Topic: North American Language and Culture Assistants 2010-2011 (Read 105615 times)

unohooim7 · « **on:** November 30, 2009, 07:13:52 PM »

The 2010-2011 application is now available. Deadline March 30, 2010. Good luck everyone!

http://www.mec.es/sgci/usa/en/programs/us_assistants/default.shtml

scclads · « **Reply #1 on:** November 30, 2009, 10:54:37 PM »

"Be a Junior or Senior college student or have successfully completed a BA, BS, MA or MS by the end of the current academic year."

I received my Master's in Education in 2007. Do you think I am still eligible? I take the above statement to mean you must either be in school or just finishing to apply. Do you think they've changed the rules this year?

SRedw · « **Reply #2 on:** November 30, 2009, 11:04:30 PM »

Quote from: scclads on November 30, 2009, 10:54:37 PM

"Be a Junior or Senior college student or have successfully completed a BA, BS, MA or MS by the end of the current academic year."

I received my Master's in Education in 2007. Do you think I am still eligible? I take the above statement to mean you must either be in school or just finishing to apply. Do you think they've changed the rules this year?

When I applied for the program in 2007, I finished my MA in 2003. Just apply and see what they say.

Shawn

serendipity · « **Reply #3 on:** December 01, 2009, 05:02:37 AM »

hey everybody,

I started doing my application on profex. I exited the browser window, and I went back onto profex to continue my application, and I keep getting this notice:

Bienvenido al Sistema de Gestión de personal de programas en el Exterior (PROFEX)

Mensajes producidos por la última operación:

* Operación no efectuada. Existe otro usuario con el mismo correo electrónico que usted ha introducido.

And I've tried multiple times to login and I still keep getting that notice, and I can't access my application files. Has this happened to anybody else? I just sent an e-mail to Profex support.

zutalors · « **Reply #4 on:** December 01, 2009, 06:36:28 AM »

That has happened to me too. ..
I registered yesterday but today ive been getting the same message as you, cant do the CV or anything
so no worries its not just you

ire · « **Reply #5 on:** December 01, 2009, 09:11:02 AM »

hey,
to those of you having problems, I was having the same problems too and finally figured it out! If your trying to get to the "curriculum" page the next time you log-in do not select the auxiliary one but the "mantenimento del CV" link and log-in from there and you should be able to start to apply!!

good luck!! I am just starting my application too & I am sure many of us will run into problems

hope this helped

beachp · « **Reply #6 on:** December 01, 2009, 06:42:00 PM »

Quote from: scclads on November 30, 2009, 10:54:37 PM

"Be a Junior or Senior college student or have successfully completed a BA, BS, MA or MS by the end of the current academic year."

I received my Master's in Education in 2007. Do you think I am still eligible? I take the above statement to mean you must either be in school or just finishing to apply. Do you think they've changed the rules this year?

I think it has said the same thing in previous years and it's meant that one needs to be either a junior/senior in college or has completed their degree whether it be undergraduate or graduate. So if you didn't finish a degree and your not a junior/senior in college then you can't apply.

ire · « **Reply #7 on:** December 02, 2009, 12:34:09 AM »

hey,

does anyone know in what section we put a completed diploma form college if I am now in univ. completing a degree ?

thanks

serendipity · « **Reply #8 on:** December 02, 2009, 04:54:38 AM »

Hey everybody,

Do you think it's better to write the personal statement in English or in Spanish?

unohooim7 · « **Reply #9 on:** December 02, 2009, 09:03:42 PM »

Quote

Do you think it's better to write the personal statement in English or in Spanish?

I think the most important thing is to turn the application in sooner than later.

A quote from the 2009-2010 thread that calmed me when I was stressing over my statement:

Quote

The folks at the Spanish consulate aren't U.S. college admissions officers. They are bureaucrats. They're not looking for the best and the brightest. They're not waiting or even expecting to have their calcetines knocked off by the applications of the American auxiliares. They're just looking for native English speakers with a college education. Period.

I feel sorry for those of you who took the time to craft a splendid application in hopes that it would help you stand out from the crowd. It didn't. You would've been better off submitting a ho-hum (but complete) application back in January than waiting until April to submit a package that was stellar.

If you've got the time (i.e. you're still waiting for your official transcripts, letter of recommendation, etc...), I say go for it in Spanish. In previous years, the personal statement was the only item that HAD to be in Spanish.

If the statement is the last item that will complete your application and you're having a tough time writing it in Spanish, I say write it in English and get it in the mail ASAP.

Good luck!

buffalove · « **Reply #10 on:** December 03, 2009, 05:03:47 AM »

I have a pretty simple question. I'm done with the online application. how do i submit it? does anyone know how quickly the 1200 slots filled up last year?

thanks and good luck!

serendipity · « **Reply #11 on:** December 03, 2009, 06:28:43 AM »

i read through the 2009 and 2010 posts, and it seems like if you get your app in before march, you're good to go

buffalove- did you attach your medical letter and a scan of your letter of rec?

thanks

buffalove · « **Reply #12 on:** December 03, 2009, 03:04:53 PM »

ugh the whole online application is so confusing. under what section do i upload everything? do i upload it all... dr note, letter of recomendation, letter of intent, transcript, passport photo page, police clearance?

how do we get the police clearance thing? what do we ask for when we go to the police station?

stacylimones · « **Reply #13 on:** December 03, 2009, 04:03:07 PM »

They've created a manual about the program with everything from Profex questions (and a support person you can e-mail) to the process of acceptance, wait list, etc. I really recommend that everyone applying take the time to read through; it's pretty good! The organization of the program seems to be improving.

Good luck everyone! :-)

beachp · « **Reply #14 on:** December 03, 2009, 06:36:00 PM »

does anyone know if current assistants have to fill out a new profex applicatioin to reapply? When I last looked at the documents to reapply it asked for recommendation from the head of program at one's school, personal essay and medical clearance. Do we need all the other documents asked for in the profex application? This info, btw, is not in the manual.

serendipity · « **Reply #15 on:** December 03, 2009, 06:57:43 PM »

Hi Stacylimones,

Can you refer us to this manual? I've seen the "notes" pdfs from the MES site, but they haven't been very helpful

Buffalove: We do not need police clearance at this stage. We will need that when we apply for Visa's at the embassy.

unohooim7 · « **Reply #16 on:** December 03, 2009, 07:49:45 PM »

The program manual
http://www.educacion.es/exterior/usa/en/File/aux_us/program_manual_nort_20091202.pdf

I wish they'd posted that as soon as the new application had come out!

I was most confused about the police clearance. Last year, both the medical certificate and the police clearance weren't necessary until the visa application. It don't know why they include them on the list of documents that must be mailed in with the application.

serendipity - In regards to the medical certificate, the application on Profex says "Certificado médico, que se pedirá al solicitar el visado, por lo que no conviene pedirlo antes de este momento ya que tiene una fecha de caducidad de tres meses."

unohooim7 · « **Reply #17 on:** December 04, 2009, 01:55:54 AM »

Quote from: serendipity on December 03, 2009, 06:57:43 PM

Buffalove: We do not need police clearance at this stage. We will need that when we apply for Visa's at the embassy.

I just got a response from the consulate contact in Los Angeles regarding the police clearance.
"As for the police clearance, the regulation has changed and this year it must also be submitted when you first apply."

::: sigh ::: I wish there was a bit more detail about the police clearance. For example, for the purposes of the visa you need clearance for every city you've lived in for more than 6 months during the past 5 years. I've lived in 2 cities, but both in California. I'll try to go through the Department of Justice in California, I just hope that it doesn't take forever for the report to come back. At least we all know this early in the application process.

serendipity · « **Reply #18 on:** December 04, 2009, 05:27:48 AM »

Sorry.. to clarify, do we need to attach and send BOTH the medical clearance AND the police clearance with our online app and physical app at this stage?

Because for the medical clearance, doesn't it have to be dated within 3 months of the VISA app, and we won't be applying for the VISA until April right...?

serendipity · « **Reply #19 on:** December 04, 2009, 05:44:19 AM »

Also, if we do need both police clearance and the medical clearance this early on.. does it all need to be notarized/sealed/etc?

SRedw · « **Reply #20 on:** December 04, 2009, 06:17:21 PM »

Quote

Also, if we do need both police clearance and the medical clearance this early on.. does it all need to be notarized/sealed/etc?

The police records do need to be notarized and with the seal.

Shawn

stacylimones · « **Reply #21 on:** December 04, 2009, 08:06:02 PM »

Quote from: beachp on December 03, 2009, 06:36:00 PM

does anyone know if current assistants have to fill out a new profex applicatioin to reapply? When I last looked at the documents to reapply it asked for recommendation from the head of program at one's school, personal essay and medical clearance. Do we need all the other documents asked for in the profex application? This info, btw, is not in the manual.

Last year we had to send in a new profex application, plus a letter of recommendation from the school principal and a medical note. It wasn't necessary to resubmit all the other documents (transcripts, etc.). It seems the link for renewals is down, but it wouldn't hurt for you to go ahead and open your profex application and upload your documents.

Good luck!

ire · « **Reply #22 on:** December 05, 2009, 03:01:45 AM »

Quote from: serendipity on December 04, 2009, 05:27:48 AM

Sorry.. to clarify, do we need to attach and send BOTH the medical clearance AND the police clearance with our online app and physical app at this stage?

Because for the medical clearance, doesn't it have to be dated within 3 months of the VISA app, and we won't be applying for the VISA until April right...?

If the regulations have changed and we do need the police clearance when we first apply to be safe and make sure your application goes through just go to your doctor for the note, that one is pretty easy compared to the police clearance. To be safe maybe get another medical clearance closer to April. These are just my thoughts on this BUT if anyone knows the answer as to whether we need both or not I would like to know too.

Also for the police clearance try to check with the area you are in if there is a way you can do it online and it takes much quicker...supposedly around 2 days!...but that could be wrong...I am going to figure out about this on monday and ill post on here

ire · « **Reply #23 on:** December 05, 2009, 04:09:16 AM »

sorry that first part made no sense!...i meant to say that if we do need the police clearance (since someone received a response from LA saying we do need it at the beginning ) then to be safe go to your doc a note. It would be terrible to have an incomplete application because of an absent doctors note.

haha hope that makes more sense!

unohooim7 · « **Reply #24 on:** December 05, 2009, 04:16:50 AM »

Quote from: ire on December 05, 2009, 03:01:45 AM

If the regulations have changed and we do need the police clearance when we first apply to be safe and make sure your application goes through just go to your doctor for the note, that one is pretty easy compared to the police clearance. To be safe maybe get another medical clearance closer to April. These are just my thoughts on this BUT if anyone knows the answer as to whether we need both or not I would like to know too.

I was confused too because the application on profex says to wait before obtaining a medical clearance but the manual and website say we need it.

Got a brief response from the consulate contact in LA earlier today. She says "Follow the instructions on the web and manual, ignore profex as it us [sic] outdated."

We HAVE to send the medical certificate AND police clearance along with the application materials. She also says that the police clearance that we send with the application does not need to be notarized (as Shawn said in an earlier post).

Quote from: ire on December 05, 2009, 03:01:45 AM

Also for the police clearance try to check with the area you are in if there is a way you can do it online and it takes much quicker...supposedly around 2 days!...but that could be wrong...I am going to figure out about this on monday and ill post on here

I'm in California. I did a Live Scan yesterday evening, they scan your fingerprints digitally and submit the request over the internet. If I don't receive my record in the mail in 5 days I have to call them, but I shouldn't wait much longer than 5 days because they delete the requests from their system fairly quickly. If you're a California resident, the form and instructions are here: http://ag.ca.gov/fingerprints/security.php Note for anyone going through the CA DOJ: a request for your personal police record is different from the request needed for a visa/immigration. I just got a regular request. It's cheaper and it will expire before the program deadline, so I couldn't use it for the visa application anyway.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

beachp · « **Reply #25 on:** December 05, 2009, 05:29:01 AM »

Quote from: stacylimones on December 04, 2009, 08:06:02 PM

Last year we had to send in a new profex application, plus a letter of recommendation from the school principal and a medical note. It wasn't necessary to resubmit all the other documents (transcripts, etc.). It seems the link for renewals is down, but it wouldn't hurt for you to go ahead and open your profex application and upload your documents.

Good luck!

thanks for the advice. the problem is also the inability to access the profex application from last year or start a new one. I'm going to assume it's all connected with the link for renewals also being down. Already have the recommendation though. Anyone else having this problem who is also trying to renew for next year?

elDorado · « **Reply #26 on:** December 05, 2009, 09:00:12 AM »

Im under the impression as I do the application that we dont have to really attach any documentation; the website requests hard copies of everything and I would suspect those hard copies are the most important things to submit.

stephpac · « **Reply #27 on:** December 05, 2009, 07:01:28 PM »

Anybody know if it's true that 3rd year auxiliares can't repeat for a fourth year? It only mentions specifically that 1st year auxiliares can repeat for a 2nd.

ire · « **Reply #28 on:** December 05, 2009, 07:21:38 PM »

elDorado- I was under the same impression until I started reading on here people trying to post all their forms online. Also with the hard copies we send we have to print out the online application.

If someone knows about this could they please verify if we do need to upload our hardcopy documents or not.

Thanks!

serendipity · « **Reply #29 on:** December 05, 2009, 08:16:27 PM »

For the official transcripts and letters of rec, are people also scanning and uploading these documents?

Because for the letter of rec, shouldn't be sealed for it to be "official".

Same for the transcript... if we open the transcript to scan it, isn't it no longer "official?"

I was just going to scan my official transcript, and then mail it as it is (not being sealed), since I graduated, so I am also sending a copy of my diploma anyways....

ire - i'm fairly certain we have to scan and upload everything....

SRedw · « **Reply #30 on:** December 05, 2009, 09:34:59 PM »

Quote

Anybody know if it's true that 3rd year auxiliares can't repeat for a fourth year? It only mentions specifically that 1st year auxiliares can repeat for a 2nd.

I know that in Madrid YOU CAN NOT do a third year with the program. This is why I am telling people about UCETAM www.ucetam.org. You do the same thing you do in public schools, but in a private school in Madrid. Look at their website and send your CV if interested. You can only do this program for a maximum of 2 years as well.

Shawn

hurrikaane · « **Reply #31 on:** December 06, 2009, 02:18:29 AM »

This is confusing me greatly, and I'm normally good with such things.

1) What are the pixel dimensions of a "carnet sized" photo? We need to upload this, but I have no idea how big it should be.
2) The guide mentions adding our study-abroad experience in the "Formacion adicional" - however I cannot get it to accept my data. Has anyone else had success here?
3) People are talking about having to have our police scan for the application. But when I go to part 2, where you check the boxes and upload your documents, it asks you for four things: a doctor's note, transcripts/diploma, your personal statement, and the letter of recommendation. Where is it that we are to address the police scan and/or upload the document?
4) Ultimately, we must submit this application electronically, with all our documents scanned and uploaded, AND snail mail a paper copy to our local Spanish official?

Thanks if you can answer these questions!

elDorado · « **Reply #32 on:** December 06, 2009, 06:48:57 AM »

serendipity-

Why do you think we HAVE TO upload documents? This is very confusing, and the contact person at my embassy was pretty rude. He basically told me to re-read the website again because all information is there. Personally I think the scanning part is just so they can process your app quicker. I dont think Im going to scan anything.

serendipity · « **Reply #33 on:** December 06, 2009, 07:00:20 AM »

I feel like it's best to be safe and scan/upload and send hard copies. Anything that will make them process the application easier and faster is better for us...

On Profex, there is an option to upload the doctor letter, transcript/diploma, letter of rec, and essay + other documents to back up your application.

From the 2009 to 2010 thread, it seems that people did scan and upload their letter of rec. I'm just gonna ask my professor to scan it for me, and then afterwards, give the letter to me sealed.

unohooim7 · « **Reply #34 on:** December 06, 2009, 08:22:54 AM »

Quote from: elDorado on December 06, 2009, 06:48:57 AM

serendipity-
Why do you think we HAVE TO upload documents? This is very confusing, and the contact person at my embassy was pretty rude. He basically told me to re-read the website again because all information is there. Personally I think the scanning part is just so they can process your app quicker. I dont think Im going to scan anything.

According to the manual, what's necessary is to fill out the mandatory asterik-marked info in the Profex CV and to send the 7 documents to your consulate contact. I don't think uploading is necessary, but it couldn't hurt.

Since the applications are officially submitted online, I think it's prudent to upload all supporting documents and make the Profex CV as complete as possible before your submit your application.

Quote from: serendipity on December 06, 2009, 07:00:20 AM

From the 2009 to 2010 thread, it seems that people did scan and upload their letter of rec. I'm just gonna ask my professor to scan it for me, and then afterwards, give the letter to me sealed.

The new manual and the website don't specify that this letter needs to be sealed. But I think it's the safe choice to get this scanned, then sealed to submit to the consulate.

unohooim7 · « **Reply #35 on:** December 06, 2009, 09:13:43 AM »

Quote from: unohooim7 on December 05, 2009, 04:16:50 AM

I'm in California. I did a Live Scan yesterday evening, they scan your fingerprints digitally and submit the request over the internet. If I don't receive my record in the mail in 5 days I have to call them, but I shouldn't wait much longer than 5 days because they delete the requests from their system fairly quickly. If you're a California resident, the form and instructions are here: http://ag.ca.gov/fingerprints/security.php

Just to follow up, I did my Live Scan around 5:30pm on December 3rd. I received my police clearance in the mail December 5th. I'm impressed by the turnaround.

elDorado · « **Reply #36 on:** December 06, 2009, 09:46:02 AM »

Quote from: unohooim7 on December 06, 2009, 08:22:54 AM

I don't think uploading is necessary, but it couldn't hurt.

I agree.....but since Im applying overseas and dont have easy access to a scanner its a matter of convenience for me. Another thing: It sounds like initially the police check and medical check dont need to be apostillized but we have to include copies. Then later before we apply for visas we can get the apostilles done. This sound right?

caraluna · « **Reply #37 on:** December 06, 2009, 04:57:18 PM »

Hey everyone! I just found these boards, and looking through them has been really helpful so far. I'm applying this year too and I'm so excited, but (like everyone else) I'm pretty confused by the whole process. I read the manual, but the instructions are kind of broad -- they don't really go question by question or anything. Is there any better guide to the application out there? Thanks!!

serendipity · « **Reply #38 on:** December 06, 2009, 08:57:20 PM »

unohooim7 - WOW, that is really quick. Did it come back with the DOJ seal and signed? Did you write that it's for a "Spanish Student Visa". I'm only asking because other people said they did the DOJ thing in the 2009 to 2010 thread, but if they didn't specify clearly, they didn't get it back signed and with the DOJ seal. How much did it cost you in total? Did you get it done at a police station...?

Sorry I know that's a lot of questions, but thank you for your input!

I was considering just getting police clearances directly from the two cities I've lived in, because I thought the DOJ live scan would take a few weeks! I am also from California.

sarahg · « **Reply #39 on:** December 06, 2009, 10:54:22 PM »

I have a couple questions -

1) Could someone please tell me exactly what the process is for uploading the letters of recommendation? I don't have time to fill out the app before I ask for my letters of recommendation, and I'd like to let them know what to expect when asking. Will they have to log in and upload it, or will they send it to me? If they send it to me, can they send in file format or should they give me a signed and printed hard copy?

2) I currently live in the Miami consulate region, and will probably move to the LA region after submitting the application, but that's not guaranteed. Where should I send all my documentation? My current address dictates Miami but it could be difficult to get to the Miami consulate later this year for visa stuff.

beachp · « **Reply #40 on:** December 06, 2009, 11:17:49 PM »

Quote from: elDorado on December 06, 2009, 09:46:02 AM

I agree.....but since Im applying overseas and dont have easy access to a scanner its a matter of convenience for me. Another thing: It sounds like initially the police check and medical check dont need to be apostillized but we have to include copies. Then later before we apply for visas we can get the apostilles done. This sound right?

You need the apostiles stamp only on the background check paper from the police or whoever in your state is authorized to do this. this is only needed to apply for the one year student visa and you bring it with you to your visa appointment or I guess mail it in if you don't have to go in person in your state. You can't get an apostiilles stamp on a medical form.

beachp · « **Reply #41 on:** December 06, 2009, 11:33:46 PM »

Quote from: sarahg on December 06, 2009, 10:54:22 PM

I have a couple questions -

1) Could someone please tell me exactly what the process is for uploading the letters of recommendation? I don't have time to fill out the app before I ask for my letters of recommendation, and I'd like to let them know what to expect when asking. Will they have to log in and upload it, or will they send it to me? If they send it to me, can they send in file format or should they give me a signed and printed hard copy?

2) I currently live in the Miami consulate region, and will probably move to the LA region after submitting the application, but that's not guaranteed. Where should I send all my documentation? My current address dictates Miami but it could be difficult to get to the Miami consulate later this year for visa stuff.

The person writing your recommendation doesn't log into Profex and upload the recommendation. they need to send you a hard copy or put in on a disk for you to upload.

elDorado · « **Reply #42 on:** December 07, 2009, 12:37:33 AM »

Quote from: beachp on December 06, 2009, 11:17:49 PM

. You can't get an apostiilles stamp on a medical form.

Looks like things have changed from last year. According to the program manual, you have to submit an "Original medical certificate (please check with the Consulate about the specific content of this certificate) with the Apostille of the Hague." Pg. 18
Any document can be apostillized.

caraluna · « **Reply #43 on:** December 07, 2009, 01:39:25 AM »

This is a total newbie question

but do we fill out the application in English? It kind of confuses me to have some stuff (i.e. state) in Spanish and other things in English.

hurrikaane · « **Reply #44 on:** December 07, 2009, 01:40:54 AM »

To help clarify the last post, the Apostille for the medical clearance is only needed when applying for the visa.

caraluna · « **Reply #45 on:** December 07, 2009, 01:44:04 AM »

Quote from: hurrikaane on December 07, 2009, 01:40:54 AM

To help clarify the last post, the Apostille for the medical clearance is only needed when applying for the visa.

What about for for the police record thing? Anyone know whether that's needed for the initial application?

unohooim7 · « **Reply #46 on:** December 07, 2009, 03:15:26 AM »

Quote from: serendipity on December 06, 2009, 08:57:20 PM

unohooim7 - WOW, that is really quick. Did it come back with the DOJ seal and signed? Did you write that it's for a "Spanish Student Visa". I'm only asking because other people said they did the DOJ thing in the 2009 to 2010 thread, but if they didn't specify clearly, they didn't get it back signed and with the DOJ seal. How much did it cost you in total? Did you get it done at a police station...?

Sorry I know that's a lot of questions, but thank you for your input!

I was considering just getting police clearances directly from the two cities I've lived in, because I thought the DOJ live scan would take a few weeks! I am also from California.

I wrote that it was a Record Review. I figured that at this point in the process, this police clearance is not yet being used for "Spanish Student Visa" and it'll expire before I can apply for the visa. The government fee for a record review is $25 and the Live Scan operator charged $30 for the service. He's a guy who does fingerprinting and passport photos. For Live Scan operators near you: http://ag.ca.gov/fingerprints/publications/contact.php

I saw those 2009-2010 posts about the police clearance. When I request clearance for the visam I'll make sure to specify "SPANISH student visa" and make sure it comes back signed with that DOJ seal.

serendipity · « **Reply #47 on:** December 07, 2009, 04:20:45 AM »

Quote from: unohooim7 on December 07, 2009, 03:15:26 AM

I wrote that it was a Record Review. I figured that at this point in the process, this police clearance is not yet being used for "Spanish Student Visa" and it'll expire before I can apply for the visa. The government fee for a record review is $25 and the Live Scan operator charged $30 for the service. He's a guy who does fingerprinting and passport photos. For Live Scan operators near you: http://ag.ca.gov/fingerprints/publications/contact.php

I saw those 2009-2010 posts about the police clearance. When I request clearance for the visam I'll make sure to specify "SPANISH student visa" and make sure it comes back signed with that DOJ seal.

Regarding this, does anybody know how recent the police clearance (either from local stations or from DOJ) needs to be when applying for the Visa?

Because if I'm going to pay the live scan fee etc right now, I would just like to do it once and have it also be valid for the actual visa process, is this realistic?

unohooim7 - what did you write as the reason on your live scan request? also, when you get the actual clearance for the visa, do you think you will have to get live scanned again, or do you just send a request directly to DOJ because your fingerprints are already in the system?

unohooim7 · « **Reply #48 on:** December 07, 2009, 08:53:14 AM »

Quote from: serendipity on December 07, 2009, 04:20:45 AM

Regarding this, does anybody know how recent the police clearance (either from local stations or from DOJ) needs to be when applying for the Visa?

Because if I'm going to pay the live scan fee etc right now, I would just like to do it once and have it also be valid for the actual visa process, is this realistic?
-
unohooim7 - what did you write as the reason on your live scan request? also, when you get the actual clearance for the visa, do you think you will have to get live scanned again, or do you just send a request directly to DOJ because your fingerprints are already in the system?

The website says "A police clearance report issued no later than three months before/after the registration date" so I imagine that any clearance needed for the visa needs to be dated within 3 months of your visa appointment.

We can't apply for visa without the official acceptance letter. In 2009-2010, the program deadline was 4/15/09 and people started receiving letters mid-to-late June and some couldn't get visa appointments until July 31st. They moved the deadline up 15 days, so perhaps letters will go out in late May or early June, but it depends on what region people are assigned to. Some regions send out letters faster than others.

To use the same clearance for both, you'd have to wait until at least March, hope it makes it to the consulate ok to complete your application and THEN pre-book your visa appointment to a date within the expiration of your clearance and hope you get your letter in time to make that appointment.

It sucks to have to pay for two clearances but if you go ahead and get the clearance now, you'll complete the application and guarantee a first come, first served placement. AND the earlier you apply, the more likely you are to get your first choice region. We probably shouldn't get clearance for the visa Until April or May.

On the DOJ form, I checked the box for Record Review and under reason for application, I wrote "RECORD REVIEW." The Live Scan guy says the DOJ deletes request pretty soon after they process them. They do not keep fingerprints on file, I will have to do another Live Scan...(and at that point I'll check the box for "Visa/Immigration" and under reason for application "SPANISH Student Visa"

SRedw · « **Reply #49 on:** December 07, 2009, 09:43:52 AM »

Quote

Looks like things have changed from last year. According to the program manual, you have to submit an "Original medical certificate (please check with the Consulate about the specific content of this certificate) with the Apostille of the Hague." Pg. 18
Any document can be apostillized.

WOW! Things really hve changed since 2007, when I first applied.

Here's my advice to all people who are applying, instead of looking at this as something frustrating, which it can be, I know, focus on the goal, which is to come back to Spain to live and work LEGALLY and gain international work experience. Gripe, compain, get it out of your system, but please do not let it make you bitter.

Suerte,

Shawn

Author Topic: North American Language and Culture Assistants 2010-2011 (Read 105615 times)