COMPLICATIONS WHEN RENEWING YOUR STUDENT RESIDENCE CARD

All foreigners who intend to carry out studies, conduct research or participate in an internship program in Spain for a period of more than 6 months must request a student visa.  Upon arrival in Spain, the student must request the corresponding student residence card that is valid for one year. If the student wishes to extend their studies after the first year, then they must apply for the student residence card renewal.

What are the complications that may arise when applying for the renewal?

Applying for the renewal can be complicated and may be rejected in the following scenarios:

• If the student has not passed all of his courses and corresponding exams.
• If the student changes his area of studies to something other than what is specifically stated in his acceptance letter.  Students may only study the course, degree or master for which he was admitted and issued the student visa in the first place.
• If the student changes universities or learning centers.  The original student residence card is linked to the study or research center where the student originally planned on carrying out his studies.  For this reason, if the student wants to renew that same card, he must stay in the same educational establishment.
• If the student fails to provide sufficient proof of funds to cover all living expenses in Spain.
• If the students uses his student residence card as a work permit.  Immigration officials can check to see if students have worked illegally using their student residence card.  If the student has worked illegally, then their renewal application may be rejected.