valid for a minimum of 180 days prior to your arrival in Spain)
Return travel tickets or itinerary and proof of payment for tickets.
Proof of purpose of visit.
Evidence of sufficient funds for to cover your length of stay.
Proof of attendance at an educational establishment
Doctor’s medical certificate
Police clearance certificates (for the past 5 years)

Time required to issue visa:

Between 2 days and 6 weeks, depending on nationality.
Applications from nationals of the following countries must apply in person, and these applications will take 3 weeks or longer:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Burundi, China (PR), CIS, Congo (Dem. Rep.), Guinea-Bissau, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Korea (DPR), Lebanon, Libya, Mozambique, Rwanda, Sudan, Surinam, Syria, Vietnam and Yemen.

What is the cost of a visa?

£15.50 - £21.70 (double- or multiple- entry) The length of time a visa will be valid for will depend on the type of visa issued.
Some nationals may not be required to pay the above fees.

Applications for visas should be made at the local foreigners' office or Police station and proof will be required before you can obtain a permit to stay.

The following documents must be submitted showing that:

- All requirements for entry and stay in Spain are fulfilled, including
a visa to undertake or extend studies.
- The student has been regularly accepted in any private/public educational
or scientific centre to undertake/extend studies or carry out non profitable research.
- The timetable shows the student attending for no less than 3 months, including the approved studies, investigation or research.
- Underage students unaccompanied by their parents will be required to provide parental authorization for the journey as well as for the studies; the authorization must state the educational centre and the length of study.
- A guarantee that the student has sufficient funds to cover the cost of studies, stay and return to the home country.

The permit, once issued, will allow the student to remain for the length of the course. The permit remains valid until the course is completed or when the period it was granted for is over. The permit is, however, renewable.
Students are not really allowed to work on this type of permit but it will be permitted providing it does not interfere with their studies.

Contact the nearest Spanish Embassy for any further information you may require.

© Sleepwell Marketing S.L.. 2005 – All rights reserved.

Information courtesy of Marc White LL.B. (English Solicitor) - Visit homepage

If you have any questions then please email us: info@spanishadvertiser.info using your spanish advertiser email address and we will endeavour to return your query as soon as possible.