SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY VISA SERVICE
To study in Spain for longer than 90 days student visas are required for all nationalities, except for citizens of the
European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Because the visa application process can be lengthy,
Saint Louis University offers a service to students to simplify the process.
For students whose visa will be issued from the Chicago Spanish Consulate, this SLU Visa Service, facilitated by the
Office of International Services on the St. Louis Campus, offers students the opportunity to turn in all visa application
paperwork directly to Saint Louis University, and the University will turn in all complete applications as a batch to the
Chicago Spanish Consulate. When the visas are issued, the University will send them back to the students.
Throughout the United States there are several Spanish consulates and each has its own jurisdiction. The SLU
Visa Service can only submit applications to the Chicago Consulate, which only accepts applications for
students who attend Saint Louis University or who permanently reside in one of the following states: Illinois,
Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South
Dakota, and Wisconsin.
Students who permanently reside in a state that is not listed will not be able to use the SLU Visa Service and
will have to make arrangements on their own with the consulate that serves their specific state. All visa related
questions regarding requirements, applications and appointment (if necessary) should be directed to the
Spanish Consulate that corresponds to the student’s permanent and/or temporary address. Find specific
consulates at http://www.maec.es/en/EYC/Paginas/embajadas-consulados.aspx
TYPES OF VISAS
Short-stay visas (valid for 180 days and non-renewable) – This visa is for students who are certain that they will be
staying under six months (one semester) This visa cannot be extended, so if there is a possibility you may want to stay
for an additional semester in our program, please apply for the Long-Stay visa (Please note some consulates refer to
this visa as “long stay up to 180 days”)
Long-stay visa (valid for stays of over 180 days) – Students who plan to stay for longer than one semester should apply
for this visa (for example students planning to attend both Fall 2013 & Spring 2014) This visa will be needed to apply
for a student residence card (Tarjeta de estudiante), within a month upon arrival. This card will allow the student to stay
in Spain until the completion of studies and to travel in and out of the country. The student residence card must be
renewed each year, before the expiration date. For long-stay visas you will need an FBI background check
authenticated by the FBI with the Apostille of the Hague Convention. This may take up to 12 weeks to obtain so
please apply for it taking in account the SLU Visa service deadline of Thursday, September 24th. (Please note
some consulates refer to this visa as “long stay over 180 days”)
REQUIREMENTS
The following information is ONLY for students using the SLU Visa Service. Students who apply on their own (at the
Chicago Consulate or any other consulate) should contact the consulate directly for specific application instructions.
Typically, the requirements tend to be similar from consulate to consulate, but please check to make sure.
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TWO copies of the Application for Schengen Visa Form– The Application for Schengen Visa form is
included in this document. Complete one application and then make a copy. Illegible applications will not be
accepted. Glue (do not staple) one passport-size picture on each of the forms.
Admission Counselor – Madrid Campus, Office of International Services
3694 West Pine Mall, Des Peres Hall Room 102, St. Louis MO 63108 ● (314) 977-3445 Fax: (314) 977-3412 ● http://spain.slu.edu ● [email protected]

2 Passport style photos: Photos should be 2 x 2, full head from top to bottom looking at the camera, on a
white background. The Consulate will not accept the application unless the pictures are correct. Passport-size
pictures may be purchased at Saint Louis University in the Office of International Services in Des Peres Hall
102(2 for $8) or any FedEx Kinko’s or Walgreens. These must be professional passport photos. NO
SCANNED PHOTOS & NO PRINTED PHOTOS ARE ACCEPTED

Original Passport – Submit the original passport booklet, making sure that it is signed and valid for at least
one year from the date of application. It must contain at least one blank page to affix the visa. Non-U.S.
citizens will also need a U.S. Visa with I-20/IAP-66 or “Alien Registration Card”
(http://www.usimmigrationsupport.org/alienregistration_card.html)

Proof of residency in the Consulate’s Jurisdiction – Submit a photocopy of a driver’s license, U.S. state ID
or Voter’s Registration Card, which serves as proof of the permanent residence in a state that is served by the
Chicago Consulate.

Proof of Admission and Proof of Medical Insurance – The Madrid Campus will provide students with three
letters in Spanish that must be submitted with the visa application. Two of these letters will be on Saint Louis
University Letterhead and will prove admission. One begins with the word “CERTIFICA” and the other is an
admissions acceptance letter. In addition, an insurance letter from SANITAS will be sent which proves medical
insurance. Once you have paid the confirmation fee the Study Abroad Office will send you the letters.
You must submit the original letters, no printed copies will be accepted

Evidence of funds: Provide one of the following documents:
• Letter from the University, School or US Program assuming full financial responsibility during the
whole stay.
• Proof of financial aid or scholarship of at least $2,200 per month.
• Notarized letter of parents/custodians, assuming full financial responsibility for at least $2,200 per month.
Suggested wording: “I hereby certify that I, the (father, mother, other), of (full name), will support her/him
with a monthly allowance of $2,200 while she/he is in Spain and that I am financially responsible for any
emergency that may arise.” *see pdf attachment in email “Parent Financial Support Sample”
• Personal bank account statements showing at least $2,200 per month of stay (last 3 bank statements).

Notarized Visa Authorization Form – This form is included in this document and must be signed in front of
a notary public. SLU students may do this in the Office of International Services at Saint Louis University. If
filled out before getting the form notarized, DO NOT DATE FORM OR SIGN, this must be done in
front of notary.

Visa Information Form – When the visa has been issued, the passport with the visa inside will be sent by
FedEx to the address specified in this form. In the case of an address change, please notify the Office of
International Services.

Fee –. In the link below are instructions regarding the visa application fee (consulate fee) and the SLU Visa
Service fee. The SLU Visa service fee is $75. The consulate fee, set by the Spanish Government, will depend
on if you are a U.S. citizen ($160) or non U.S. ($81), please follow the directions in the link below accordingly
https://billpay.slu.edu/C20197_ustores/web/store_cat.jsp?STOREID=26&CATID=58

Medical Statement authenticated by the Apostille of Hague (long-stay only, for visas over 180 days) –
Submit a doctor’s recent statement (issued within three months from the application date), on doctor’s or
medical center’s letterhead, indicating that “the student has been found to be free of any illnesses that may
have serious public consequences, as described and established in the International Health Regulation of
2005”. Please request this form notarized so as to be able to obtain the Apostille.

FBI background check authenticated by the FBI legalized with the Apostille of the Hague Convention
(long-stay only, for visas over 180 days). This may take up to 12 weeks to obtain so please apply for it
taking in account the SLU Visa service deadline of September 25h, 2014. Attached to the email, please
Admission Counselor – Madrid Campus, Office of International Services
3694 West Pine Mall, Des Peres Hall Room 102, St. Louis MO 63108 ● (314) 977-3445 Fax: (314) 977-3412 ● http://spain.slu.edu ● [email protected]
print and fill the FBI Applicant Information Form and FBI Identification Record Request Checklist.
Further down you will find exact instruction on the background check. Please contact [email protected] for questions on the background check or refer to
http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cjisd/fprequest.htm,

Notarized Authorization from Both Parents (for applications under 18 years of age) – Submit the
authorization with the Apostille of the Hague Convention (contact the Secretary of State for individual states)
and a copy of the applicant’s birth certificate showing parents’ names.
This information about required documentation was obtained at http://www.consulate-spain-chicago.com
Please check `for updates.
SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION
Complete applications must be submitted to Diana Hidalgo, Admission Counselor of Saint Louis University
Madrid, office located in Des Peres Hall room 102, prior to Thursday September 25th by 4 pm. It is highly
recommended that applications are turned in earlier so students have time to provide any missing documents. Any
application turned in after that date, or any incomplete application turned in on, September 25th will not be
taken through the Visa Service to the Consulate
Non-SLU students should mail applications using a mail service that provides a tracking number, such as FedEx,
UPS or USPS with tracking. With a tracking number, the application en route can be located. Saint Louis
University is not responsible for lost items. Mailed documents must arrive at our office by Thursday,
September 25th, not be stamped on that date
Please send all forms to:
Saint Louis University
Attn: Spanish Visa
International Services
3694 West Pine Mall,
Des Peres Hall Room 102
St. Louis, MO 63108
For questions, please call (314) 977-3445 or email [email protected]
PROCESSING
A Saint Louis University staff member will turn in all complete applications to the Consulate General of Spain in
Chicago on behalf of students. The decision to issue a visa or not is made by the Spanish government and not
Saint Louis University.
As the application process may take from six to eight weeks, visas may not be ready until just before departure.
When visas have been issued, the University will collect and distribute them to students. Students will be
contacted to pick up visas (if classes are still in session: SLU students only) or the visa will be sent via FedEx to
the address that was indicated on the Visa Information Form. In the case of a address change, please notify the
Office of International Services.
Admission Counselor – Madrid Campus, Office of International Services
3694 West Pine Mall, Des Peres Hall Room 102, St. Louis MO 63108 ● (314) 977-3445 Fax: (314) 977-3412 ● http://spain.slu.edu ● [email protected]
HOW TO FILL OUT THE APPLICATION FOR SCHENGEN VISA
Follow the instructions as indicated below, if it says “leave blank”, do not fill out that portion unless it
applies to your specific case (underage, have a spouse or child or any specific circumstance)
Question #1: Last name/Family name
Question #2: Your maiden name, if applicable (if you are married, what was your family name before that?
Question #3: First name and middle initial
Question#4: Date of birth (day/month/year) or write out the month rather than listing it as a number
Question#5: City of birth
Question#6: country of birth
Question #7: You citizenship
Question #8: Male or female
Question #9: Marital Status
Question #10: only fill out if under 18
Question #11: leave blank
Question #12: Ordinary passport
Question #13: Passport number
Question #14: Date of issue on passport birth (day/month/year)
Question #15: Date of expiration birth (day/month/year)
Question #16: Issuing authority (U.S. Department of State)
Question #17: Home address (permanent address) and email Next box phone number
Question #18: No (unless you are a resident of a different country)
Question #19: Student
Question #20: Studies
Question #21: January 11th 2015
Question # 22: More than 2 (if you do not select this option, you cannot travel outside of Spain)
Question #23: Avenida del Valle 34
28003 Madrid, Spain
WARNING: If you
Question #24: Blank
apply for a short
Question #25: Blank
stay visa, which is
Question #26: Blank
Question #27: Blank
intended for
Question #28: Saint Louis University-Madrid
students going to
ampus
Spain for fewer
Address: Avenida del Valle 34
Telephone: 34-91-554-5858
than 180 days, and
28003 Madrid, Spain
Email: [email protected]
decide
Question #27(number is repeted in application): Indicate place and date where you sign the documentthen
(city and
state)you
Question #28(number is repeted in application: Sign
want to stay for a
second semester,
you WILL NOT be
able to change your
visa. Therefore, if
Long Stay up to180 days Program dates
you are unsure
Date Studies began: January 11th 2015
Date Studies end: May 14th, 2015
about staying for
more than 180
days, it is highly
recommended that
Long Stay over 180 days Program dates
you apply for a
th
th
long-stay visa. You
Date Studies began: January 11 2015
***December 20 , 2015
must then adjust
your information
accordingly and
contact your
admission
counselor to obtain
Admission Counselor – Madrid Campus, Office of International Services
the correct
3694 West Pine Mall, Des Peres Hall Room 102, St. Louis MO 63108 ● (314) 977-3445 Fax: (314) 977-3412 ● http://spain.slu.edu
● [email protected]
paperwork
VISA INFORMATION FORM
PLEASE WRITE CLEARLY!!!
Name: _____________________________________
Phone: _____________________________________
E-mail: _____________________________________
Where do you want us to send your visa? (Please write your address)
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
Signature: _________________________
Date: ________________________
Admission Counselor – Madrid Campus, Office of International Services
3694 West Pine Mall, Des Peres Hall Room 102, St. Louis MO 63108 ● (314) 977-3445 Fax: (314) 977-3412 ● http://spain.slu.edu ● [email protected]
VISA AUTHORIZATION FORM
Date and sign ONLY when in front of the notary
Date: ________________________________
I, _________________________, with passport number ______________________, give
permission to
000310863
Diana Hidalgo
, with Saint Louis University employee number
, and representing the Study Abroad Office at Saint Louis University in
St. Louis, MO, to act as my legal representative, file my application, and pick-up/retrieve
my student visa at the Consulate General of Spain in Chicago, IL, when ready
Name: ______________________________
Signature: ____________________________________
Notary Seal:
Admission Counselor – Madrid Campus, Office of International Services
3694 West Pine Mall, Des Peres Hall Room 102, St. Louis MO 63108 ● (314) 977-3445 Fax: (314) 977-3412 ● http://spain.slu.edu ● [email protected]
FBI BACKGROUND CHECK
ONLY IF YOU ARE STAYING MORE THAN ONE SEMESTER (YEAR
LONG VISA, STAYS OVER 180 DAYS)
How to Request a Copy of Your Record
ALL FORMS CAN BE FOUND AT http://www.fbi.gov/aboutus/cjis/background-checks
SLU students can apply for a FBI background check by following the
instructions on the link below http://www.slu.edu/office-of-the-university-registrarhome/background-checks
Step 1: Complete the Applicant Information Form


If the request is for a couple, family, etc., all persons must sign the form.
Include your complete mailing address. Provide your telephone number and/or e-mail
address, if available.
Step 2: Obtain a set of your fingerprints.




Provide the original fingerprint card. Previously processed cards or copies will not be
accepted.
Your name and date of birth must be provided on the card. Fingerprints should be placed
on a standard fingerprint form (FD-258) commonly used for applicant or law
enforcement purposes.
Include rolled impressions of all 10 fingerprints and impressions of all 10 fingerprints
taken simultaneously (these are sometime referred to as plain or flat impressions).
If possible, have your fingerprints taken by a fingerprinting technician. This service may
be available at a law enforcement agency.+
Step 3: Submit payment.





Option 1: Obtain a money order or cashiers check for $18 U.S. dollars made payable to
the Treasury of the United States. Please be sure to sign where required.
Important note: Cash, personal checks, or business checks WILL NOT be accepted.
Payment must be for the exact amount. You can do the payment online with a credit card
form located at: http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/identity-history-summarychecks/credit-card-payment-form
If the request is for a couple, family, etc., include $18 for each person.
If you are making multiple requests per person, include $18 for each request.
Step 4: Review the FBI Identification Record Request Checklist to ensure that you have
included all the information we require to process your request.
Admission Counselor – Madrid Campus, Office of International Services
3694 West Pine Mall, Des Peres Hall Room 102, St. Louis MO 63108 ● (314) 977-3445 Fax: (314) 977-3412 ● http://spain.slu.edu ● [email protected]
Step 5: Mail the required items listed above—applicant information form, fingerprint card, and
payment—to the following address:
FBI CJIS Division – Record Request
1000 Custer Hollow Road
Clarksburg, WV 26306
What Happens Next
If the FBI finds no criminal record, you will receive a “no record” response. If you do have a
criminal history record on file, you will receive your Identification Record, or “rap sheet.”
Note: Although the FBI employs the most efficient methods for processing these requests,
processing times may take up to 12 weeks depending on the volume of requests received.
Apostille of Hague
Students going for more than one semester will have to have the Apostille of Hague. If you
requested the FBI background check to be “authenticated” you can apply for the Apostille. If not
you will need to have the FBI background check notarized before obtaining the Apostille of
Hague.
On the U.S. Department of state website provides information on how to obtain an Apostille
when applying for a FBI background check. Instructions on how to do so can be found directly at
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1201.html
http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/english/legal-considerations/judicial/authentication-ofdocuments/apostille-requirements.html
Please read the information included in these sites as you will find not only instructions on how
to apply for an Apostille for a FBI background check but necessary forms to do so as well.
We also recommend contacting your corresponding Admission Counselor if you are planning on
staying for an academic year or more so we can assist and clarify this
Admission Counselor – Madrid Campus, Office of International Services
3694 West Pine Mall, Des Peres Hall Room 102, St. Louis MO 63108 ● (314) 977-3445 Fax: (314) 977-3412 ● http://spain.slu.edu ● [email protected]