Hi there,

Question about when I can make an appointment for my student visa at Chicago Consulate. My program begins October 2nd and I am aware I can't apply more than 3 months before my program begins, so I currently have an appointment for July 3rd. However, my visa will be issued 10 days before my program begins- september 22nd so i can enter Spain 10 days before my program. SO my question is- can I then make an appointment for June 22 - 10 days before the 3 months and be able to apply for my visa?

Siena

Simply call the Chicago Spanish Consulate - the best source one would think.

yes, if you had read the rules they state that the date is 90 days before departure. It doesn't say 90 days before your program begins. Read the rules more carefully.

Christina,
If you had read the instructions more carefully, you would have read that "STUDENT (emphasis mine) visas are accepted three months prior to the beginning of studies, not before." I do not go on this forum nearly as often as I used to because of comments like yours that belittle posters. I believe you owe Siena an apology I think we all need to be kinder to one another online.

Siena--maybe you could try contacting your program.

PalenQ - I so wish it was that simple. I've called many times during their office hours and it just keeps ringing. The automated voice says the only way to get information is online. So it's basically a decoy line. I even had a friend in Chicago GO to the consulate for me to ask questions, but you can only be seen if you have an appointment. And you can only have ONE appointment per person for one visa. My friend was able to ask a couple questions but they were so busy and didn't have time to really answer. I appreciate you responding though. It's all helpful

Christina- Yeah, I SO wish I could determine when I depart but it really is 3 months before the start of my program. I was just hoping for an extra 10 days because when your visa is issued they allow you enter Spain 10 days before your program starts. So I thought maybe that means I can make my appointment 10 days early. Thank you for your feedback.

Digbydog- thank you for backing me up. It's all good. I'll take anything at this point and hoping the answers I am looking for will surface somewhere.
Great idea about contacting my program. I did that today, hoping there is a current American student who has had a similar experience. We will see.

Thank you all!!!

We're having the same issues with the Spanish consulate in Chicago.

They do answer emails with their online form. But unfortunately they also insist that all answers to questions are available on their website, which is simply not true.

As US citizens don't need a visa to enter Spain, what you can do, regardless of the start date of your Type D visa (for study), is to enter as visitor and get automatic 90-in-180 day stay. The proper thing to do then is to leave Spain and Schengen, and re-enter on or after the start date of your Type D, so that you get entry stamp. This is important as they look for it when applying for your residence permit (la tarjeta de residencia) if yo uare staying longer than 3 months.

martharap- I emailed them at this address: [email protected] through my own email account.
Is there a specific form I am suppose to use in order to get a response? Thank you for your feedback. I really appreciate it and I wish you all the luck during your own process!

Alec Thank you so much. Your post was very helpful.

Additional question - Do you know if in order to travel before my visa begins, do I need to present any documents at my visa application appointment ?

No. They are quite separate. A lot of US and other non-visa national students do it to prolong their time in Europe, both before and after the course. Provided you stick to the rules - leaving Schengen and re-entering on and after the first day of Type D student visa validity, you are fine.

Siena,

We just typed on the email form that pops up when you click on the "contact" link on the top of their website.

martharap- you are so right. They replied pretty quickly.And they answered all of my questions.
I emailed them using my gmail account at the address you gave me - [email protected]. I let them know I was going to ask them 3 questions that were straight to the point and made sure to number each question. They answered each of my questions, and they also numbered them.

Hello,

My name is Siena Hassett and I have an appointment to apply for my student visa on July 3rd. I have 3 questions in regards to the requirements so that I am completely prepared for my appointment on the 2nd.

1. Is it possible for my visa appointment to be 3 months + 10 days before my program begins since my Visa will be issued 10 day before my program begins?
*My current appointment is exactly 3 months before program begins but, I would love make one for 10 days before if it is permitted.

CONSULATE ANSWER: No, you must apply in within 90 days previous to the beginning of your studies.


2.What additional documents do I need to present at my appointment so I may travel as a tourist in Italy before I enter Spain? I plan to stay with friends in Rome for almost 2 months before my program starts.

CONSULATE ANSWER: You need to contact the Italian Consulate

3. Return flights to America for July 2018 (when my program ends) will not be available for purchase before my appointment on July 3rd. What should I do to prove I will be coming back? Can I notarize a letter confirming that I will be returning?

CONSULATE ANSWER:We don't request a return ticket to apply for your visa.

Alec- now that I return flight is not a requirement, I can ask them at the consulate during my appointment what course of action I need to take to make sure everything is valid. But I think you are totally right and I will prepare to do that.

Thank you to everyone for your thoughts. Its nice to have a place to put my questions and get feedback. It makes this process less stressful. Happy summer to all!

I like their answer 'Contact Italian Consulate'!
They typically refuse to answer a question about another country, even though the rules regarding Schengen stay are the same throughout the Schengen zone.
Just do as I suggest, and you will be fine.

So....I was approved for my visa!!!! Hooray hozaah!

Update- Alec you were right I did not need to present any documents in order to travel to Italy as a tourist before my VIsa begins. I can enter Spain as a tourist before my visa begins because I am still in the Schengen zone. Turns out I do not need to leave the Schengen zone to activate my visa. I can simply go to the local police station and say I want to begin on my visa and they will stamp it and thats it.

Thanks to everyone for your input, it made preparing much easier.

Congratulations Siena! Hope you have a great time on your study abroad program! I did one in France many years ago, and I still regard it as one of the best experiences of my life.