North American Language and Culture Assistants 2010-2011

[pittel]

In case anyone is wondering, I emailed the Chicago Consulate about police records/certificate...this is what they told me:

"If you request a State police background check that is enough. "

Works for me.

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[tfreeman]

So just a public service announcement: a few of the consulates are apparently saying that the background clearance should to come from the FBI, and their process takes 13 WEEKS.  Get your fingerprints and get it started now - even if you don't have a placement but think you'll be pulled off the waitlist.  There's no way to speed it up, and the person I talked to at the FBI said it really does take the full 13 weeks.  Between that and the turnaround time for the visa it's cutting it close!

Which consulates are you speaking of?

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[madridsally]

So just a public service announcement: a few of the consulates are apparently saying that the background clearance should to come from the FBI, and their process takes 13 WEEKS.  Get your fingerprints and get it started now - even if you don't have a placement but think you'll be pulled off the waitlist.  There's no way to speed it up, and the person I talked to at the FBI said it really does take the full 13 weeks.  Between that and the turnaround time for the visa it's cutting it close!

A. I have never heard of any of the consulates requiring an FBI check. Which did you speak to?
B. In Ohio you can get an FBI check done electronically at the same third-party locations where you can get a state background check. This only takes a matter of days and I imagine there are similar services available in other states. The 13-week thing only applies if you're getting it done directly through the FBI, which does not offer an electronic service.

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[diecinueve]

A. I have never heard of any of the consulates requiring an FBI check. Which did you speak to?

To clarify, I spoke to someone in LA, and they said that this is what's required now for everyone - grrr.  I'm definitely not shocked though that other consulates are singing a different tune - seems like what info you get totally depends on who you've talked to!  So if your consulate says something different, definitely go with whatever they say!  I'm planning on re-contacting the LA consulate and trying to speak to someone else just to see if they even say the same thing on two different days.

Also, is there anybody else in Arizona?  Arizona does NOT perform state background checks, you have to go by the city, and some of the cities don't even perform them - what a headache.  So I have to either try to get 4 different ones for the 4 towns I've lived in over the past few years, or get the 13-week FBI one. Grrr.

I think the worst part of this visa process is just the utter confusion of not knowing exactly what is required because we all keep hearing different things from different consulate employees! 

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[halydia]

To clarify, I spoke to someone in LA, and they said that this is what's required now for everyone - grrr.  I'm definitely not shocked though that other consulates are singing a different tune - seems like what info you get totally depends on who you've talked to!  So if your consulate says something different, definitely go with whatever they say!  I'm planning on re-contacting the LA consulate and trying to speak to someone else just to see if they even say the same thing on two different days.

Also, is there anybody else in Arizona?  Arizona does NOT perform state background checks, you have to go by the city, and some of the cities don't even perform them - what a headache.  So I have to either try to get 4 different ones for the 4 towns I've lived in over the past few years, or get the 13-week FBI one. Grrr.

I think the worst part of this visa process is just the utter confusion of not knowing exactly what is required because we all keep hearing different things from different consulate employees! 

Welcome to Spain, guys Try not to get frustrated, this is just how things go. Even one of my Spanish coworkers was complaining that requirements change daily and that they make you take five trips to do one thing.

Just grin and bear it - it's all worth it at the end!

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[kellidoscope]

To clarify, I spoke to someone in LA, and they said that this is what's required now for everyone - grrr.  I'm definitely not shocked though that other consulates are singing a different tune - seems like what info you get totally depends on who you've talked to!  So if your consulate says something different, definitely go with whatever they say!  I'm planning on re-contacting the LA consulate and trying to speak to someone else just to see if they even say the same thing on two different days.

Also, is there anybody else in Arizona?  Arizona does NOT perform state background checks, you have to go by the city, and some of the cities don't even perform them - what a headache.  So I have to either try to get 4 different ones for the 4 towns I've lived in over the past few years, or get the 13-week FBI one. Grrr.

I think the worst part of this visa process is just the utter confusion of not knowing exactly what is required because we all keep hearing different things from different consulate employees! 

Hey I am from AZ too!!! I lived in Phoenix until a few months ago now I am up near Sedona, where are you at? I actually just called the LA consulate today regarding this and I was told that the FBI one is now required by everyone. You can not just get the certificate of absense of police records from the places you have lived you MUST get the FBI one. I was not real thrilled to hear this so if you find out something different let me know but after reading through the consulate's website I think it is true.
I printed the paperwork for the FBI one so that I can get it ASAP. I had to get one before to teach in AZ and that time it took around 8 weeks, so here's hoping

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[beachp]

To clarify, I spoke to someone in LA, and they said that this is what's required now for everyone - grrr.  I'm definitely not shocked though that other consulates are singing a different tune - seems like what info you get totally depends on who you've talked to!  So if your consulate says something different, definitely go with whatever they say!  I'm planning on re-contacting the LA consulate and trying to speak to someone else just to see if they even say the same thing on two different days.

Also, is there anybody else in Arizona?  Arizona does NOT perform state background checks, you have to go by the city, and some of the cities don't even perform them - what a headache.  So I have to either try to get 4 different ones for the 4 towns I've lived in over the past few years, or get the 13-week FBI one. Grrr.

I think the worst part of this visa process is just the utter confusion of not knowing exactly what is required because we all keep hearing different things from different consulate employees! 

I lived in 2 places prior to getting my visa (college and home), and I only brought one criminal background check (a cori from MA) from the town I was most recently residing in (with the apostile stamp) to the visa appointment. the consulate had no way of knowing about the college address or anywhere else I could have lived for 6 months or more.

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[gski]

Hey I am from AZ too!!! I lived in Phoenix until a few months ago now I am up near Sedona, where are you at? I actually just called the LA consulate today regarding this and I was told that the FBI one is now required by everyone. You can not just get the certificate of absense of police records from the places you have lived you MUST get the FBI one. I was not real thrilled to hear this so if you find out something different let me know but after reading through the consulate's website I think it is true.
I printed the paperwork for the FBI one so that I can get it ASAP. I had to get one before to teach in AZ and that time it took around 8 weeks, so here's hoping

I'm from AZ also (Scottsdale).  It's annoying that our state is prohibited by state law from providing you with a clearance report for acquiring a visa, but they will kindly give you a NOTARIZED letter saying so.  Amazing.  But it looks like those of us that fall under LA consulate have to go the FBI clearance route anyway.

The FBI Clearance now comes with "the FBI seal and signature of a Division official on the results" if you request it in your cover letter at the time of submission.  This enables you to get it apostilled by the U.S. State Department.  The state department takes 15 to 20 business days to turn that around.  So if you want to do everything the perfectly right way, it could take 13 weeks for the clearance itself, another 3 to 4 weeks for the State Dept. apostille (assuming you do overnight shipping), and then the 7 week visa application time.  That's a loooong time.

The possible workaround is getting your FBI clearance apostilled by your own state (in AZ it's 3 to 5 business days), but that would require you to have it notarized by a notary from your state.  This may require a sworn jurat, which some people believe to be a little less legit than other means.

Here's a useful email correspondence I had with the LA consulate earlier today that makes it sound like all they care about is the apostille and not the way you go about getting it.

Me:
---------------
Hello,

Thank you for your very prompt reply.  I am aware of where to get the Apostille of The Hague.  But in order to get the Apostille, the police record must be notarized.  I am asking if it is acceptable for the document to be notarized by means of a sworn jurat.

Are you saying that as long as the document has an Apostille of the Hague that it does not matter how it was notarized and the Apostille is the only thing that matters?

Them:
--------------
Exactly, if the document has the Apostille it will be valid for us.

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[serendipity]

For Californians (I've lived in 2 cities in California)

Here is the California DOJ Form: http://www.ag.ca.gov/fingerprints/forms/livescan8016.pdf

For those who have ONLY lived in California, the California state-wide Department of Justice clearance should be sufficient.
(This would be different for those of you in NON-CALIFORNIA states who are assigned to a California Consulate - LA or SF, as those of you from Arizona have indicated)

On the form, for CALIFORNIANS - we would select DOJ Visa/Immigration Clearance Letter

And then reason for application, I was going to put "Student Visa for Spain - I am requesting an Official/Signed/Sealed DOJ Clearance Letter" (just to be CLEAR to the DOJ, because I know sometimes in the past people have gotten an unsealed/plain letter, which is not sufficient to get apostilled)


I am basing this from JPH's response from last year:

I am also going through the LA consulate and I did the DOJ report. It actually is pretty easy, if you do it right (which I did not do, but  I can pass on what I learned!). If you decide to go this route, make sure that you specify a SPANISH student visa on your livescan application form in the "reason for application" field, not just "student visa."

This is the application form: http://ag.ca.gov/fingerprints/forms/bcii_rr_8016.pdf

If you don't specify, they'll just send you a sort of print-out of your criminal record that isn't considered official enough to get the apostille, but if you mention Spain on the application, they will send you one with a signature and a stamp from the DOJ.  I received my DOJ form in about two weeks, but it wasn't the right form since I didn't specify "Spain." I just called the phone number on the livescan application form and left a message, and they called me back and had the correct one sent out to me within two days, signed and stamped! It was actually surprisingly efficient! I don't have experience with doing this the correct way the first time around, so you might want to call the DOJ a day or two after your livescan appointment just to make sure they're sending out the stamped/signed copy the first time. I think the only way they take calls is through voicemail, but they called me back RIGHT away.

Also, if you have this DOJ form with the stamp and signature, it does NOT need to be notarized before you mail it in to the Sacramento Secretary of State's office for the apostille because it is already considered "authenticated" since it has that DOJ stamp on it. So you at least save $10 there! I talked to someone at the SOS to get that information after waiting on hold for approximately half an hour. If you take it in to a regional SOS office by hand it might be different, but the woman I talked to from the SOS said that they have a really good turnaround time right now in Sacramento and they're usually able to get apostilles taken care of within a week for people who send them in via mail! Plus it's a little cheaper that way! I am about to mail mine in today, so I'm about to find out how true this is.

ALSO! I emailed the LA consulate about getting documents (specifically the police clearance and medical certificate) translated and this is what they replied:

"For a student visa, at this time, you are not required to have a translation of these documents. Just make sure you bring them along with copies.
 
Our Regards,
 
Visa Department
Consulate General of Spain"

So it looks like we don't need translations! There might be an easier/cheaper way out there to get clearances from individual police stations in California, but for me this was the most convenient since I've lived in three different cities in California over the past five years. Hopefully this information is helpful to you guys!!

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[mbg_mi]

Does anyone that is in Madrid now have an idea about the placement letter? do we get a letter, do we get and e-mail, do we get an e-mail and then a letter? and if so, when do we get it?  Also, can we take care of the visa stuff from abroad or even from Spain?  I need help!!!!!!   

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[serendipity]

Does anyone that is in Madrid now have an idea about the placement letter? do we get a letter, do we get and e-mail, do we get an e-mail and then a letter? and if so, when do we get it?  Also, can we take care of the visa stuff from abroad or even from Spain?  I need help!!!!!!   

I think it's best for you to contact the embassy for your region... they will tell you what you need.

As for the letter, it should be sent via e-mail or snail mail to your permanent address in the U.S. end of June/beginning to middle of July.

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[kellidoscope]

The FBI Clearance now comes with "the FBI seal and signature of a Division official on the results" if you request it in your cover letter at the time of submission.  This enables you to get it apostilled by the U.S. State Department.  The state department takes 15 to 20 business days to turn that around.  So if you want to do everything the perfectly right way, it could take 13 weeks for the clearance itself, another 3 to 4 weeks for the State Dept. apostille (assuming you do overnight shipping), and then the 7 week visa application time.  That's a loooong time.

The possible workaround is getting your FBI clearance apostilled by your own state (in AZ it's 3 to 5 business days), but that would require you to have it notarized by a notary from your state.  This may require a sworn jurat, which some people believe to be a little less legit than other means.

Thak you for all the info. I have some friends in Scottsdale. Are you sure that we need a notary to sign it too? I was under the impression that you could get the Apostille with out one because they will Apostille a birth certificate. Thanks!

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[gski]

Are you sure that we need a notary to sign it too? I was under the impression that you could get the Apostille with out one because they will Apostille a birth certificate. Thanks!

According to the AZ Secretary of State website: http://www.azsos.gov/business_services/notary/apostille.htm

"An apostille from the Arizona Secretary of State's Office certifies an Arizona notary or State Clerk."

and

"If the document for which you are seeking an apostille has been signed or notarized by a federal official, your request should be directed to the United States Department of State. Such documents might include those that have been signed by a federal official with the official seal of that agency, American Consular Officer, Military Notary (10 USC 1044a) or Foreign Consul."

So yes, it appears that they will not apostille the FBI clearance form on its own. 

See how West Virginia apostilles FBI clearance forms:
http://www.sos.wv.gov/business-licensing/authentications/Pages/default.aspx
 
That may work for AZ; I plan on calling the Sec. State's office tomorrow and I'll post an update.  If only we had more time, we could just go through the State Department  (or pay like $400 to apostillepros).

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[gski]

For Californians (I've lived in 2 cities in California)

For those who have ONLY lived in California, the California state-wide Department of Justice clearance should be sufficient.
(This would be different for those of you in NON-CALIFORNIA states who are assigned to a California Consulate - LA or SF, as those of you from Arizona have indicated)

Have you confirmed with the consulate that it is acceptable for CA residents to do the state check and not the FBI clearance, or from your post it sounds like you are basing that on last years auxiliares?  If the latter, the regulations may have changed since then and it might be in your best interests to double-check that with the consulate as getting the FBI clearance takes a long time.  Let us know what they say! (If you have already confirmed this then please forgive me for misinterpreting your post).

And if what you've said is indeed true then that's an interesting double standard.

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[dwhiteside]

Have you confirmed with the consulate that it is acceptable for CA residents to do the state check and not the FBI clearance, or from your post it sounds like you are basing that on last years auxiliares?  If the latter, the regulations may have changed since then and it might be in your best interests to double-check that with the consulate as getting the FBI clearance takes a long time.  Let us know what they say! (If you have already confirmed this then please forgive me for misinterpreting your post).

And if what you've said is indeed true then that's an interesting double standard.

According to what I was told by someone in the SF consulate office on monday, a clearance report from your local police/sheriff dept. with the apostille on it should be sufficient for the visa application. I am going to go off of this info and take only a report from my county sheriff's dept and hope they don't tell me I need more. As always with the Spanish gov't this is just what one person told me. It could be different if you call tomorrow.

Hope this helps!

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[SenorPabloPicasso]

Okay,

I checked the requirements at the Spanish Consulate (Chicago Region) with respect to passport requirements. In particular, I am interested what is an acceptable expiration date? Mine will expire in 07/26/11.  It states one year from the application date for the visa.  Assuming I apply before 07/25, it seem i would be good to go.  However, I see that the program manual states three months beyond expected date of return, which would be according to the manual 05/31/10. If I follow the manual, I do not met the date.  But, I keep hearing, or that is, reading on this forum that it depends on the requirements of your regional office.  It looks like this office does not want to be bothered by this type of question.  Does anyone have experience in this.  Sorry for the long message.  Of course I could mail off my passport tomorrow. But,I would rather avoid that if possible.

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[unohooim7]

Have you confirmed with the consulate that it is acceptable for CA residents to do the state check and not the FBI clearance, or from your post it sounds like you are basing that on last years auxiliares?  If the latter, the regulations may have changed since then and it might be in your best interests to double-check that with the consulate as getting the FBI clearance takes a long time.  Let us know what they say! (If you have already confirmed this then please forgive me for misinterpreting your post).

And if what you've said is indeed true then that's an interesting double standard.

According to the Arizona Dept. Of Public Safety, Arizona law does not permit the Central State Repository to provide criminal records or clearance letters for visas/immigration therefore they need FBI clearance. The CA Department of Justice clearances CAN be used for visas/immigration (...when you check the "visa/immigration" box on the form).

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[martibk]

Martibk, I am going to PM you regarding dependents.

want to message you, but your inbox is full! empty it or shoot me a message with your email.

all i can say right now about your message is wow.

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[nagemba]

Hey everyone, this is my first post on here and I'm kind of confused on how to actually post so I hope this works.  I was assigned to Castilla León and I was #286.  I read on this forum that we will get the letters from the region sometime around the end of June or beginning of July, but in the email from the program I thought it said around May 20th, so I made a visa appointment for June 21st in Chicago.  Should I try to change this?  Do you think there's any chance the letter will be sent out in May or is that just extremely wishful thinking?  Thanks for your help!

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[scclads]

hello! anyone interested in switching to ISLAS BALEARES? I have a friend there who is having the time of her life but I have my own anxiety about living on an island. The D.C consulate just said you can always switch if the school allows it...

Good to know!  I'm not interested in Islas B, but if I get approval to work with a professor in Pais Vasco, I may ask to switch to there.  Do we need to find someone to take our place?

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[Vallista87]

So since we are all talking about it [police reports]..what if you studied abroad in Spain in the last five years for lets say...10 months.  Would I have to contact Spain for police records...since I am going there again?

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[ponca709]

I actually have a non visa question.  Can anyone who has already done this program elaborate on the 12-16 hours of work a week?  Is that a few hours every day or it is a few full days?  Will there be days you don't work at the school at all?  Does it depend on where you're placed?  Any info would be most appreciated.  I'm just trying to get a handle on what to expect when I get to Madrid.  Thanks!  

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[beachp]

Hey everyone, this is my first post on here and I'm kind of confused on how to actually post so I hope this works.  I was assigned to Castilla León and I was #286.  I read on this forum that we will get the letters from the region sometime around the end of June or beginning of July, but in the email from the program I thought it said around May 20th, so I made a visa appointment for June 21st in Chicago.  Should I try to change this?  Do you think there's any chance the letter will be sent out in May or is that just extremely wishful thinking?  Thanks for your help!

Castilla Leon is one of the communities that gets its letters out promtly, so if they said you would hear around the 20th, you probably will. Just be sure you have all the other documents ready for June 21st.

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[pittel]

Anyone who was in País Vasco last year...when should I expect a letter? Anytime soon, or will I be one of those hoping to get my visa before September. Just wondering when a good time to make a visa appointment would be. Thanks!

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[madridsally]

Good to know!  I'm not interested in Islas B, but if I get approval to work with a professor in Pais Vasco, I may ask to switch to there.  Do we need to find someone to take our place?

YES that is the idea

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[madridsally]

Okay,

I checked the requirements at the Spanish Consulate (Chicago Region) with respect to passport requirements. In particular, I am interested what is an acceptable expiration date? Mine will expire in 07/26/11.  It states one year from the application date for the visa.  Assuming I apply before 07/25, it seem i would be good to go.  However, I see that the program manual states three months beyond expected date of return, which would be according to the manual 05/31/10. If I follow the manual, I do not met the date.  But, I keep hearing, or that is, reading on this forum that it depends on the requirements of your regional office.  It looks like this office does not want to be bothered by this type of question.  Does anyone have experience in this.  Sorry for the long message.  Of course I could mail off my passport tomorrow. But,I would rather avoid that if possible.

Why not just get a new passport now to be on the safe side? Regardless of what the requirement is, I wouldn't want to be stuck outside the US with an expired passort and/or have to go through the trouble of applying for a new passport from abroad. If you apply for one now it'll only take a few weeks to get a new one.

Edit, some additional info:

If your passport is expired or about to expire, it is highly recommended to renew it as soon as possible for several reasons:

*Most countries require a passport to be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry in the country
*A passport expiring during a trip abroad is a serious problem because you will not be able to enter any other countries
*An expired passport might not be accepted as proof of citizenship or legal status in some countries
*You could have problems returning to the United States with an expired passport

I read that here after some Googling.. https://www.usimmigrationsupport.org/passport-renewal-and-replacement.html

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[sptak2]

Vallista87... I also studied abroad recently in Spain for 10 months. I emailed the Chicago Consulate regarding a police report and the reponse was that we do not need a police report from Spain.

I also emailed them regarding the Apostille of the Hague. For the Chicago Consulate, the response was that it is NOT needed on any documents unless you are a minor.

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[diecinueve]

I also emailed them regarding the Apostille of the Hague. For the Chicago Consulate, the response was that it is NOT needed on any documents unless you are a minor.

Is it possible to MOVE to Chicago for this process, because they seem WAAAAY more chill than the LA crew.

Jealous.

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[Kamela]

Hola a todos!

Does anyone have any thoughts on when to make an appointment with the Chicago consulate? I am headed to Andalucia and I heard that past participants didn't get their letters until mid July. I'm trying to decide if I should just go ahead and make an appointment for the 3rd week or so in July, anticipating that I'll have that letter by then...is it hard/does it take long to get an appointment?

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[Chris]

I have lived in Tucson for 5 consecutive years.  I have City of Tucson "absence of police records" record check, notarized and stamped by the apostille of the hague.  Will this satisfy the LA consulate?

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[halydia]

I have lived in Tucson for 5 consecutive years.  I have City of Tucson "absence of police records" record check, notarized and stamped by the apostille of the hague.  Will this satisfy the LA consulate?

I'd be shocked if it didn't. It worked in Boston two years ago! However, the only way definitely to know is to give them a call. Good luck with the visa process!

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[diecinueve]

I have lived in Tucson for 5 consecutive years.  I have City of Tucson "absence of police records" record check, notarized and stamped by the apostille of the hague.  Will this satisfy the LA consulate?

They've indicated to a couple people at this point that they are no longer accepting local agencies's letters and will ONLY accept the FBI clearance, but if you get them to say something different then please let us know!  That would be great news...good luck!

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[Chris]

1

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[Chris]

That was more than 5 years ago

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[Something Clever]

want to message you, but your inbox is full! empty it or shoot me a message with your email.

all i can say right now about your message is wow.

Sorry about that! I just emptied it, and I'll send you a quick PM in case you don't see this post right away.

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[serendipity]

Regarding LOS ANGELES consulate,

I e-mailed them and explained that I was a California resident, and asked if the California Department of Justice state-wide clearance would be sufficient, this is what they said

You need to receive the letter from the school where you have been assigned a position in order to apply for the Visa.   The requirements to apply must be checked at your Consulate:
 
http://www.maec.es/Subwebs/Consulados/LosAngeles/es/home/Paginas/postingHSW.aspx
 
To date  an  FBI certificate is required but negotiations are going on at the moment to make an exception with Auxiliares and admit a standard police certificate. Please check the web regularly for any changes.
Best
 
.................................................................
Carmen Fernández Santás
Asesora Técnica Docente / Education Advisor
Agregaduría de Educación / Education Office
Consulado General de España / Consulate General of Spain
ADDRESS 1: 6300 Wilshire Boulevard, suite 830, Los Angeles, CA, 90048.
Phone :               323 852 6997  Ext  124 - FAX: 323 852 0759
carmen.santas@educacion.es
ADDRESS 2:
Centro Español de Recursos en Los Ángeles
University of Southern California
Spanish Resource Centre at USC 3375 S.Hoover Street, suite F204.
 Phone: 2137405896 . Fax: 2138212304
cer.losangeles@educacion.es
http://www.educacion.es/exterior/centros/losangeles
www.educacion.es/exterior/usa
 

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[kyky22]

I just got accepted in Andalucia! I'm #1821, so there's hope for those of you on the waiting list!

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[Vallista87]

Vallista87... I also studied abroad recently in Spain for 10 months. I emailed the Chicago Consulate regarding a police report and the reponse was that we do not need a police report from Spain.

I also emailed them regarding the Apostille of the Hague. For the Chicago Consulate, the response was that it is NOT needed on any documents unless you are a minor.

Thanks for the look!  I was going to e-mail but I figured I would get a faster response on the forums lol.  I figured as much since they would already know...i mean its the same country...lol

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[gski]

To date  an  FBI certificate is required but negotiations are going on at the moment to make an exception with Auxiliares and admit a standard police certificate. Please check the web regularly for any changes.

This is good news.  Let's keep on this.  Maybe if we bombard them with enough crap for not giving us adequate time they'll relent  .

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[saram]

Does anyone have the direct email of someone that works at the Boston consulate?  I keep emailing them asking what documents are needed to apply for a Spanish student visa and I don't think they are even reading it.  They have replied three times that I need to make an appointment to apply for the visa.....hello that doesn't address my question.  I am 14 hours ahead of East Coast time, so it's tricky for me to call.

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[beachp]

Does anyone have the direct email of someone that works at the Boston consulate?  I keep emailing them asking what documents are needed to apply for a Spanish student visa and I don't think they are even reading it.  They have replied three times that I need to make an appointment to apply for the visa.....hello that doesn't address my question.  I am 14 hours ahead of East Coast time, so it's tricky for me to call.

The Boston consulate web site is http://www.maec.es/Consulados/boston/es/Home
It may or may not give you additional specific Boston info on Student Visa info. Most of the info on what you will need to apply for the visa is provided in the Program Manual on the Ministry of ed of Spain website and will be what you need for Boston. Go to pages 18  to 27 of the Program Manual and it will provide the necessary info for what you will need and exactly how to fill out the visa application and provides a link to the application that you fill in and bring to the Visa appointment. After printing it out copy it so it's double sided  (not 2 seperate pages) otherwise the consulate will have you fill it out again.  You need a police report with an apostile from where you've been living. And this year you may also need an apostile stamp on the medical certificate.

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[unohooim7]

Does anyone have the direct email of someone that works at the Boston consulate?  I keep emailing them asking what documents are needed to apply for a Spanish student visa and I don't think they are even reading it.  They have replied three times that I need to make an appointment to apply for the visa.....hello that doesn't address my question.  I am 14 hours ahead of East Coast time, so it's tricky for me to call.

http://www.consulate-spain-chicago.com/student.htm
That link has the requirements for Student Visas in Chicago. It also has the email address you should use to request an appointment.

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[ewlandon]

I live in oregon and will be getting my visa from san francisco.  I thought that I was going to need to make an appointment to go to san francisco but the directions for getting a visa say to mail everything in with a return envelope.  Is this new or just for san francisco or what? 

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[t.c.parker]

Ewlandon,

We're good.

We just do the whole process by mail.


Please follow our own instructions and information about Student Visas at:
http://www.maec.es/subwebs/Consulados/SanFrancisco/en/MenuPpal/ServiciosConsularesVisados/Visados/Paginas/Visa.aspx

Those are our instructions under student visa.

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[SenorPabloPicasso]

Why not just get a new passport now to be on the safe side? Regardless of what the requirement is, I wouldn't want to be stuck outside the US with an expired passort and/or have to go through the trouble of applying for a new passport from abroad. If you apply for one now it'll only take a few weeks to get a new one.

Edit, some additional info:

If your passport is expired or about to expire, it is highly recommended to renew it as soon as possible for several reasons:

*Most countries require a passport to be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry in the country
*A passport expiring during a trip abroad is a serious problem because you will not be able to enter any other countries
*An expired passport might not be accepted as proof of citizenship or legal status in some countries
*You could have problems returning to the United States with an expired passport

I read that here after some Googling.. https://www.usimmigrationsupport.org/passport-renewal-and-replacement.html

Thanks a ton! I filled out the application to renew it and it is going out tomorrow.

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[SRedw]

I actually have a non visa question.  Can anyone who has already done this program elaborate on the 12-16 hours of work a week?  Is that a few hours every day or it is a few full days?  Will there be days you don't work at the school at all?  Does it depend on where you're placed?  Any info would be most appreciated.  I'm just trying to get a handle on what to expect when I get to Madrid.  Thanks!

This was my schedule in Madrid:

Monday - 9:30 - 1:00

Tuesday - 9:30 - 4:30

Wednesday - 9:30 - 2:00

Thursday - 9:30 - 1:00

Now, before anyone says that it's more than 16 hours a week, it isn't.  I was off when the teacher was off as well and lunch was 2 hours.  I enjoyed my schedule and it gave me Fridays off to work at a university teaching classes.

Suerte,
Shawn

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[ponca709]

This was my schedule in Madrid:

Monday - 9:30 - 1:00

Tuesday - 9:30 - 4:30

Wednesday - 9:30 - 2:00

Thursday - 9:30 - 1:00

Now, before anyone says that it's more than 16 hours a week, it isn't.  I was off when the teacher was off as well and lunch was 2 hours.  I enjoyed my schedule and it gave me Fridays off to work at a university teaching classes.

Suerte,
Shawn

Thanks Shawn!  That really helps.  I am going to pray my school gives me Fridays off too!!

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[tfreeman]

Could some people with some Madrid experience (hopefully 2nd year auxiliares) give some insight into the neighborhoods they live in within Madrid and what its like? I have been doing research on the various barrios in Madrid, but it would be nice to hear some anecdotal testimonies about the advantages and disadvantages of various parts of the city.

Thanks a lot!

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[Something Clever]

Could some people with some Madrid experience (hopefully 2nd year auxiliares) give some insight into the neighborhoods they live in within Madrid and what its like? I have been doing research on the various barrios in Madrid, but it would be nice to hear some anecdotal testimonies about the advantages and disadvantages of various parts of the city.

Thanks a lot!

I am only a first-year auxiliar, but I lived in Madrid from 2006 to 2007. My apartment was in Argüelles, and I loved everything about it. I was only a couple of blocks from the Parque del Oeste, and spent many afternoons watching the sun go down at Plaza de España.

Argüelles is close to Gran Vía, and only a short walking distance from Sol. Chueca, a gay-friendly neighborhood, is also close by. If I remember correctly, Chueca is also home to a little shop where you can buy imported Mexican foods—this is where I went to get my tortillas. Just a tip for any homesick Latino auxiliares 

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[sptak2]

On the national visa application, what should we put as our address where we will be staying? The address of a hostel?

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