Which Spanish consulate do I apply to in the US?
You apply at the consulate whose jurisdiction covers the state you live in, not the one nearest your university in Spain and not simply the closest city. Eight Spanish consulates serve US student visa applicants through BLS International: Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco and Washington DC. Check the jurisdiction list on your consulate's own page before booking, because applying to the wrong one means starting over.
Requirements differ more than you'd expect
US consulates vary noticeably in what they ask for, more than UK ones do. Some accept bank statements in English while others want translations. Some ask only for the FBI check, while others also want state-level checks. Some provide a bilingual medical template that removes the need for a translation entirely.
The practical rule: use general guides to understand the shape of the process, then work from your own consulate's current checklist for the detail.
Proving which one covers you
- You'll need proof you live in that consulate's area: a driver's licence, state ID or student ID
- Non-US citizens applying from the US need a notarised copy of their green card or long-term visa
- Appointments are booked through BLS International, not the consulate directly
- Walk-ins are not accepted
Streamline the whole process
Visado puts every step in the right order for your course date and walks you through them one at a time. Nothing missed, nothing late.
Start my free planFrequently asked
Can I apply at whichever Spanish consulate has an appointment sooner?
No. You must apply at the consulate covering the state where you live, and prove your address falls in its jurisdiction.
Which consulates handle Spanish student visas in the US?
Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco and Washington DC, all through BLS International.
I'm at college in a different state from my parents. Which consulate?
Generally the one covering where you actually live and can prove residence. Confirm with the consulate if your situation is ambiguous.