(Photo credit: http://blog.lifestyledmc.com/our-services/december-2013/)
From experience, we can tell you that often times things dont often go as planned, and the student visa process often takes longer than anticipated. We put together a few helpful tips to make your visa application process run smoothly!
Do
- Give yourself at least 5 weeks to prepare all the paperwork before your appointment.
- Make sure you keep 1-2 copies of all documents on file
- Have a professional passport photo (2×2) taken with a white background from your local photo store.
- Make copies of every page of your passport
- Double, triple, and quadruple check all specific requirements from your regions Spanish consulate.
Dont
- Be surprised if the consulate asks for additional documentation than what was originally requested.
- Forget to have the necessary documents notarized and legalized (by the Apostille of the Hague) http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/english/legal-considerations/judicial/authentication-of-documents/notarial-and-authentication-apostille.html
- Arrive late to your student visa appointment
- Wait until the last minute to have your background check done.
- This background check could take 3 weeks to process
Other Tips:
- If your parents/custodians write your letter assuming full financial responsibility we recommend you use the consulates suggested wording.
- I hereby certify that I the [father, mother, other] of [insert name], will support (her/him) with a monthly allowance of $800 while (she/he) is in Spain and that I am financially responsible for any emergency that may arise
- Remember that certain US regions require the background checks to be verified by fingerprints
- Make sure your state background check is from ALL the states you have lived in the last 5 years.
- It is recommended that your doctor write the following statement on your medical certificate (students name) has been examined and found free of any contagious or infectious diseases according to the International Health Regulation 2005
- Some states require that the documents be translated
- It is recommended that you dont purchase your travel tickets before your Visa is approved.
Check back for our next blog post with step by step instructions for applying for a student visa!