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Visa Process Per Nationality

Students going to Spain from Canada or any other country might wonder about the visa application process and the approval time. You should know all the documentation needed before applying for a student visa in Spain. Applying for the visa with the proper documents and process will save you time, money, and energy.

If you are unsure where to start, this article will help you with the student visa process. We will cover the main aspects of the process, such as documentation, work limit for students, etc. Let’s start by understanding what the Spanish student visa is.

What Does the Spanish Student Visa Entail?

The student visa by the Spanish government permits you to study or enroll in the training programs. You can also participate in the student exchange or gain experience through an internship for three months. Citizens from the EU and Switzerland can enter Spain and study without a student visa.

The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues a range of student visas that are valid for different durations. These visas are issued depending on your course or duration of the program.

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A vital thing to remember is that you need to provide the paperwork to show that you enrolled in their course. You can also discuss with the Spanish embassy or consulate to know which type of visa is best for you.

Different Types of Student Visa

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  Student at the airport

The Spanish government allows nationals of other countries different types of student visas. These visa types have a time duration for their validity, which depend on the duration of your course.

Student Permit for three months (90 days) or Less

This visa is for students that come from countries eligible for visa-free entry. They can stay and study in Spain for 90 days. So, if you want to enroll in a short course in Spain, this is the visa for you.

If you are coming from a country that does not entitle you to a visa-free entry, you need to get a Schengen student visa. You need to contact your country’s Spanish embassy or consulate to fill out and submit the applications.

Short-term Student Visa with Duration of 3 to 6 Months

Another Visa type is the short-term visa that allows you to stay and study in Spain for six months. This visa type is ideal for anyone seeking vocational training courses or programs in Spain. You can apply for it through the Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country.

The short-term student visa process time is less than the longer one. Moreover, it involves fewer complications since you won’t have to go to submit too much paperwork or documentation. However, you should remember that you cannot apply for a visa renewal for any reason.

Ideally, a short-term visa is best for students who want to learn Spanish and take short courses. If you want to enrol in certain classes that are for six months or less, you should apply for a short-term visa.

Long-term Student Visa with a Duration of 6 Months or More

Students that plan to enrol in Bachelor’s or Masters’ programs can apply for a long-term student visa. This visa type is also available for students that want to enrol in vocational training programs that can last for 1 to 1.5 years. While the visa validity extends much longer, it involves a few more complications.

You will need to gather and submit various documents for visa approval. Additionally, the Spanish long-term student visa takes much longer to process compared to other visa types. Also, the applicants must pay higher processing fees for this visa application.

After completing the visa application, students from different countries, including Canada, must get a student residence card. Before entering the country, they must apply for it at the Spanish immigration office.

Documents That You Need for the Student Visa Application Process

Before applying for a student visa, you must gather specific documents that the Spanish authorities require to approve your visa. Here is a list of the documents you need to submit for the student visa:

  • Two Schengen Visa application forms
  • Two current passport photos
  • Passport with validity until the end of your stay
  • National ID Card (Driver’s license if applicable)
  • Letter of acceptance from the university, college, or institute that you enroll in
  • Health insurance
  • Current student ID
  • Bank statement to show as proof of sufficient funds to cover stay

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Visa paperwork

Working Rules and Regulations for Spain

Spanish student visa holders can find a part-time or temporary position during their stay in the country. They can work throughout their course to cover their expenses. However, they are only allowed to work for 20 hours weekly, and their job should not affect their studies.

Once you complete your studies, you must apply for a work permit to stay and work in Spain. You don’t need a work permit for internships that are a part of your degree.

Visa Process Time

The visa processing time for Canada is around four weeks, and for other nationals, it can be about 2 to 3 months.

Final Word

Spain is one of the most popular destinations for students around the world. Understanding the visa requirements and other details will help you apply and have your visa approved in no time.

Reference Links:

https://www.spainvisa.eu/visa-types/student-visa-spain/

https://spanishstudies.org/students-parents/spain-student-visa-instructions/

https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/spain-visa/

https://erasmusu.com/en/erasmus-canada/erasmus-blog/applying-for-a-spanish-student-visa-for-canadians-426441

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Spain Visa and Legal Guides

Written by

Ryan Rosser

Master’s program, 2021

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