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Writer's pictureTiffany Libby

Spanish Visa Differences By U.S. Consulate

Including Employment Visa, Student Visa, and Freelance Visa


Hey all! If you have been reading my blogs, I have recently stated that I am trying to step up my game in the blogging world and use my awesome ADHD googling skills! Below I have compiled information on the Employment Visa, Student Visa, and Free-lance Visa. I then broke down the differences in each application by Spanish Consulate. Each consulate has various versions of these three Visa's so if these don't apply to your specific situation, then make sure to look up the consulate that services your area. I also added a website at the bottom of the article that lists each state's Secretary of State website to have your items apostilled. I'm far from perfect, so feel free to double-check and let me know if there are any discrepancies! Oh yeah, and I keep forgetting to promote me!! If you like this, please share and subscribe. This article is more informational, but my other posts are way more fun! With that, let us begin!







Employment Visa Application Commonalities:


DOCUMENTATION TO SUBMIT:

*Note that all documents for this visa need to be in Spanish. A Sworn Translator should translate documents that can only be obtained in English (click here for more information). Bring originals and photocopies of all documents and translations.

1. Visa application form (Original and photocopy): The application form must be filled out and signed.

2. One passport-type photo. (White Background, 2x2") glued to the form.

3. Passport or Travel Document. (Original and photocopy of the main page). Passport should be no older than 10 years. Please make sure your passport has at least one blank page for the new visa.

4. I.D. The card that proves your place of residence is within the jurisdiction of the Spanish Consulate of Los Angeles (Original and a photocopy). You can provide one of the following documents: U.S. Driver's license, State I.D. card, Voter’s Registration Card, current Student I.D.

5. (Non-US Citizens only) Alien Registration Card or long term U.S. Visa. (Original and a photocopy).

- Holders of B-1 and B-2 Visas cannot apply in the United States; they must apply in their country of residence or country of origin. - Applicants holding Student Visas must also submit their I-20 signed by the university on the last page and a copy of their F-1 Visa.

6. Authorization of work and residence permit approval (comunicación de autorización de trabajo y residencia) issued by the Oficina de Extranjeros o Dirección General de Inmigración of the Ministry of Labor (Ministerio de Trabajo e Inmigración) in Spain. This document cannot be older than 30 days


7. Certification of “absence of police records” (18 years of age or older) (Original, photocopy, translation into Spanish, photocopy of translation): Obtain a background check verified by fingerprint comparison. This document is valid for 3 months in reference to the date that it was issued. It must be legalized with the “Apostille of The Hague” and then translated into Spanish.

The background check can be issued by either: (a) The U.S. Justice Department– FBI Federal Bureau of Investigation and must be legalized with the “Apostille of The Hague” by the Secretary of State in Washington D.C. or (b) The State Justice Department (all states where the applicant has resided in the last 5 years) and the document must be legalized with the “Apostille of The Hague” by the Secretary of State of said state.

See common questions and issues for details about the background check or the Apostille of The Hague.

9. Medical Certificate: (Original, photocopy, and a translation): It must be recent (Issued within the last 3 months), include letter-head and handwritten signature of a doctor (M.D. or D.O.) with the following format (Please see specifications attached). See common questions and issues for details.

9. Payment of the Visa Fees is accepted with money orders. Money orders are to be addressed to the ''General Consulate of Spain Los Angeles''. Money will not be reimbursed even if the visa is not granted or is canceled. See common questions and issues for details.

• Spouse of the main applicant should submit his/ her own visa application for Residence visa, with all required documents plus the Marriage certificate authenticated with the Apostille of The Hague and translated into Spanish. • Children of the main applicant should submit his/ her own visa application for Residence visa​, with all required documents plus the Birth certificates authenticated with the Apostille of The Hague and translated into Spanish​.

10. Disclaimer duly signed When you have finished gathering the needed documentation, you may use this Check List as a guide to making sure you have everything ready for your appointment. Once you Arrive in Spain: The visa from our department will only be valid for 90 days. Don't worry, this is normal. During the first 30 days of your stay in Spain, you must go to the Local Police station to receive your full visa. They will ask for some original documents, which we certify at the Consulate, and then issue you a ''Tarjeta de Identificación de Extranjero'' (NIE). This card validates your residency until the listed expiration date. Note that the dates will be formated DAY/MONTH/YEAR. The Consulate Administration has full authority to evaluate and request more documents than those listed above. Please be informed that submitting the mentioned documents does NOT guarantee the issuance of the visa. Documents presented for the visa application will not be returned.






So now we are going to show the differences between each Consulate.




  • >Los Angeles Work Contract proving the fulfillment of minimal economic funds during the time in Spain (Original and a photocopy)


  • >Miami Copy of the contract in relation to which the residence and work permit has been granted, stamped by the Immigration Office



  • >San Francisco: Application of residence and work permit (Solicitud De Permiso De Residencia Y Permiso De Trabajo Y Residencia) stamped by the Spanish Ministry of Labor (Ministerio de Trabajo e Inmigración).






On to the Student Visa commonalities


This visa must be applied for in-person or through a legal representative (only a parent or guardian with notarized letter of authorization from the applicant). Coordinators and representatives of study programs from universities must previously have explicit authorization from this Consulate to act as legal representatives for a group of students.


- If applicants in under 18 years of age, they must be accompanied by at least one parent.

- Only applications from residents within the Consulate jurisdiction will be accepted. If you do not live within our consulate jurisdiction, your application will not be accepted under any circumstance.

- Applications will not be accepted more than 120 days in advance. 1. Visa application form: The application form must be thoroughly filled out and signed. 2. One passport-type photo. One professionally taken photo is required 3. Passport or Travel Document. (Original and photocopy of the main page). Passport should be no older than 10 years. The passport must have at least two blank pages. 4. I.D. Card that proves your place of residence is within the Consulate's jurisdiction (Photocopy and original). You can provide one of the following documents: U.S. Driver's license, State I.D. card, Voter’s Registration Card, current Student I.D. 5. (Non-US. Citizens only) U.S. Resident Alien Card or valid U.S. long-term Visa. (Original and photocopy): Holders of B-1 and B-2 Visas cannot apply in the United States; they must apply in their country of residence or country of origin. Applicants holding Student Visas must also present their I-20 signed by the university on the last page and a copy of their F-1 Visa.

6. Admission letter. Letter of admission as a full-time student in Spain from the Spanish University/School and U.S. program, indicating name, address, and registration of the school with the Ministry of Education and Science of Spain and duration of the program working towards some form of certificate degree (with precise dates of start and finish).

  • It is necessary to submit a corresponding document from the institution of acceptance in other cases (student exchanges, unpaid internships, or voluntary services).​

  • All admission letters must have precise dates of start and finish and an official seal (stamp or signature, or electronic signature). Admission letters not bearing an official stamp or signature nor precise program dates will not be accepted.


7. Proof of accumulated sufficient funds for the duration of your stay in Spain. All accumulated proof of funds must be available at the time of applying. Please see the minimum monthly requirements here: minimum requirements of funds.

Any of the below can be used as proof. - All pages of your 3 latest bank statements obtained directly from the bank that show your name and that the ending balance satisfies the minimum requirements of funds. - Statement from the University, School, or the U.S. Program assuming full financial responsibility for room and board (normally included in the “Letter of Admission”). An original letter is required, with an official seal (and signature) of the issuing institution. Online printouts or photocopies will not be accepted. - Proof of financial aid, loan, or scholarship already available at the time of applying that meets the minimum requirements for the duration of the stay. An original letter is required, with an official seal (and signature) of the issuing institution. Online printouts or photocopies will not be accepted. - Notarized letter of parents/guardians' statements in which they assume full financial responsibility that meets the minimum requirements link per month for room and board. Suggested wording: “I hereby certify that I the (father, mother, other) of (…), will support her/him with a monthly allowance of (...) monthly while she/he is in Spain and that I am financially responsible or any emergency that may arise.” And all pages of their 3 latest bank statements obtained directly from the bank that show their name and that the ending balance meets the minimum requirements of funds. Translation: a translation of proof of funds by a Sworn Spanish Translator certified by the Spanish Government (no local companies) is required unless the original form of the document(s) is available in Spanish. For bank statements, the translation of only the page(s) showing the beginning and ending balance(s) of each month’s statements will be accepted; entire month statements do not need to be translated unless specifically requested by the Consulate to prove sufficient funds.​

8. Proof of health insurance from a private or public company with no co-pay (or deductible) is required. The provider must be authorized​ to operate in Spain. No travel insurances with medical assistance coverage will be accepted.

Translation

9. Medical Certificate: (Original and photocopy, original translation and photocopy if required): This document must be issued no more than 90 days before your appointment date, must include letterhead and original signature and/or stamp from a doctor (only M.D. or D.O's will be accepted). The following is an example of the required text on the certificate. Medical Certificate example. Translation 10. CERTIFICATION OF "ABSENCE OF POLICE RECORDS": Only for applicants 18 years of age or older (Original, photocopy, translations into Spanish, photocopy of translations): Obtain a background check verified by fingerprint comparison. This document is valid for a maximum of 90 days after the issue date mentioned on it. It must be legalized with the "Apostille of The Hague" and then translated into Spanish to be accepted. The background check can be issued by either: (a) The U.S. Justice Department- FBI Federal Bureau of Investigation and must be legalized with the "Apostille of The Hague" by the Secretary of State in Washington D.C. or (b) The State Justice Department (all states where the applicant has resided in the last 5 years) and the document must be legalized with the "Apostille of The Hague" by the Secretary of State of said state. Translation See common questions for details about the background check or the Apostille of The Hague.

11. Applicants who are under 18 years of age at the time of their appointment must present:

• A notarized authorization letter from their parents or legal guardians to study in Spain. Information of the Host Family including: Names, Addresses, and Photocopies of D.N.I. Sworn Declaration of the Host Family expressing their knowledge of the stay of the minor is not for means of adoption, and their promise to return the minor to his/her home country.

12. Payment of the Visa Fees. Payments are made at your appointment, only money order is accepted (no cash, no credit cards, no debit cards, no personal checks). Money orders are to be addressed to the General Consulate of Spain Los Angeles. See common questions and issues for details.

13. Disclaimer duly signed and attached to the application.

For reference purposes only, please find a simple checklist of the required documents for this vira here: Check List.

Once you arrive in Spain

The visa from our department will only be valid for 90 days. During the first month of your stay in Spain, you must go to the Local Immigration Office (Extranjería) and apply for your Tarjeta de Identificación de Extranjero (In short, Tarjeta NIE). Once receiving your Tarjeta NIE, you will be able to stay for the duration of your program. Be sure to take the original background check and medical certificate and their original translations with you to Spain for the process.






So now we are going to show the differences between each Consulate.


  • >Chicago: 2 types of Visas, one for transfers and one for new students. Info below is for new students. Proof of accommodation. (In Spanish or translated into Spanish). Provide one of the following documents: • Lease (minimum of 3 months) with a “Nota Simple” (issued in the last 3 months by www.registro.es requested by the owner). • Hotel reservation for at least 3 months. • If you are staying with a Spanish family or a legal resident:  If the program assigns the family, present an official letter from the program with all the details.  If you can’t present the official letter from the program, you must present one of the following:  If the family owns the property, bring: “Acta de Manifestaciones” signed by the family in front of a Public notary in Spain + “Nota Simple” (see above). If the family doesn’t own the property = “Acta de Manifestaciones” see above + lease of the property + ”Nota Simple” of the property owner.






  • >San Francisco: Proof of intended flight itinerary: Please provide an email confirmation or website screenshot printout of your intended flight itinerary either direct from the airline or a flight comparison website, clearly showing your intended date of departure and route. We highly recommend not purchasing your flight tickets until your visa has been approved.





Self-employment Visa aka Freelance Visa commonalities:


1. Visa application form and visa Documents Checklist​ (Original and photocopy): The application form must be filled out in capital letters and signed.

2. One passport-type photo. (White Background, 2x2") glued to the form.

3. Passport or Travel Document. (Original and photocopy of the main page). Passport should be no older than 10 years. Please make sure your passport has at least one blank page for the new visa.

4. I.D. Card that proves your place of residence is within the jurisdiction of the Spanish Consulate (Original and a photocopy). You can provide one of the following documents: U.S. Driver's license, State I.D. card, Voter’s Registration Card, current Student I.D.

5. (Non-US Citizens only) Alien Registration Card or long term U.S. Visa. (Original and a photocopy).

- Holders of B-1 and B-2 Visas cannot apply in the United States; they must apply in their country of residence or country of origin. - Applicants holding Student Visas must also submit their I-20 signed by the university on the last page and a copy of their F-1 Visa.

8. Model 790-62 Form (plus taxes)

9. Business Plan of Activities that will be carried out, with the anticipated investments shown, your projected profits, and the possible amount of jobs created.

10. Copy of Documentation that proves the respective training needed, in each case, the professional qualification/certification legally required for the appropriate professional tasks.

11. Proof of sufficient economic funds or contracts of investments or loans from financial institutions. There must be evidence of sufficient funds to establish and maintain employment indefinitely.

12. Work Permits or Licenses that sanction the building, opening, and operation of the planned project.

13. Certification of “absence of police records” (18 years of age or older) (Original, photocopy, translation into Spanish, photocopy of translation): Obtain a background check verified by fingerprint comparison. This document is valid for 3 months in reference to the date that it was issued. It must be legalized with the “Apostille of The Hague” and then translated into Spanish.

The background check can be issued by either: (a) The U.S. Justice Department– FBI Federal Bureau of Investigation and must be legalized with the “Apostille of The Hague” by the Secretary of State in Washington D.C. or (b) The State Justice Department (all states where the applicant has resided in the last 5 years) and the document must be legalized with the “Apostille of The Hague” by the Secretary of State of said state. See common questions and issues for details about the background check or the Apostille of The Hague.

14. Medical Certificate: (Original, photocopy, and a translation): It must be recent (Issued within the last 3 months), include letter-head and handwritten signature of a doctor (M.D. or D.O.) with the following format (Please see specifications attached). See common questions and issues for details.

15. Disclaimer duly signed

16. Payment of the Visa Fees is accepted with money orders. Money orders are to be addressed to the General Consulate of Spain Los Angeles. Money will not be reimbursed even if the visa is not granted or is canceled. See common questions and issues for details.

• Spouse of the main applicant should submit his/ her own visa application for Residence visa, with all required documents plus the Marriage certificate authenticated with the Apostille of The Hague and translated into Spanish. • Children of the main applicant should submit his/ her own visa application for Residence visa​, with all required documents plus the Birth certificates authenticated with the Apostille of The Hague and translated into Spanish.

When you have finished gathering the needed documentation, you may use this Check List as a guide to making sure you have everything ready for your appointment.

Once you arrive in Spain The visa from our department will only be valid for 90 days. Don't worry, this is normal. During the first month of your stay in Spain, you must go to the Local Police station to receive your full visa. They will ask for some original documents, which we certify at the Consulate, and then issue you a ''Tarjeta de Identificación de Extranjero'' (NIE). This card validates your residency until the listed expiration date. Note that the dates will be formated DAY/MONTH/YEAR.



So now we are going to show the differences between each Consulate

  • >Boston: No difference

  • >Chicago:

    • Studies homologated by the Spanish Ministry of Education when required by your profession/occupation. (In Spanish or translated into Spanish).

    • Proof of accommodation. Provide one of the following documents:  Lease (In Spanish or translated into Spanish).  The title deed of property (In Spanish or translated into Spanish)

  • >Houston: Proof of accommodation. Provide one of the following documents:  Lease (In Spanish or translated into Spanish).  The title deed of property (In Spanish or translated into Spanish)

  • >The Angels:

    • Business Plan of Activities that will be carried out, with the anticipated investments shown, your projected profits, and the possible amount of jobs created.

    • Copy of Documentation that proves the respective training needed, in each case, the professional qualification/certification legally required for the appropriate professional tasks.



  • >New York: the applicant must present a favorable report from the Commercial Office in the area of geographical demarcation where the investor presents the visa request to confirm that the business plan presented is considered as a general interest.


  • >San Francisco: Instead of forms 9,10,12 above: Approval certification from the Economic and Commercial Office of Spain in Los Angeles, stating that the enterprise project meets general interest or special economic interest to Spain. Please contact the Economic and Commercial Office in Los Angeles for further information at (310) 277 5125 or http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/LOSANGELES/en/Consulado/Pages/LocalizacionContacto.aspx.




List of all 50 States Secretary of States Website

Please check out this website created by The Balance that has a list of all the websites of each Secretary of State where you will need to have your items apostilled https://www.thebalancesmb.com/secretary-of-state-websites-1201005.




For Residencia Visa/Non-lucrative, please look at the separate article in the checklists section of the blog.



In conclusion, I have not applied for all of these Visas, obviously, but this is what I have researched based on each consulates specific criteria. Do not use this article as a substitute for looking at the specific criteria on your consulates web page. Also, there are many forms of these visas; I just list the most common versions. My brain has officially begun to melt, so I hope this was helpful to you!

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