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.

WHAT REQUIREMENTS MUST BE FULFILLED BEFORE BEING ISSUED A STUDENT VISA?

All foreign citizens who come to Spain to study must request the corresponding student visa in the Spanish Consulate in their country of origin after fulfilling all necessary requirements.

It may be assumed that foreigners requesting this visa intend to carry out or continue their studies in a recognized learning center in Spain where they have been previously accepted and will receive a certificate or degree upon completion.

It is understood by immigration that foreign students will be taking part in an academic mobility program which takes full responsibility for the student´s stay in Spain, studies and return to home country.

Participation in training activities or research programs in a recognized learning center is also considered part of one´s course development and continued course training in our country.  One may request a student visa for such programs as well.

You  may also request a student visa if you plan on carrying out non labor practices. In this case, a signed agreement with the company must be submitted.


Translated by:  Katherine Pascal

STUDENT RESIDENCE PERMIT

This permit authorizes foreigners to remain in Spain for a period of over 90 days to carry out or continue their studies in an authorized learning center in Spain. The program must be full-time and the student must receive a certificate or diploma when the program ends.

In order to do this, the applicant must fulfil the following requirements:

• Not be an Member of the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland or family members of citizens of either of these.

• Not be prohibited from entering Spain or denied entrance within the territorial space of any country that has signed an agreement with Spain.

• Have sufficient economic means to cover expenses within Spain and to return to their country of origin. Student´s must cover the expenses of family members travelling with them. Accommodation must be previously paid for along with the following:

• 100% IPREM monthly for the applicant 
• 75% IPREM for the first family member 
• 50% IPREM for each of the remaining family members 

• Have public or private health insurance contracted with a company that provides coverage in Spain.

• When dealing with minors who are travelling unaccommpanied, they must present an authorization signed by a parent or legal guardian and by the learning center, organization or entity responsible for the student´s activity and period of stay in Spain.

The student must have been accepted to study in an authorized learning center in Spain.

In the event that the program duration is more than six months, then the following requirements must be fulfilled:

• Students of legal age must present a notarized criminal background check.
• Must not suffer from any illness or infectious diseases that may have serious repercussions on public health.

After having fulfilled the aforementioned requirements, the applicant, or his parent, legal guardian or authorized representative in the event that he is minor, must submit the application at the Spanish diplomatic mission or consular office wherever he resides.

The visa once granted must be collected within two months from the date of notification.  The visa will be granted for the same amount of time as the intended duration of the program, with a maximum of one year.

If the period of stay exceeds 6 months, the applicant must request a foreigner´s identification card in person within the first month of stay.  This may be done at the immigration office or police station in the province where the authorization was granted.  The foreigner must present the following when applying for their identification card:

• Foreigner Identification Card application
• Certification of payment of corresponding fee
• Three recent passport size photos in color with a white background

The student may come accommpanied by family members and may also be authorized to work for self-employment or paid employment as long as the work does not interfere with his studies and the revenue earned is not the main necessary means of living.

Translated by:  Katherine Pascal