Yes, I'm aware that it's actually "Hasta la vista." But considering that this post is about VISA's, I figured it was appropriate.
For those of you who are currently going through the motions of the VISA process, newly embarking on it, or waiting for the stupid thing to simply arrive in your hands... There is a light at the end of the tunnel! I promise!
This post is mainly geared towards helping my future self if I ever need to obtain a VISA again. So as a warning, some of the information is for residents of New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Connecticut because it aligns with the guidelines for the Spanish consulate in New York City. However, most of it is general information that anyone can use.
To start, there are two types of VISA's-- Long Stay and Short Stay.
A Short Stay VISA is for people travelling/living less than 180 days in a particular country.
I'm sure you can guess what the other type is but just in case... a Long Stay VISA is for people travelling/living more than 180 days in a particular country. This type of VISA grants entrance into the country for up to 90 days. In this time, you have to apply for residency in that country which will allow to stay for the amount of time needed. (In my case, 10 months.) There are also particular situations that align with each Long Stay VISA, so you must fill out and meet the proper requirements.
I had to apply for a Long Stay Student VISA. Even though I am no longer a student, my future job is considered graduate assistant work therefore it falls under this category. (You do not need to be currently enrolled in Grad school for this.) Once you figure out which type of VISA you need, the next step is to do an internet search what consulate you are required to go to. I made a list below of current (July 2013) states and consulates:
Washington D.C. Consulate: Maryland, North Caroline, Virginia, Washington D.C., and West Virginia
San Francisco Consulate: Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington State, Wyoming, and California (except Southern Counties)
New York City Consulate: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Connecticut
Miami Consulate: Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina
Los Angeles Consulate: Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and California (Southern Counties)
Houston Consulate: New Mexico, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Texas
Chicago Consulate: Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Ohio, and Wisconsin
Boston Consulate: Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Vermont
Once you've figured out which consulate you need to go to, visit their website for the list of requirements you need to bring with you to obtain the VISA. Almost all consulates require a Background check notarized and apostilled, a medical certificate stating you are in good health, proof of health insurance, proof of finances, 2 passport photos, and a letter of appointment. Some consulates require additional paperwork such as a translation of your background check and/or your medical certificate, a money order, specific label requirements (UPS or Express Mail), your Drivers License, and/or copies of everything.
The Long Stay Student Visa:
Step 1: If your consulate requires one, make your VISA appointment as soon as you can, especially if you are trying to obtain it during the Summer months. This is the time that most people are attempting to get a VISA, so appointments fill up fast! I booked my appointment back in May for an appointment in mid July. You also want to make your appointment early enough to receive your VISA back in time prior to leaving. They say it takes about three weeks to get the VISA back in your hands so plan for that.
Step 2: Get started on the paperwork. The first thing I began with was the Background Check. The New York Consulate requires that it is a State level one. One way to do this is to pay money (around $70) to get fingerprinted which will produce a background check. I did not go this route so there may be additional steps. The other option is to visit your State Police Barracks and have them write you a letter saying your record is clean blah, blah, blah. They then just have to get it notarized by a State Notary. This took about 3 weeks. But it was free! I then sent my Background Check to my State's Division of Revenue and Services to have it apostilled. Pretty much an apostille is just your State's way of certifying that your Background Check is legitimate (not forged) and signed by a registered Notary. Just do an internet search to figure out where exactly you are supposed to send it to. I printed out an apostille application, filled it out, enclosed it in an envelope with my background check, a letter stating what it was all for, and a $25 check. Three weeks later, I had my background check notarized and apostilled ready to head to my VISA appointment. While your background check is being passed around your State, visit your Doctor to get the medical certificate typed up. I had to also get a physical done for my program so I did that too along with getting my prescriptions settled. Killed three birds with one stone! And lastly if you need, get your passport photos taken.
SIDENOTE: Make sure to make copies of EVERYTHING for your own documentation purposes!! That includes each step of the process in case there are any hiccups with your paperwork.
Step 3: Patiently wait (or if you're me, check your mailbox every day) for the letters outlining your proof of income, proof of insurance, and your Letter of acceptance from the Spanish Government.
Step 4: Print and fill out two National Visa Applications. And then make copies of everything for both yourself and the consulate. Get a money order from either your bank, post office, or local food store. Lastly, for the NYC Consulate, visit your local UPS store to get a prepaid shipping label. (They keep your passport at the consulate while they approve your VISA. Once your VISA is attached into your passport, they mail it to your house unless you're close enough to return and pick it up.) Don't forget to double check the Consulate's requirements to make sure you have everything.
Step 5: Breathe. You're almost there.
Step 6: Visit your consulate. My appointment was at 11:15 am. I showed up 20 minutes early. They took me in immediately. Within five minutes, I was walking out of the consulate. I should also mention that in New York, the consulate employees were extremely helpful and funny! I almost had fun at my appointment. (Who would have thought?!) I've heard that most consulates run similar with their appointments.
Step 7: Wait three weeks (or in my case one week and two days) for your VISA to be completed and attached to your passport.
Now you can rejoice at the fact that you won't be deported upon attempting to cross the Spanish border!!
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