Fighting Bureaucracy – Home
My Journey to Residency

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• Important Dates and Deadlines
• FBI Background Check Timeline
• In-depth List of Requirements
• Apostilled and Translated FBI Background Check
  Step 1: Fingerprints and FBI Check
  Step 2: Getting the Apostille
  Step 3: Getting the Translation
  Step 4: Making a Notarized Copy
• Visa Application Form
• Photograph
• Passport
• Carta de Nombramiento
• Medical Certificate
• Proof of Residence in the Consular District
• Visa Application Payment
• Disclaimer Form
• Making an Appointment
• Collecting the Visa

Before submitting!!! (Check List)

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In-Depth List of Requirements

Houston Consulate Official List of Requirements

BLS Webpage List of Requirements

Now that you have an idea of the deadlines and important dates, I will walk you through the full list of requirements for the Spanish Consulate starting with the bottleneck requirements of the Apostilled and translated FBI background check + notarized copies.

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Apostilled and Translated FBI Background Check

“Applicants of legal age who apply for a visa for a stay of more than 180 days must submit the original and a copy of their criminal background check(s) issued by their country or countries of residence in the past five years. The criminal background check must be issued by the U.S. Department of Justice – Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).”

“The background check must be issued within the five months preceding the submission of the visa application. It must be authenticated with the Apostille of The Hague and translated into Spanish. The applicant must submit a notarized copy of both the original document in English and the Spanish translation.”

“If the applicant has lived outside the United States during the past five years, he/she must provide an additional criminal background check from every country where he/she has lived, authenticated with the Apostille of The Hague and translated into Spanish, with a notarized copy of both documents.”

Step 1 – Fingerprints and FBI Background Check

≈April 16 Request an FBI background check by submitting an online application along with your fingerprints (digital or physical). Follow the steps provided by the FBI for an online background check request. It is the fastest and most effective way to receive your FBI background check. Read steps 1 through 7 and then enter your e-mail address in the box to the right. (this process can also be done while in Spain)

After you click submit, you should receive an automated email with a PIN and a link to your request.

Click on the link and enter your PIN to continue. There you will have to agree to a privacy statement before you continue. The webpage has 5 steps to follow. I’ll walk you through them, but they are very simple.

Step 1 – Personal Information: Enter your personal information.

Step 2 – Mailing Address: Enter your mailing address and phone number.

Step 3 – Preferences: Q1 – Yes, Q2 – Yes, via e-mail (enter e-mail address), Q3 – Yes.

Step 4 – Fingerprint Card:

Have this done electronically. It avoids the needless delay of sending an application by mail (sometimes the delays are up to 3 weeks).

Fingerprinting Locations for those of you Currently Residing in Spain

If for whatever reason, you can not get this done electronically, click on the mail option and follow the steps there. You will need to fill out a fingerprint card and send it by mail. To get a fingerprint card properly filled out, print out the fingerprinting template and bring it to your local police station. There, you can pay a small fee and request to have fingerprinting done for an FBI background check.

After selecting Electronic submissions, a box will pop up giving Third-Party Fingerprinting Locations near you. There is also an option to expand your search radius if the options provided are not convenient for you.

In my situation, I would check all the options in the List of Participating U.S. Post Office Locations without providing my zip code.

If there are no suitable options, you can also contact an FBI-Approved Channeler for assistance. You do not have to complete the FBI order form if you use the service of a channeler. Each channeler will have their own instructions, digital fingerprinting location, and pricing.

If you choose to use one of the location options offered by the FBI, keep the electronic submission option checked and continue to step 5.

Step 5 – Payment: Confirm your information and continue with payment. The cost will be $18. Complete your payment details. Don’t forget! You will pay an additional $50 as a fingerprinting fee at a participating USPS location. Check for an email confirmation, and save the order number. This will be used to register for the fingerprinting services.

Finally – register and have your fingerprints taken: Using your order number, register for fingerprinting service through the USPS.

https://ips.usps.com/IdentityCapture/

Check the fingerprinting hours of your USPS location, and show up during that time with a printed copy of your FBI payment confirmation email.

You should receive your FBI background check within a day or two. You can check the status by using the FBI link from the original email along with the PIN provided to you. When the results are ready, you should receive an email from the FBI. The FBI background check will either be attached in the email, or you could download it at the status page. Start the Apostille of the Hague process as soon as you have a downloaded copy of the FBI background check.

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Step 2 Getting the Apostille

≈April 24/April 25 As soon as you get the email with your FBI background check results, you can apply for Apostille of the Hague. You do not have to wait for the hard-copy through the mail, but it is important that your printed copy has the large FBI seal in the background.

Because the Federal Bureau of Investigation background check is a federal document, you need to have a federal apostille.

Requirements: (link)

1. “One self-addressed, prepaid envelope for return of your document.” Use USPS. Here it is online (link). Do not purchase it online, though. For the apostille, you will need 2 USPS Pre-paid Express Mail Envelopes. Go directly to a USPS post office, and purchase the 2 necessary pre-paid express mail envelopes:
   
   1 USPS Prepaid express mail envelope to send the FBI background check to be apostilled.
   
   Office of Authentications
   U.S. Department of State
   CA/PPT/S/TO/AUT
   44132 Mercure Circle
   P.O. Box 1206
   Sterling, VA 20166-1206
   
   1 USPS Prepaid express mail envelope included in the FBI background check/apostille letter with a return address, so the apostille can be sent back to you.
   
   Return name
   Home address
   Your Address
   Still your address
   
   Make sure that the envelope that is addressed to you is accurate!
   
2. The FBI background check document. Remember, make sure the FBI seal is visible in the background.
   
3. A $20 check or money order addressed to the U.S. Department of State. This is a per document fee for the apostille, not per page. You may see on the DS-4194 form and online that the fee is only $8, but that is outdated.
   
4. A completed Request of Authentications Service DS-4194 form.
   Section 1 fill out your personal information.
   Section 2 fill out your delivery method and tracking number (found on the self-addressed, prepaid envelope)
   Section 3 leave blank – you do not have a courier or representative.
   Section 4 Country of Use: Spain, Document Type: FBI Criminal Background Record, Number of Documents: 1, Processing Fee per Document: $20.
   
   
   Complete Section 5 where you estimate the total cost ($20), and then finally, place your FBI background check, DS-4194 Form, $20 Check, and self-addressed prepaid priority USPS envelope (you can fold it so it fits) in your prepaid priority USPS envelope addressed to the office of authentications.

To make an inquiry about the status of your Apostille, you can call the Office of Authentications at 202-485-8000 on Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Before calling, read the instructions on the “Check your Document Status” tab on the right hand side of their webpage (link here).

If you need to rush the apostille process, you can contact your member of congress. Members of congress are authorized to give applications priority in the case of a backlog. Most representatives have a website with information about making a request (either an official request form or specific instructions.) If there is no information available, you can simply contact them with your request. Include all the necessary information from them to identify your apostille order and when you need it. Not every member of congress will help you, but some will, and it doesn’t hurt to ask.

https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative

Here is an example of what you might find:

After clicking on “Services” and “Help with a Federal Agency”, I am directed to a webpage with specific instructions on how to enter my information to receive help.

*Your FBI background check is already certified by the FBI, and the apostille is a form of notarization, so getting the original documents notarized is not necessary. The Houston consulate, however, requires notarized copies. This will be covered later.

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Step 3 Getting the Translation

≈June 15/July 6 Scan the apostilled document without removing the affixed apostille, and have it prepared to be translated. You can do this by folding the corner where the apostille is attached to the background check (again, make sure the FBI logo is visible in your scan). Carefully scan your apostilled background check and save it as a PDF. Then, send the file to a sworn translator to be translated. It MUST be translated by a sworn translator. It does not state in the Houston consulate webpage that a sworn translation is necessary, but the consulate has stated per email to many applicants that it is a requirement.

Additionally, the BLS office requires a sworn translation.

What makes a sworn translator “official”?

A sworn translator is a translator who has been licensed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Not all translators are sworn translators. A sworn translation is required for legal purposes such as getting a visa. Here is an example of a sworn translation below:

How to get the sworn translation: Get into contact with a sworn translator. Give the relevant information such as the type of documents being translated, preferred payment method, translation delivery method (physically by mail or attached in an email), and the expected turn-around-time.

For the 99% of you who are getting English to Spanish translations, I highly recommend working with Alba:

alba.fernandez.c.r2sp@gmail.com

She has experience working with auxiliaries and helping individuals get through difficult bureaucratic processes in Spain which means she will be highly responsive and helpful while also providing budget-friendly pricing.

What if I need a translation from a non-English language to Spanish?

You can search for sworn translators that work for other language pairs in the webpage below. It’s the same process, but you may have more difficulties finding responsive translators. Not everyone is actively looking for work.

Link to the List of Sworn Translators from the L.A. Consulate Website

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Step 4 Making a Notarized Copy

“The applicant must submit a notarized copy of both the original document in English and the Spanish translation.”

What is a notarized copy, and how do I get one?

A notarized copy is a copy of your document that is stamped and signed by a notary to authenticate that it is a true, unaltered copy of the original document.

YOU DO NOT NOTARIZE YOUR ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS!

Not every state allows copy certification by a notary. The map below indicates which states allow copy certifications.

Depending on your state, you may complete option 1 or 2 to get a notarized copy.

Bring the following to your notary: the original document(s), an unaltered photocopy of the original document(s) (the notary may prefer that the copy is made in their presence. Please ask.), and a valid ID.

How to find a notary: your local bank is your best bet. Call ahead of time to make sure the notary will be available when you visit, and schedule an appointment.

Option 1 (state allows copy certification): State that you need a notarized copy for your visa, and request a copy certification of your unaltered copy. The notary will write ‘TRUE COPY’ and put their signature, seal and stamp on the copy itself.

Option 2 (state does not allow copy certification): State that you need a notarized copy for your visa, and bring the following statement to be completed.

You need a notarized copy of the following:

• The original FBI background check with apostille
• The Spanish translation of your FBI background check with apostille

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During the wait times throughout this process, you can complete the other requirements. The other parts are much easier, I promise! These requirements are single step parts and not too involved.

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Visa Application Form

Form link (here)

*Very important: Please keep in mind that the date format in Europe is:
Day/Month/Year DD/MM/YYYY

Foto/Photo – Glue your recent, professionally done passport photo (2″x2″) onto the space provided in the Visa Application Form.

Sections 1-9 – Fill in your personal information. All questions are given in Spanish and in English

Section 10 – If you’re not a minor, write N/A

Section 11 – N/A (You do not have a Spanish National ID Number)

Section 12 – Type of travel document – Ordinary Passport

Section 13 – Passport number

Section 14 – Date issued

Section 15 – Expiration date (make sure it is valid for the entirety of your stay in Spain.)

Section 16 – “US Department of State”

Section 17-19 – Fill in your personal information. (Do not forget to indicate your email in section #17).

Section 20 – “Studies”

Section 21 – Anticipated date of entry into Spain.

Section 22 – “Multi” or “more than 2”

Section 23 – Address of school or regional education office

Section 24 – If you lived in Spain previously and have a NIE, put it in. If not, leave it N/A.

Section 25 – If you lived in Spain previously and have a NIE, write the date of issuance. If not, leave it N/A.

Section 26-27 – N/A

Section 28 – Information from your Carta de Nombramiento

DONT FORGET TO COMPLETE SECTION 30 AND 31 – Section 30 – Place and Date Section 31 – Signature.

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Photograph

You need a recently taken, professional 2″x2″ passport photo. I recommend making extra copies. You can use it for things such as an abono transport card, and it costs minimally extra to have additional passport photos.

You can get this done at various pharmacies, retail stores, and select shipping centers: CVS, Walgreens, Target, Wal-Mart, USPS offices, and FedEx. Don’t try to do it yourself. Just pay for the service because there are many requirements.

A simple mistake that really made my visa appointment stressful: I got my picture done at a supermarket. In my picture a few stray hairs went out of frame in the picture. This made the passport photo invalid, so I had to quickly get another one taken at the CVS across the street from the consulate during my visa appointment.

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Valid, Unexpired Passport

“Original and photocopy of the biometric data page(s). The passport must be valid for at least the duration of the planned stay and contain two blank pages. Passports issued more than 10 years ago will not be accepted.”

NALCAP recommends that your passport is valid for at least 6 months past the end date of your visa, but it is not a requirement. The program (and visa) is typically from October – end of May or June.

Getting a Passport (U.S.)
Renewing Your Passport (U.S.)

If you are a non US passport holder, you need to provide your passport and a Permanent Resident Card or US Immigrant Visa. 

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Carta de Nombramiento

The Carta de Nombramiento is the school placement letter you receive stating what specific school you are assigned to. You are typically sent an email when you finally receive the Carta de Nombramiento. This file can be accessed in your communidad’s web portal: Auxmadrid, Auxand@, and many others. Provide the original and a copy of the document. (You will not receive a “true original” in the mail. Just print 2 copies).

If you haven’t received this letter yet and are curious about the process/wait, check out (Checking on Your Application)

NOTE: The carta de nombramiento covers any financial means and health insurance requirements. You do NOT need to provide any additional documents for these requirements.

This letter must provide information on the school the applicant has been appointed to (address, phone number, contact email). It must also contain information about the grant, the duration of the program and the insurance policy.

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Medical Certificate

The Medical Form is only valid for 90 days, so plan accordingly

Medical form template Original and a copy of a medical certificate accrediting that “the applicant does not suffer from any disease that could cause serious repercussions for public health pursuant to the 2005 International Health Regulations“. The medical certificate must have the Doctor’s Stamp (in Spanish or translated into Spanish if our template is not used).

This template comes from the consulate of Spain in Houston, and it fulfills all the requirements for the Medical Certificate.

Book a check-up with your doctor (not nurse, nurse practicioner, or anything other than an MD), and have the template filled out. Please, make sure that all the requirements of the form are completed. If your doctor does not fill out the Spanish section, you need to have the form translated by a certified translator. Follow the instructions carefully.

Instructions:

Written on letterhead paper from hospital´s/doctor’s office:

See a doctor (MD) and they will determine if you are of good health according to the International Health Regulation (2005). This PDF file can be sent electronically in order to be printed out on letter head paper. The doctor may also use this sample as a guide to write their own certificate. Remember that it must specifically mention the International Health Regulations (2005). The doctor should then print out, fill-out, sign, date, and stamp the Medical Certificate.

Make sure your name is filled out in both the Spanish and English portions

*When you send the Medical Certificate, include the original and a photocopy.

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Proof of Residence in the Consular District

The Houston consulate only services certain states/regions of states, so show proof that you live in one of those states/regions.

“Copy of driver’s license, State Id or student Id of Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee or Texas.”

Additionally, bring the original with you to your appointment.

“What if I don’t have a Driver’s license?”

Bring official ID that proves your legal residence in the consular district.

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Payment of the Visa Fee

Only money orders are accepted

The American citizen fee is $160. You can check their website for the most recent visa fees (here)

You are applying for the long term student visa EE.UU (USA). To get a money order, go to your bank or the USPS and request a money order. Another option is having the USPS issue a money order. (link)

In addition, you must include the BLS processing fee of $18.

Amount: $178
Payable to: “Consular Outsourcing BLS services INC.”
Address: 2500 West Loop South 3rd Floor, Suite 350 Houston, Texas 77027
Memo: Visado de Estudiante / Student Visa Fee

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Disclaimer Form

Print and sign the disclaimer form provided by BLS (Link)

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Making an Appointment

How to find an appointment:

Before you start: Triple check both the consulate page and BLS page for changes.

Go to the BLS NALCAP page for Houston.

https://usa.blsspainvisa.com/houston/national_nalcap.php

Next, register an account using your email address.

Afte completing your registration, log in and complete the Appointment Booking form.

Afterwards, you will be sent an email to book an appointment.

Using the booking link, proceed to make an appointment. Choose your center and “Study Visa”.

From there, you can choose a date and time. Make sure to include all the personal information requested and click “book appointment”

Don’t be picky about your date! It can often be very difficult to find an available appointment.

Bring your appointment reservation to the appointment

Address:

2500 West Loop South 3rd Floor, Suite 350 Houston, Texas 77027

Extra help: it may be difficult to get an appointment. A good trick is to look for openings around midnight Central time.

Take your appointment reservation to the visa application. Bring everything in the check list/all the necessary documents to this appointment. It’s also a good idea to wear something business casual. It’s not a job interview, but your first impression can be impactful, especially if you made a small mistake.

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Collecting the Visa

You will be informed of the pickup procedure during your appointment. For those of you collecting the visa in person, inquiry and collection time is from 15:00 to 16:00 hrs (Monday to Friday) at the BLS office, so plan your visit accordingly when picking up your visa.

Make sure to frequently check your status after receiving your application receipt. Look for status, Visa: resuelto.

https://usa.blsspainvisa.com/houston/track_application.php

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Check List

Before sending your application, go through the entire check list (here)

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