IMPORTANT NOTICE: CHANGES TO VISA FEE PAYMENTS. Effective OCTOBER 15, 2025, Visa fee must be paid only by bank draft or money order made payable to: "Consulate General of Spain in Toronto". CASH PAYMENTS WILL NO LONGER BE ACCEPTED.
Visa for stays longer than 90 days to pursue higher education or post-compulsory secondary education, student mobility programs, volunteer services, and training activities. A student visa is not required for study stays of up to 90 days. Depending on nationality, a short-term visa may be necessary (see “ Schengen visas ”).
The following family members may obtain a visa to accompany the holder of a student visa for higher education or specialized health training:
- The spouse, registered partner, or stable partner.
- Children of the visa holder, or of the spouse, registered partner, or stable partner, who are minors or require support due to disability or illness
Activities Eligible for a Student Visa
Higher education studies: These include university or non-university studies at an officially recognized institution or higher education center in Spain that lead to degrees corresponding to the levels and qualifications outlined in Royal Decree 1027/2011 of July 15, which establishes the Spanish Qualifications Framework for Higher Education. This also includes university-specific degrees offered autonomously by recognized higher education institutions in accordance with university regulations, and Vocational Training Master’s degrees under Royal Decree 659/2023 of July 18.
Such higher education studies may also include, where applicable, preparatory courses and mandatory training placements, which are also considered higher education. University studies may be pursued in either in-person or hybrid formats, in accordance with the corresponding curriculum plans and current university regulations. Other higher education programs may also be conducted in-person or hybrid formats, provided that at least 50% of the instruction is delivered in-person, in accordance with current education regulations.
Post-compulsory secondary education at an authorized educational institution in Spain must be part of a full-time program that leads to a recognized qualification. These may also be offered in-person or semi-in-person, as long as at least 50% of the instruction is in-person. This includes intermediate vocational training programs and Specialist Vocational Training qualifications under Royal Decree 659/2023 of July 18.
Student mobility programs for compulsory or post-compulsory secondary education, aimed at following an educational program in a recognized teaching or research institution within the framework of a student exchange program or educational project.
Volunteering: The performance of volunteer services carried out by legally established and registered volunteer organizations, as part of programs pursuing goals of general interest and non-profit causes.
Training Activities may include:
- Roles as foreign language assistants in Spanish educational centers listed in the national registry of non-university schools or corresponding official registries. For information on the North American Language and Culture Assistant Program visa (NALCAP Visa).
- Spanish language courses (Castilian) or co-official languages in Spain, delivered in person at official language schools or centers accredited by the Cervantes Institute or the equivalent public body for the respective co-official language—so long as the language is not the applicant's native or official language of their country of nationality.
- Preparatory courses for entrance exams for specialized health training positions.
- Training to obtain a certificate of technical aptitude or professional license, according to the training activities, duration, and conditions established by resolution of the competent authority. Completion of a full, non-modular, non-partial training program at an authorized teaching center in Spain, leading to professional certificates of the vocational training system (Level C, levels 2 and 3), as per Organic Law 3/2022 of March 31 on Vocational Training and its implementing regulations.
WHAT TO SUBMIT
1. One National visa application form. Each applicant must complete and sign a visa application, filling in each of its sectio ns. If the applicant is a minor, one of their parents or a duly accredited representative must sign the application.
2. One Photograph. A recent Canadian visa-size (35 mm X 45 mm), colour photograph, taken against a light background, facing forward, without dark or reflective glasses, or any garments concealing the oval of the face. It must conform to ICAO standards, stamped with date and place where the photo was taken. The photograph must show the full front view of the head, with the face in the middle of the photograph, and include the top of the shoulders.
3. Valid unexpired passport. Original and a photocopy of the page or pages with biometric data of the passport. The passport must be valid for at least the entire duration of the planned stay and have two blank pages. Passports issued more than 10 years ago are not accepted.
4. Proof of admission and payment of enrollment fees for the activity: Original and a copy of the document proving:
- For higher education, post-compulsory secondary education, and training activities: documents that certify admission and payment of enrollment fees at an authorized educational center. This requirement may be satisfied by submitting a document that certifies any of the following:
- The student is exempt from payment.
- The fees were paid by the student in their home country, as they are relocating to Spain under an exchange program between institutions or academic centers. Alternatively, under a bilateral agreement between institutions, the home institution covers the cost of enrollment, tuition, or an equivalent fee at the host institution.
- Partial payment of enrollment or tuition fees is sufficient. In such cases, the formalization of enrollment is understood to fulfill both the tuition payment and admission requirements.
A single document may serve to verify both requirements.
- For student mobility programs: proof of admission, hosting by a family or institution, and a commitment from the program organizer to cover expenses. This requirement may be satisfied by submitting a document that certifies any of the following:
- The student is exempt from payment.
- The fees were paid by the student in their home country, as they are relocating to Spain under an exchange program between institutions or academic centers. Alternatively, under a bilateral agreement between institutions, the home institution covers the cost of enrollment, tuition, or an equivalent fee at the host institution.
- Partial payment of enrollment or tuition fees is sufficient. In such cases, the formalization of enrollment is understood to fulfill both the tuition payment and admission requirements.
A single document may serve to verify both requirements.
- Agreement with the organization responsible for the volunteer program.
5. Proof of financial means. Original and a copy of the documents proving that the applicant (or their legal representative or the family member supporting them) has sufficient financial means to cover the expenses of the student's stay and return, as well as the stay and return of the family members accompanying them. The minimum required amount is equivalent to 100% of Spain's Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator (IPREM). To this amount must be added 75% of the IPREM for the first family member and 50% of the IPREM for each additional family member. If proof is provided that accommodation for the entire stay has been paid for in advance, this amount will be deducted.
· Notarized letter from the parents or legal guardians (including notarized copies of their unexpired passports) assuming full financial responsibility for at least $1,000 per month for room and board. Suggested wording: “I hereby certify that I'm [LEGAL NAME], with Passport Number [...] the (father/mother/other) of [APPLICANT'S LEGAL NAME], with Passport Number [...] will support him/her with a monthly allowance of at least $1000 while he/she is in Spain and that I'm financially responsible for any emergency that may arise", along with their stamped bank statements for the last three months and original or notarized copy of applicant's birth certificate indicating the names of the applicant's parents .
6. Proof of Health insurance. The insurance must cover all risks normally covered for nationals and must be maintained for the entire duration of the authorization. It must cover at least all the preventive, diagnostic, treatment and rehabilitation assistance activities that are carried out in health centers or socio-health centers, as well as urgent health transport. Therefore, it is not necessary to cover repatriations and/or evacuations. Minimum coverage 30,000 EUR.
Medical insurance must not have a deductible, co-payment or coverage limit, that is, it must cover 100€ of medical, hospital and extra-hospital expenses. It must be health insurance (not travel).
In any case, the insurance company must be authorized to operate in Spain. There is a list of them at http://rrpp.dgsfp.mineco.es/
7. Medical certificate. A medical certificate is required for all study visa applicants . It must be issued by your family doctor and formulated as follows: "This medical certificate certifies that Mr. / Mrs. [...] does not suffer from any of the diseases that may have serious public health repercussions in accordance with the provided in the International Sanitary Regulations of 2005."
Medical certificate must be apostilled and translated into Spanish.
8. Criminal record check certificate. This requirement is not mandatory if the duration of the requested stay is less than six months. However, if the length of stay requested is longer than six months, a criminal record certificate, together with an official translation into Spanish, is required. It must be issued by the authorities of the country or countries in which you have resided for the last 5 years. In the case of Canada, only the criminal record certificate issued by the RCMP containing the visa applicant's fingerprints will be accepted.
Criminal records certificates from local police stations will not be accepted. The Canadian Criminal Record Certificate must be with the Hague Apostille Certification issued by Global Affairs Canada, and translated into Spanish. If the criminal record certificate has been issued outside of Canada, it must be legalized by the Spanish Consular Office with jurisdiction in that country, unless the country that issued it has signed the Hague Convention, in which case it must be apostilled.
The visa will not be issued without the Criminal record certificate duly apostilled by Global Affairs Canada, so it is recommended you apply well in advance for it with the Canadian authorities.
9. Proof of residence in the consular district. The applicant must provide proof of their legal residence in the consular district or that they are attending classes, in person, in the consular district. (Accepted documents, * dirver´s licence, * school, college, or university report card or transcript , * residential lease (rental agreement lease), mortgage statement, or Agreement of Purchase and Sale, * vehicle ownership or insurance document, * recent utility bill (telephone, cable, hydro/power, gas, or water).
10. If the student is a minor, you must also submit an authorization by the parents or guardian/legal tutors signed in front of a Notary and then apostilled and translated into Spanish. It must indicate the dates that the child will be staying in Spain, the school where the studies are going to take place, the information about the legal tutor who will take care of the minor while in Spain. The legal guardian or tutor in Spain must have proof of a connection or relation with the educational institution in Spain and must submit a criminal record and police certificate stating that he/she/they does not have criminal record for sexual offense. In addition, a Notarized letter from the tutor indicating that the minor will be taken care of while in Spain and including this text: "This placement will not mean any kind of adoption and the legal tutor will make sure that the minor returns to Canada when they wish or when finish the study period in Spain."
11. Payment of the visa fee. CHECK THE VI SA FEE HERE. The consular fee is to be paid the day of your appointment by money order or bank draft to the "Consulate General of Spain in Toronto".
Required documents for family members
For each family member accompanying the student, the following must be submitted:
· The documents listed above as 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 11. Where applicable, 10 must also be provided.
Moreover, the certificates proving kinship with the student (marriage certificate, unmarried couple certificate, or birth certificate, as applicable) must be provided. Foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and, where applicable, must be submitted together with an official translation into Spanish.
When necessary to assess the application, the Consular Office may request additional documents or data and may also ask the applicant to come in for a personal interview.
PROCEDURE:
This Consular Office is competent to accept visa applications from individuals residing in the consular district or who are regularly in the consular district for study purposes even if they are not a resident.
Applying for a study visa also entails applying for a study stay permit.
- Who can apply for a visa: Visa applications must be submitted in person by the applicant or by an authorized representative. When the visa application has been submitted by a legal representative, the student MUST COLLECT the visa in person at the CONSULATE.
- Place of submission: The application for authorization to stay for studies may be submitted in person or representation, requesting a prior appointment. Appointments are personal and may be booked by sending an email to (cog.toronto.citasvis@maec.es), indicating the following:
1. Email subjet: First name;Last name;STUDY VISA APPOINTMENT
(e.g. ROBERT;LEWIS;STUDY VISA APPOINTMENT . )
2. Email body:
· NATIONALITY:
· POSTAL ADDRESS: (City, Postal code)
· PHONE NUMBER:
· INTENDED DEPARTURE DATE FROM CANADA: dd/mm/yyyy - The study visa cannot be used for tourist purposes.
· ONE identification document in PDF format, PASSPORT and PROOF OF RESIDENCE IN CANADA and Certificate admission of issued in Spain by any authorized university or school
- Visa application period: Visa applications must be submitted sufficiently in advance of the beginning of the pertinent study programmes, as the procedure entails consultations with other authorities.
- Proof of receipt: The Consular Office will provide the applicant with proof of receipt of the application with a code that enables them to check the status of the dossier through the following link: https://sutramiteconsular.maec.es/Home.aspx
- Rectifying the application: The Consular Office may ask the applicant to submit any missing documents, or to provide additional documents or data that are necessary for a decision regarding the application. The applicant may also be called in for a personal interview.
- Decision period: The legal period for reaching a decision is of 1 month from the day after the application submission date, but this period may be extended if an interview or additional documents are requested. In order to avoid inconveniences and delays, please make sure to submit your visa application at least 60 days in advance to the intended travel date as the final desicion is made by Immigration Department in Spain.
- Collecting the visa: The visa must be collected personally by the applicant (or by their representative if the applicant is a minor), within a maximum period of 2 months, counting from the day following the date on which the resolution is notified. The Consular Office will inform the applicant regarding the procedure for the return of the passport and any other original documentation.
- Refusal of the visa or study stay permit: Refusals of the visa or study stay permit will always be notified in writing, setting forth the grounds on which the decision adopted was based.
- Appeals: If a study stay permit or visa is refused, the applicant may submit an appeal for reconsideration to this Consular Office within 1 month of the day following the date on which notification of the refusal is received. An application for judicial review may also be filed with the High Court of Justice of Madrid within the 2-month period beginning the day after the date on which the applicant receives notification of the visa refusal or of the dismissal of the reconsideration appeal.
- Validity period of the visa:
a)If the study stay does not exceed 6 months, the visa will be valid for the entire stay and it will not be necessary to obtain a Foreigner Identity Card.
b) If the study stay is for longer than 6 months, the visa will be valid for a 90-day stay. The student must apply for a Foreigner Identity Card within a period of 1 month from their entry into Spain, at the Foreign Nationals' Office or the Police Station of the province in which the permit was processed.