:: Herald Int'l Educational Consultancy ::

Students are not required to have Student Visas so long as they stay 90 days or less in any combination of the Schengen countries within a 6 month period. The CMC Semester in Spain Program has decided that it is best for us to keep our program within the boundaries of these 90 days. Previously students worked around the 90 day stay limitation by simply leaving the country for a few days and then upon returning to the country their 90 days began again. This loophole no longer exists; anyone without a visa can stay only 90 days total in any combination of the Schengen countries within a 6 month period.

What are the Schengen countries?

The name "Schengen" originates from a small town in Luxembourg. In June 1985, seven European Union countries signed a treaty to end internal border checkpoints and controls. More countries have joined the treaty over the past years. At present, there are 15 Schengen countries, all in Europe.
The 15 Schengen countries are:

All these countries except Norway and Iceland are European Union members.

What does this mean for our CMC Spain Semester program?

Since our program stays within the 90 day limit, for most students there will be no problem and no need for the visa. However, if students have recently traveled in Schengen countries, their days there may already be counted against their 90 day limitation. The other impact on students will be for those who had planned on extending their stay to travel in Europe. These students must either apply for the visa or choose non-Schengen countries in which to travel.

What if I want to extend my stay but not get the visa?

Then you'll need to travel to other countries other than the Schengen countries because you will have already met the 90 day rule in any combination of these countries. You may want to consider: England, Ireland, Scotland, and/or Switzerland or anywhere other than the 15 Schengen countries. You will need to consider this in planning your flight itinerary since you can't return to Spain to fly home if you've used all of your 90 days.

Why not apply for student visas?

There are many requirements and restrictions that can be difficult to comply with including, but not limited to the fact that students have to apply for their visas in person at the closest Spanish Consulate which is in Los Angeles. Students must apply a minimum of 45 days in advance and they have to already have their plane tickets and passports prior to applying. If anyone wants to pursue attaining a student or tourist visa, we will support them by supplying the school documentation; however, it isn't practicable for us to require a visa of the group as a whole. Also, with our spring break, we actually fall short of the required 90 days of enrollment in a university in Spain, which is one of the requirements. See visa requirements below:

Visa requirements

To apply for a student visa the following requirements are necessary:
Personal appearance is required in order to submit the documentation. We understand that this is difficult for some students, but this regulation can only be waived if a student's parent presents the application in place of the student. Passport valid for a minimum of 6 months. Make sure your passport is signed. 2 recent pictures, passport size. No senior pictures cut down to size or photocopies of other pictures, these must be passport photos.

Original letter addressed to this Consulate General verifying enrollment as a full-time student in an official University or School in Spain, and verification of full payment of tuition. This letter must also state that the student has medical insurance coverage while in Spain. If you are not a citizen of the United States, bring your "green card" or student visa and I-20 form.

Original medical certificate typed on doctor's stationary verifying that the applicant is in good health. This letter must be signed by a doctor. If you are going to spend more than 6 months in Spain, you must bring an original certificate of good conduct issued by the police department of the city or cities in which the applicant has spent 6 months or more during the last 5 years.

You must bring the original documents plus two photocopies of each, including your passport.
You must also submit one of the following items to guarantee living expenses while in Spain:

Letter from the study abroad program assuming full financial responsibility for tuition, room and board for the student during his stay in Spain. For many students this information is included on the previously mentioned letter of acceptance.
Proof of having received financial aid or scholarship covering expenses for tuition, room, board, and personal expenses during the stay in Spain (minimum of $350 per month).

Notarized letter from parents assuming full financial responsibility for the student for at least $350 per month of stay in Spain.

Applications will not be accepted more than 90 days in advance or less than 45 business days prior to departure date, passports must be left at this Consulate General for processing. Take into consideration any holidays there might be. It may take four weeks or longer to process your application. You will be advised of the processing time when you apply.

If you have time for your passport to be returned by mail, bring a pre-paid self-addressed, express or priority mail envelope from the Post Office. Other express delivery service, certified or registered mails are not accepted. Tracking of mailed items is the responsibility of the applicant.

Fees:
US citizens: Money Order payable to the Consulate General of Spain for $100.00 non-refundable visa processing fee. (Personal checks are not accepted). Although the visa is free, due to reciprocity to U.S. procedure with Spanish passports, an equivalent amount of $100.00 is charged as processing fee to US passports.
Non US citizens: Money Order payable to the Consulate General of Spain for $63.18, non-refundable fee (No personal checks).