How do I get a student visa?

Question

I am studying abroad in Madrid, Spain his fall and I want to know what I haveto do to get a student visa and a work visa. I am only studying abroad for 4 months.

Answer 1

I'm assuming you are an American Citizen...


1)You won't need a visa if you are studying for less than 90 days..but since you are studying for 4 months you WILL need a visa.
The Spanish consulate says that because of high demand you must allow plenty of time of the process. You also must apply in person..And you should arrive early in the day..as it is first come first served
Here are the details of how to apply and the documents you need. You should contact your university that are organizing the study abroad program for further assistance
http://www.maec.es/MAEC-PORTAL/templates/CmsTmpTSW.aspx?NRMODE=Published&NRNODEGUID=%7b613CC545-8DE6-4E78-ACC6-2958EB6CB69B%7d&NRORIGINALURL=%2fConsulados%2fNuevaYork%2fen%2fMenuPpal%2fDocumentaci%25c3%25b3n%2by%2bRequisitos%2bpara%2bServicios%2bConsulares%2fSolicitud%2bde%2bVisados%2f&NRCACHEHINT=Guest#STUDENT

Different consulates in the USA have slightly different procedures. For example in Chigago you must make an appointment during peak times
http://www.consulate-spain-chicago.com/student.htm
Here is a list of websites for all the consulates in the USA
http://www.mae.es/Embajadas/Washington/es/MenuPpal/Servicios+Consulares/





2)As for work you can not officially work full time on a student visa. But you can take part time work as long as it doesn't interfer with you studies
http://www.url.edu/en/cont/international/residenceauthorisation.php

To get an oficial work visa is time comsuming process and you need a letter from an employer. I wouldn't recommend it if you are only staying 4 months.
http://www.spainexpat.com/spain/information/work_visa_in_spain/





Here are some tips from someone who has aplied before on how to obtain a student visa http://intlprog.asp.radford.edu/resources/visa-spain.htm

Answer 2

Try at the embassy and school organisations.