Hey everyone! I'm also going to Andalucia! I live in Southern California and am going through the LA Consulate. I've been e-mailing back and forth with them about the Visa requirements and thought I would share all of the information! So here it goes! Sorry that its so long!
Gina,
The answers to your questions will follow the questions themselves.
1. Is the FBI clearance required? (someone from the consulate office said they were considering making this NOT mandatory for those in this program.) Ye
s, the FBI clearance is mandatory.2. Could a notarized police clearance from our city/cities of residence be enough for the Visa application?
No, the certificate must be issued by the FBI, it is a federal clearance.3. If the FBI clearance is still necessary, can we bring proof that we have started the clearance process to the Visa appointment and get started on our Visa? Or do we have to wait until after we get the FBI clearance to make our Visa appointment?
Yes, you may bring proof that you have begun the clearance process, you must however, send the original with apostille and copies of each page to the Consulate before we can issue your visa.4. Does the FBI clearance need to be notarized before it is sent to the Apostille? No, it only needs to be apostillized.
5. What home address do we put on the Visa application? (I do know, along with many others, yet know where I will be living in Spain.) Should we put the address of our school instead? In number 17 put your home address in the United States.
6. Will the letter we receive from our school with our work information be enough for the funds/health insurance requirements? The letter states our stipend and that we will be covered by European health insurance. As long as the proof of funds and insurance meets the requirements detailed in the visa application directions it will be sufficient. Make sure to check that it does.
7. Can we buy a ONE WAY ticket to Spain since our program lasts longer than 180 days? Yes, you only need to purchase a one way ticket to Spain.
8. How long does it take from the DAY of your VISA appointment at the LA Consulate to when you receive your actual VISA? Is it mailed or can we pick it up? A visa takes 10-21 days to be approved assuming that all of your documents are presented on the day of your appointment. If your application is incomplete it will likely take longer. We will email you when your visa is ready. You may then pick up your visa or we will mail it to you if you include a self addressed prepaid express envelope with paid postage.
9. Does the Medical Certificate have to have the Hague of the Apostille or be notarized? No, but it must be an original from the doctor on his/her letterhead and signed in his/her hand. This document must also be translated by a certified translator or the original must be in Spainsh. You must also present copies of the original and translation.
Warm regards,
The Consulate General of Spain in Los Angeles
Visa Department
Sorry I couldn't do the rest in red, the forum is acting up. Anyways I hope this helps!
I also had a few questions! If you go to the LA Consulate website:
http://www.maec.es/subwebs/Consulados/LosAngeles/en/MenuPpal/RequirementsEntrSpainVisas/Estudios/Paginas/noticia1.aspx and click on the Visa Application Form, a 4 page "Application for National Visa" form comes up. If you download the instructions, I saw that they do not match that visa Form. Then I also googled the "Schengen Visa form" which is what I was under the impression we needed and came up with this:
http://www.immihelp.com/visas/schengenvisa/application_form_english.pdfDoes anyone have any idea which we should use? I emailed the consulate and am waiting to hear back but thought maybe someone already knew.
Good luck everyone in your Visa process and I hope to get to know all of your in our upcoming adventures!!
Oh and if anyone else is in Newport Beach area and wants to meet up send me a message! Feel free to add me on facebook : Gina Jacobson (UC Berkeley )
