Does my study abroad provider handle my Spain visa?
No provider can apply for you. Programmes like CIEE, IES Abroad and API supply the acceptance letter, often bundle housing and insurance, and give you a checklist, but the visa application itself is yours: your fingerprints for the FBI check, your apostilles, your appointment, your money order. The most valuable thing to check early is whether the insurance they include actually satisfies your consulate's rules, because that determines whether you need to buy your own.
What providers usually do cover
- The acceptance or programme letter the consulate requires
- Housing, often arranged for you, which can also serve as proof of accommodation
- Insurance bundled into the programme fee, sometimes visa-compliant and sometimes not
- A visa checklist and, at some providers, an advisor to review your documents
What stays your job
- The FBI background check, including getting fingerprinted
- The federal apostille and any sworn translations
- Your medical certificate
- Booking and attending the BLS appointment in person
- Paying the fees by money order
The one thing to check first
Ask your provider, in writing, whether the included insurance has no co-payments, no deductibles and no waiting periods, whether it includes repatriation, and whether the insurer is authorised in Spain. Those are the terms consulates test against. If the answer is yes, you have saved yourself the biggest single cost of the process. If it's no or unclear, buy your own policy rather than finding out at the appointment.
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 CIEE or IES apply for my visa for me?
No. They support you with documents and guidance, but you apply in person yourself.
Does my programme's insurance meet Spanish visa requirements?
Sometimes. Check specifically for no co-payments, no deductibles, no waiting periods, repatriation cover, and that the insurer is authorised in Spain.
Do I still need proof of accommodation if housing is arranged?
Usually your provider's housing confirmation serves that purpose. Ask them for it in writing before your appointment.