Do You Need A Visa?
For all of our summer programs and mini-term programs, no student visa is needed for U.S Citizens. For semester programs, you will most likely need to apply for a student visa.
Your visa situation depends on your destination and program length. Find yours below.
VISA REQUIRED
Apply in the U.S. before departure. Must start at least 2 months early. Expanish provides most documents.
VISA REQUIRED
Apply in the U.S. before departure. Must start at least 2 months early. Expanish provides most documents.
NO VISA REQUIRED
Students going to Costa Rica, do not need to apply for a student visa, unless they plan to stay for more than 1 semester in a row.
NO VISA REQUIRED
All of our Summer Programs are under 90 days in all locations and do not require student visas for U.S citizens (be sure to verify information if you are not currently a U.S citizen)
Semester students: start your visa process the moment you're enrolled.
Spain and Argentina require your application at least 2 months before departure and consulate appointment slots fill fast. Neither can be rushed. Don't wait.
UCEAP Semester Students
If you're attending a UCEAP semester program, your university will guide you through the specific visa requirements and application process.
👉 Please contact your university’s study abroad office directly for all visa-related questions and instructions.
Visa Information By Country
The thought of obtaining a student visa can feel daunting, that's why we have created step-by-step guides to be sure that you have all of the information needed to successfully apply for your student visa. Be sure that you always double-check information with your specific consulate and hace original versions and copies of each document required.
Spain Student Visa Guide
🚨You must apply before leaving the U.S. — this is non-negotiable.
Step-by-step: how to get your Spain visa
Book your consulate appointment immediately
Go to the BLS International portal for your home state (see consulate table below). Select "General Student Visa" and book your slot. Appointments fill up weeks out, especially for fall departures. You need this appointment before anything else.
Pay your Expanish deposit to unlock your documents
Once your deposit is paid, Expanish will send your Program Acceptance Letter, Health Insurance Certificate, and Proof of Housing. These three documents come from us and you can't get them anywhere else. Don't wait until the last minute to complete payment.
Get your Medical Certificate from your doctor
This is a new requirement as of May 2025. Your physician confirms you have no diseases requiring quarantine per 2005 International Health Regulations. A bilingual template is available on the BLS website. Schedule your doctor's appointment early, this can take time.
Gather your personal documents
Valid passport (1+ year from start date, 2 blank pages), 2 passport photos (white background, last 6 months), proof of financial means (bank statements showing ~€600–1,000/month), proof of U.S. residence (driver's license or student ID), and the completed Visa Application Form EX-00 downloaded from your BLS page.
Attend your consulate appointment
Bring every document with one photocopy. Show up on time — consulates are strict. Staff will review your documents and may ask basic questions about your program. Your passport is held for processing; you'll receive a receipt.
Track and pick up your visa (4–8 weeks)
Track your application at usa.blsspainglobal.com. When approved, collect your passport with visa stamped inside at the BLS center, or opt for courier return. You're ready to go. 🎉
Find Your Consulate
Consulate | States covered | BLS booking portal |
|---|---|---|
New York | CT, DE, ME, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT | |
Washington D.C. | DC, MD, NC, VA, WV | |
Miami | FL, GA, PR, SC, U.S. Virgin Islands | |
Chicago | IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MI, MN, MO, NE, ND, OH, SD, WI | |
Houston | AL, AR, LA, MS, OK, TN, TX | |
Los Angeles | AZ, CO, HI, NM, NV (south), UT | |
San Francisco | AK, CA (north), ID, MT, NV (north), OR, WA, WY | |
Boston | Parts of New England — confirm with consulate |
Argentina Student Visa Guide
🚨 You must apply at an Argentine consulate in the U.S. before leaving — do not wait until you arrive.
Step-by-step: how to get your Argentina visa
Contact your Argentine consulate immediately
Find the Argentine consulate covering your home state in the table below and reach out to book an appointment. Processing takes approximately 8 weeks, so contact them as soon as you enroll — do not wait until you have all your documents in hand.
Pay your Expanish deposit to unlock your documents
Once your deposit is paid, Expanish will send your Enrollment Confirmation Letter (registered with Argentina's RENURE system), Health Insurance Certificate, Proof of Program Payment, and Signed Terms & Conditions. These come from us — you cannot obtain them elsewhere. Do not delay payment.
Gather your personal documents
Valid passport (6+ months past program end date, 2 blank pages), 2 passport-size photos (4×4 cm, white background), and proof of financial means (3–6 months of bank statements, or a notarized parental support letter with bank statements and ID). Some documents may need certified Spanish translation — Expanish will advise once you're enrolled.
Attend your consulate appointment
Bring every document with one photocopy — printed, not digital. Arrive on time. Your consulate will review your application, collect the fee, and advise on next steps. Requirements can vary slightly by consulate, so confirm the exact document list with your specific office beforehand.
Wait for processing (~8 weeks)
Your passport may be held during processing, or the consulate may advise a different collection process. Keep your receipt. Contact Expanish if you have any issues or questions during this period.
Visa in hand — you're ready to go
Your student visa will be stamped into your passport. Bring it (and printed copies of all your documents) when you travel. You're cleared to enter Argentina as a registered student. 🎉
Find Your Consulate
Consulate | States covered | Contact |
|---|---|---|
New York | CT, DE, ME, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT | |
Washington D.C. | DC, MD, VA, WV, NC | |
Miami | FL, GA, PR, U.S. Virgin Islands | |
Chicago | IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MI, MN, MO, NE, ND, OH, WI | |
Houston | AL, AR, LA, MS, OK, TN, TX | |
Los Angeles | AZ, CO, HI, NM, NV, UT | |
San Francisco | AK, CA (north), ID, MT, OR, WA, WY |
Travel Documents
No visa needed — all Expanish Costa Rica programs are visa-free.
U.S. citizens can stay in Costa Rica for up to 180 days without a visa. All Expanish programs in Costa Rica fall well within this limit.
What to bring for Costa Rica entry
Valid U.S. passport (6+ months validity beyond your stay)
Return or onward ticket — have it accessible at immigration
Proof of sufficient funds may be requested