How to obtain a student visa in Spain: differences with the United States

Nowadays, international education has become an appealing option for many students seeking to broaden their horizons and enrich their academic experiences. However, one of the key challenges that prospective students face when studying abroad is understanding the complex process of obtaining a student visa in Spain. Therefore, at BSS we want to show you in detail he differences between the procedures for obtaining a student visa in two renowned educational destinations: Spain and the United States.

Getting a student visa in Spain

1. Acceptance into an educational institution: The first step is to be admitted to aneducational programat a recognized institution in Spain.
2. Gathering documentation: Prepare the necessary documents, which usually include the acceptance letter from the educational institution, proof of sufficient financial funds to cover expenses during your stay, and medical insurance with coverage in Spain. In the case that the student is over 18 years old, a criminal record certificate will also be required.
3. Visa Application: Once you have all the documents, schedule an appointment at the Spanish consulate in your home country tosubmit your student visa application.
4. Consular interview: prepare to answer questions about your study program, your plans in Spain, how you plan to finance your studies and stay.
5. Registering in Spain: Once you have the Visa and are in Spain, you must register at the Foreigners Officewithin 30 days of your arrival.

Getting a Student Visa in the United States

1. Solicitud y admisión en una institución educativa: primero, debes ser aceptado en una institución educativa en Estados Unidos que esté certificada por el Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (USCIS). Una vez aceptado, la institución te enviará el formulario I-20, que es esencial para solicitar la visa de estudiante.
2. Pago del SEVIS y Formulario DS-160: debes pagar la tarifa del SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) y completar el formulario DS-160 online.
3. Documentación requerida: reúne la documentación necesaria, que puede incluir el formulario I-20, el comprobante del pago del SEVIS, el formulario DS-160, un pasaporte válido, fotografías recientes, pruebas de fondos financieros suficientes y pruebas de lazos fuertes con tu país de origen, como empleo, propiedad o familia.
4. Entrevista consular: prepárate para la entrevista consular, durante la cual se evaluará tu elegibilidad para obtener la visa de estudiante.
5. Registro en el programa SEVIS: una vez con la Visa aprobada y en Estados Unidos, deberás registrarte en el programa SEVIS dentro de los primeros 30 días de tu llegada.

Diferencias fundamentales entre el proceso en España y en Estados Unidos

Type of Educational Institutions

Spain

Como bien hemos comentado, las visas de estudiante en España se emiten para estudiantes que han sido admitidos en instituciones educativas españolas autorizadas, incluyendo universidades, colegios y escuelas de idiomas.

Estados Unidos

Las visas de estudiante en Estados Unidos requieren admisión en una institución educativa certificada por el Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (USCIS), como universidades, colegios comunitarios y escuelas de idiomas.

Duración de la Visa

Spain

Las visas de estudiante en España generalmente se emiten por la duración del programa de estudios, con posibilidad de renovación.

Estados Unidos

Las visas de estudiante en Estados Unidos tienen una duración limitada y deben renovarse periódicamente, generalmente al final de cada período académico.

Right to work

Spain

Students with a student visa in Spainhave certain rights to work part-time during the academic period and full-time during vacations.

United Estates

Student visas in the United Stateshave stricter employment restrictions, usually allowing part-time on-campus work during the academic period.

Of course, you should keep in mind that policies and regulations may change, so it’s always advisable to consult official sources and respective consulates for the most updated and accurate information regarding the requirements and processes to obtain a student visa in Spain and the United States. Therefore, don’t hesitate to contact BSS for any questions you may have. We’ll be delighted to assist you.