HOW TO APPLY FOR SPANISH LONG TERM STUDENT VISA
FOR PHILIPPINE PASSPORT HOLDERS
Good weather, incredible building architecture, delicious cuisine, interesting culture and warm people are just some of the reasons why Spain is one of the top destinations for students from all over the world.
Since Philippines was under the rule of Spain for over 300 years, many Filipinos who want to study abroad consider Spain because it has the closest culture compared to other European countries. The history made the two countries closer. Both countries are Catholic-dominated, family oriented, and to those who do not know, many Spanish words are also similar with Filipino/Tagalog, making it easier for Filipinos to learn the language.
For those interested to study in Spain, here are the procedures in applying for student visa.
There are two ways in applying for Student Visa to Spain in Manila:
(1) Directly to the Spanish Consulate in Manila
(2) Through BLS International, a private company that provides visa assistance for Schengen visa application in Philippines.
4th Floor First Maritime Place, 7458-60 Bagtikan St. San Antonio Village, Makati City.
Website: https:ph.blsspainvisa.com
Email: info.mnl@blshelpline.com
Call Center: (632) 841 5560 (temporary number)
I applied directly to the Spanish Consulate but I would suggest, especially to those first-timers, to apply through BLS International so you can get the right advise and assistance on your application. The requirements are the same whether you apply directly to the consulate or via BLS International. It will only vary by way it is processed. Normally the third party allows you to keep track of your application using their online tracking portal while you will need to email the consulate if you apply directly to them to get some updates.
REQUIREMENTS:
1. Duly accomplished application form.
Most people do not know that there are different application forms for different types of visa. While the application form is very vital for the assessment of your application, you would not want to risk submitting a wrong form!
Once you are sure of what type of visa you are applying for, you can request the form from the Spanish Consulate in Manila by emailing them at con.manila@maec.es. They often reply within 24 hours. You can also ask the form personally from the consulate security guard at the ground floor of ACT Tower, 135 Senator Gil Puyat, Makati City.
2. One (1) recent passport‐size photo with white background (to be pasted on the application form).
Take note that ‘passport-sized’ photos are different in size and style, depending on which visa you will use it for. Make sure that you ask the photographer to do it as per Schengen Visa requirement for this application. Only submit a high quality picture that is recently taken and not edited to avoid hassle in your application.
3. Valid passport (required minimum validity must be for the duration of the stay).
If your passport is about to expire during or just after the duration of your intended stay, it is better to renew it first before you apply for visa. Passport shall be valid at least 6 months from the date of your flight. Some airlines are strict about it and you can be denied from boarding if it is too close from the date it is valid for, unless you're going back to your home country.
As each document presented should have a photocopy, it is better to submit two (2) sets of photocopies of your passport data page and pages of your visas and stamps. One set should be attached with the originals and the other should be with the photocopies. If your documents are complete, they will only take the photocopies and will return all the originals.
5. Previous passports (if applicable).
Submit your old passport only if you think that it will help you in your application e.g. to show previous travel history. As this will only serve as reference, there is no need to photocopy the pages of it.
6. Enrollment at a public or private university, school or center and the details of the course (plan de estudios) to be taken.
The acceptance letter should come from the school in Spain. The original is not necessary, unless they asked for it, so you can submit the copy that was electronically sent to you by the school.
It is important to know that the acceptance letter should be in Spanish. If your program will be in English then you can ask for the school to send you a letter stating that the medium of instruction will be in English and attach it along with the acceptance letter and program details.
The school I applied for sent me the acceptance letter in Spanish but the program details in English (as I will be taking it in English). During the interview, I was asked about the program’s medium of instruction and if the school has sent me a certificate that states it. Although they accepted mine, I suggest that you do it in a proper way by providing them all these required documents.
7. Proof of economic means: Bank Certificate, Bank Books, ITR, International Credit Cards. For minors: Affidavit of support from parents or sponsor, proof of their economic means, ITR, bank certifications, etc. Birth certificate of the minor (NSO)
Aside from your genuine intention to study, you have to prove that you have sufficient fund that will support you during the duration of your stay. It is better to provide a bank statement than a bank certificate (unless you hold a multi-million account). Among all the requirements, this is what I think is the most crucial. Most visa refusal is because of this so make sure to provide a proof that you have enough resources to sustain your studies and cost of living in Spain. If you are not confident with your bank statement, you can also provide a bank statement of your parents and an Affidavit of Support.
Any supporting documents that are not mentioned above but you think might be helpful in your application such as property under your name, receipt from a paid airline ticket and accommodation should also be attached here. Again, these documents are not required but if you have to convince the consul that you are capable of paying all the expenses that will incur during the duration of your stay, it will not harm to feed them with all these documents that will support your application.
8. Medical insurance provided by an authorized insurance company in Spain.
Most of those in the list of Spain's accredited insurance company in the Philippines only provide visa for tourism purpose only and not for studies. Insurance is one of the requirements when you apply for student resident ID when you arrived in Spain. It all depends on the person who will process your ID. Make sure that it doesn't state that it is valid for tourism only.
You can find student insurance valid within the Schengen region and buy it online. Minimum coverage shall be not less than €30,000 and shall be valid for the entire duration of stay. Some schools have affiliated insurance companies. You can also ask them for their recommendation or you can do it independently. You may consider AXA Spain, Avi International, and Swisscare. All of them can issue policy that is also already in Spanish so you don't have to translate it anymore.
If the duration of stay is more than 6 months: the applicant must submit these additional requirements:
9. Medical Certificate done at any DOH accredited hospital or clinic and authenticated by the Department of Foreign Affairs) (validity 3 months from date of issuance).
Not all clinics are accredited by the Department of Health to issue a Medical Certificate that is acceptable abroad. Before planning to take any medical test, check first the accredited clinics with the Department of Health by calling +63 2 651 78 01 (Ext. 2504). You can ask for the accredited clinics near your area and they will be willing to give you the options.
I got mine from Crowne Care Medical and Diagnostic Clinic (+63 2 522 9114) in Malate, Manila. I paid P3000 for everything, including the DOH authentication. They can give the medical results already authenticated by the DOH. It usually takes a day for medical exam and another day for authentication so you can get the final documents on the next day.
Aside from the authenticated medical result, part of the requirements is a certificate indicating the non‐existence of diseases that may have a serious effect on public health, according to International Sanitary Regulations of 2005. It can be done in English as doctors will not sign if it’s in Spanish. This certificate does not need to be authenticated by the DOH and DFA.
It can be as simple as the sample text below.
"To whom it may concern,
This medical certificate attests that [Name of Applicant], holder of Philippine Passport No. [Passport No.] does not suffer from any illness or disease that would pose a threat to public health according to the International Sanitary Regulations of 2005. "
Once the medical certificates have been authenticated by the DOH, you can now submit it to any DFA Office for another authentication which we often refer to as ‘red ribbon’.
Aside from the DFA’s main consular office in Macapagal Boulevard, you can process it at DFA offices in Ali Mall, SM Megamall, SM Manila, or Metro Gaisano, Alabang. Expedite processing is P200/document which can be claimed after 1 working day while those for regular processing takes 4 working days for P100/document.
Take note that they consider every page of the medical certificate as one document. It is normally 3 pages so you can either pay P600 or P300, depending on the processing time you prefer.
10. NBI Clearance (National Bureau of Investigation) authenticated by the Department of Foreign Affairs (validity is 3 months from date of issuance).
You can get NBI Clearance from any NBI branches for P140. It is better to register online for easier and more convenient way of applying. Don’t forget to put the purpose of ‘to travel abroad’. Please refer to this site for more detailed way of the process. http://www.nbiclearance.com/how-to-apply-for-nbi-clearance/
Since Philippines was under the rule of Spain for over 300 years, many Filipinos who want to study abroad consider Spain because it has the closest culture compared to other European countries. The history made the two countries closer. Both countries are Catholic-dominated, family oriented, and to those who do not know, many Spanish words are also similar with Filipino/Tagalog, making it easier for Filipinos to learn the language.
For those interested to study in Spain, here are the procedures in applying for student visa.
There are two ways in applying for Student Visa to Spain in Manila:
(1) Directly to the Spanish Consulate in Manila
(2) Through BLS International, a private company that provides visa assistance for Schengen visa application in Philippines.
4th Floor First Maritime Place, 7458-60 Bagtikan St. San Antonio Village, Makati City.
Website: https:ph.blsspainvisa.com
Email: info.mnl@blshelpline.com
Call Center: (632) 841 5560 (temporary number)
I applied directly to the Spanish Consulate but I would suggest, especially to those first-timers, to apply through BLS International so you can get the right advise and assistance on your application. The requirements are the same whether you apply directly to the consulate or via BLS International. It will only vary by way it is processed. Normally the third party allows you to keep track of your application using their online tracking portal while you will need to email the consulate if you apply directly to them to get some updates.
REQUIREMENTS:
1. Duly accomplished application form.
Most people do not know that there are different application forms for different types of visa. While the application form is very vital for the assessment of your application, you would not want to risk submitting a wrong form!
Once you are sure of what type of visa you are applying for, you can request the form from the Spanish Consulate in Manila by emailing them at con.manila@maec.es. They often reply within 24 hours. You can also ask the form personally from the consulate security guard at the ground floor of ACT Tower, 135 Senator Gil Puyat, Makati City.
2. One (1) recent passport‐size photo with white background (to be pasted on the application form).
Take note that ‘passport-sized’ photos are different in size and style, depending on which visa you will use it for. Make sure that you ask the photographer to do it as per Schengen Visa requirement for this application. Only submit a high quality picture that is recently taken and not edited to avoid hassle in your application.
3. Valid passport (required minimum validity must be for the duration of the stay).
If your passport is about to expire during or just after the duration of your intended stay, it is better to renew it first before you apply for visa. Passport shall be valid at least 6 months from the date of your flight. Some airlines are strict about it and you can be denied from boarding if it is too close from the date it is valid for, unless you're going back to your home country.
As each document presented should have a photocopy, it is better to submit two (2) sets of photocopies of your passport data page and pages of your visas and stamps. One set should be attached with the originals and the other should be with the photocopies. If your documents are complete, they will only take the photocopies and will return all the originals.
5. Previous passports (if applicable).
Submit your old passport only if you think that it will help you in your application e.g. to show previous travel history. As this will only serve as reference, there is no need to photocopy the pages of it.
6. Enrollment at a public or private university, school or center and the details of the course (plan de estudios) to be taken.
The acceptance letter should come from the school in Spain. The original is not necessary, unless they asked for it, so you can submit the copy that was electronically sent to you by the school.
It is important to know that the acceptance letter should be in Spanish. If your program will be in English then you can ask for the school to send you a letter stating that the medium of instruction will be in English and attach it along with the acceptance letter and program details.
The school I applied for sent me the acceptance letter in Spanish but the program details in English (as I will be taking it in English). During the interview, I was asked about the program’s medium of instruction and if the school has sent me a certificate that states it. Although they accepted mine, I suggest that you do it in a proper way by providing them all these required documents.
7. Proof of economic means: Bank Certificate, Bank Books, ITR, International Credit Cards. For minors: Affidavit of support from parents or sponsor, proof of their economic means, ITR, bank certifications, etc. Birth certificate of the minor (NSO)
Aside from your genuine intention to study, you have to prove that you have sufficient fund that will support you during the duration of your stay. It is better to provide a bank statement than a bank certificate (unless you hold a multi-million account). Among all the requirements, this is what I think is the most crucial. Most visa refusal is because of this so make sure to provide a proof that you have enough resources to sustain your studies and cost of living in Spain. If you are not confident with your bank statement, you can also provide a bank statement of your parents and an Affidavit of Support.
Any supporting documents that are not mentioned above but you think might be helpful in your application such as property under your name, receipt from a paid airline ticket and accommodation should also be attached here. Again, these documents are not required but if you have to convince the consul that you are capable of paying all the expenses that will incur during the duration of your stay, it will not harm to feed them with all these documents that will support your application.
8. Medical insurance provided by an authorized insurance company in Spain.
Most of those in the list of Spain's accredited insurance company in the Philippines only provide visa for tourism purpose only and not for studies. Insurance is one of the requirements when you apply for student resident ID when you arrived in Spain. It all depends on the person who will process your ID. Make sure that it doesn't state that it is valid for tourism only.
You can find student insurance valid within the Schengen region and buy it online. Minimum coverage shall be not less than €30,000 and shall be valid for the entire duration of stay. Some schools have affiliated insurance companies. You can also ask them for their recommendation or you can do it independently. You may consider AXA Spain, Avi International, and Swisscare. All of them can issue policy that is also already in Spanish so you don't have to translate it anymore.
If the duration of stay is more than 6 months: the applicant must submit these additional requirements:
9. Medical Certificate done at any DOH accredited hospital or clinic and authenticated by the Department of Foreign Affairs) (validity 3 months from date of issuance).
Not all clinics are accredited by the Department of Health to issue a Medical Certificate that is acceptable abroad. Before planning to take any medical test, check first the accredited clinics with the Department of Health by calling +63 2 651 78 01 (Ext. 2504). You can ask for the accredited clinics near your area and they will be willing to give you the options.
I got mine from Crowne Care Medical and Diagnostic Clinic (+63 2 522 9114) in Malate, Manila. I paid P3000 for everything, including the DOH authentication. They can give the medical results already authenticated by the DOH. It usually takes a day for medical exam and another day for authentication so you can get the final documents on the next day.
Aside from the authenticated medical result, part of the requirements is a certificate indicating the non‐existence of diseases that may have a serious effect on public health, according to International Sanitary Regulations of 2005. It can be done in English as doctors will not sign if it’s in Spanish. This certificate does not need to be authenticated by the DOH and DFA.
It can be as simple as the sample text below.
"To whom it may concern,
This medical certificate attests that [Name of Applicant], holder of Philippine Passport No. [Passport No.] does not suffer from any illness or disease that would pose a threat to public health according to the International Sanitary Regulations of 2005. "
Once the medical certificates have been authenticated by the DOH, you can now submit it to any DFA Office for another authentication which we often refer to as ‘red ribbon’.
Aside from the DFA’s main consular office in Macapagal Boulevard, you can process it at DFA offices in Ali Mall, SM Megamall, SM Manila, or Metro Gaisano, Alabang. Expedite processing is P200/document which can be claimed after 1 working day while those for regular processing takes 4 working days for P100/document.
Take note that they consider every page of the medical certificate as one document. It is normally 3 pages so you can either pay P600 or P300, depending on the processing time you prefer.
10. NBI Clearance (National Bureau of Investigation) authenticated by the Department of Foreign Affairs (validity is 3 months from date of issuance).
You can get NBI Clearance from any NBI branches for P140. It is better to register online for easier and more convenient way of applying. Don’t forget to put the purpose of ‘to travel abroad’. Please refer to this site for more detailed way of the process. http://www.nbiclearance.com/how-to-apply-for-nbi-clearance/
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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How can I apply for visa?
There are two ways to apply for visa. One is directly to the consulate and the other is through BLS International, a third party agency that can help you with your application. If it is your first time to apply, I suggest you go via BLS even if it's a little bit more expensive. I'm sure it will be worth the money because they can guide you with all the requirements and it will be easier for you to track your application using their online tracking system.
How much is the consular fees?
If you apply directly to the embassy then visa fees are as follows: P3100 for adults, P1810 for child 6-10 years old, Free of charge for child below 6 years old and spouse of an EU national. Please prepare the EXACT amount in CASH. They do not accept credit and debit card.
Do I need to translate all documents in Spanish?
Although it is mentioned in the requirements, they accept documents in English EXCEPT for the Acceptance Letter and Program details from the school that should be in Spanish.
What clinics are accredited by the Department of Health?
Call the Department of Health +63 2 651 78 01 (Ext. 2504) and tell your location and purpose. They will help you find the accredited clinics in your area.
How can I get my medical certificate autheticated by DOH?
You can request the accredited clinic where you have taken the medical exam for authentication of DOH. They can give you the medical certificates already authenticated by the DOH. Once done, you can now proceed to Department of Foreign Affairs for another authentication.
What are the questions in the interview?
The questions are pretty basic. It will only go around yourself, your background, and your intention for applying for a visa. Don’t get nervous, they will not eat you alive! Stay calm and answer the questions as simple and direct as possible. The interview is significant in the evaluation of your application
If my application was denied, what should I do?
You have three options: appeal, reapply or simply accept it and do nothing.
Appeal when you think you have other information that you haven't shown in your first application. Make sure that this information is helpful in disproving the reason for denial. Avoid submitting the same documents. Remember that you were denied because of a reason so there's no sense in submitting the same documents that may only result to the same decision.
Reapply if your appeal wasn't granted. You can do it anytime but it would be absurd to do it just right after your visa refusal. Give it some time to prepare and do it when there is something that has changed in your status since the last time you applied. Think of the reasons why your first application was rejected and why your appeal didn't work. Normally they give you a piece of paper for the reason of denial. Focus on that reason in your next application. Submit more supporting documents that will make you application stronger.
If you are just trying to get a student visa to get to Spain to work and you don't have enough financial capacity to support yourself during your intended stay, stop wasting your money in reapplying. It is not as easy as how you think it is! Spain may be one of the easiest way to get a European passport that allows Filipinos in applying for citizenship after two (2) years of residency but the period you stay there as a student is not counted. There is a very high unemployment rate in Spain so finding a job is not that easy as well and the salary is not as promising as in the northern Europe. Having the financial means is one of the grounds in order for you not to add up to a number of homeless people in the streets in Spain. Student visa is costly because you need to be enrolled in a school to get a visa and every year you will undergo the same process where you have to prove your financial capacity to sustain your stay. That being said, you may consider applying for other types of visa that may best fit your intention.
GOOD LUCK!!!:)
There are two ways to apply for visa. One is directly to the consulate and the other is through BLS International, a third party agency that can help you with your application. If it is your first time to apply, I suggest you go via BLS even if it's a little bit more expensive. I'm sure it will be worth the money because they can guide you with all the requirements and it will be easier for you to track your application using their online tracking system.
How much is the consular fees?
If you apply directly to the embassy then visa fees are as follows: P3100 for adults, P1810 for child 6-10 years old, Free of charge for child below 6 years old and spouse of an EU national. Please prepare the EXACT amount in CASH. They do not accept credit and debit card.
Do I need to translate all documents in Spanish?
Although it is mentioned in the requirements, they accept documents in English EXCEPT for the Acceptance Letter and Program details from the school that should be in Spanish.
What clinics are accredited by the Department of Health?
Call the Department of Health +63 2 651 78 01 (Ext. 2504) and tell your location and purpose. They will help you find the accredited clinics in your area.
How can I get my medical certificate autheticated by DOH?
You can request the accredited clinic where you have taken the medical exam for authentication of DOH. They can give you the medical certificates already authenticated by the DOH. Once done, you can now proceed to Department of Foreign Affairs for another authentication.
What are the questions in the interview?
The questions are pretty basic. It will only go around yourself, your background, and your intention for applying for a visa. Don’t get nervous, they will not eat you alive! Stay calm and answer the questions as simple and direct as possible. The interview is significant in the evaluation of your application
If my application was denied, what should I do?
You have three options: appeal, reapply or simply accept it and do nothing.
Appeal when you think you have other information that you haven't shown in your first application. Make sure that this information is helpful in disproving the reason for denial. Avoid submitting the same documents. Remember that you were denied because of a reason so there's no sense in submitting the same documents that may only result to the same decision.
Reapply if your appeal wasn't granted. You can do it anytime but it would be absurd to do it just right after your visa refusal. Give it some time to prepare and do it when there is something that has changed in your status since the last time you applied. Think of the reasons why your first application was rejected and why your appeal didn't work. Normally they give you a piece of paper for the reason of denial. Focus on that reason in your next application. Submit more supporting documents that will make you application stronger.
If you are just trying to get a student visa to get to Spain to work and you don't have enough financial capacity to support yourself during your intended stay, stop wasting your money in reapplying. It is not as easy as how you think it is! Spain may be one of the easiest way to get a European passport that allows Filipinos in applying for citizenship after two (2) years of residency but the period you stay there as a student is not counted. There is a very high unemployment rate in Spain so finding a job is not that easy as well and the salary is not as promising as in the northern Europe. Having the financial means is one of the grounds in order for you not to add up to a number of homeless people in the streets in Spain. Student visa is costly because you need to be enrolled in a school to get a visa and every year you will undergo the same process where you have to prove your financial capacity to sustain your stay. That being said, you may consider applying for other types of visa that may best fit your intention.
GOOD LUCK!!!:)
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