Applying for a Spain Schengen visa from Chicago is a straightforward process that opens the door to exciting adventures in Europe. With a warm smile at the BLS Visa Application Center and the accurate paperwork in hand, you’re on your way to exploring Spain’s vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and stunning landscapes. Get ready to make unforgettable memories. As part of our series on applying for a Spain Schengen visa for green card holders, this article will help visa applicants in knowing how to apply for a Spain Schengen visa in Chicago.
If you want to avoid doing the footwork yourself and would instead outsource your visa headache to us, fill out the form below, and we will assist you.
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As a green card holder, can I travel to Spain without a visa?
No, only US citizens can travel to Spain without a Schengen visa for up to 90 days. You must apply for a visa to Spain if you possess a green card, an F1 (I-20), an H1B, a G1, or a J1 kind of Visa.
The Schengen Area Free Movement Agreement states that your mother country’s citizenship is more important than where you reside. So, if your country does not have a visa agreement with the EU, you will need to apply for a Spain Schengen visa before.
Is it possible to get a Spanish visa with a US green card?
Absolutely! Green card holders can apply here in the US for a Spain visa, there is no need to travel back to their home country. However, BLS International is in charge of all short-term visa applications for Spain in the US, not the general Consulate.
Should I book a flight ticket before applying for a Spain visa in Chicago?
No, you do not need to have an airline ticket reserved before your visa processing. Instead, use the FlightGen App to create temporary bookings for your visa application, and once the Visa approves, book your actual flight tickets.
How to book an appointment with Spain BLS in Chicago?
To apply for a Spain visa with BLS International, it’s important to make an appointment in advance and get a hard copy with you. Schedule your visa appointment from Chicago here.
https://usa.blsspainvisa.com/chicago/book_appointment.php
Do note the following before you apply
- Only permanent residents of Florida, Georgia, or South Carolina may apply for a Spain visa in Chicago.
- Apply for a Schengen short-term visa if Spain is your main destination.
- If you are visiting other Schengen countries, you must spend more time in Spain to apply here.
- You can apply 6 months before your travel date.
Important Note: Before confirming, you must ensure that all of the passport’s information corresponds to the appointment. Once you save the details, you cannot change them; thus if your details don’t match, BLS will cancel your appointments.
Which state residents can apply with BLS Spain VAC in Chicago?
Residents of Wisconsin, South Dakota, Ohio, North Dakota, Nebraska, Missouri, Minnesota, Michigan, Kentucky, Kansas, Iowa, Indiana, and Illinois can apply.
Do I need to pay for any additional services at BLS Spain VAC?
Yes. The Visa Application Centers provide a number of “value add” services as upsells. But they are pricey.
| Photocopy | USD 0.50/page |
| Courier(In the city) | USD 35 |
| Courier (Out of City) | USD 35 |
| Photo Booth | USD 15 |
| Internet Kiosk | USD 10 |
| Form Filling | USD 10 |
| Prime Time Service | USD 70 |
| Flexi Hour Service | USD 35 |
| Premium Lounge | USD 60 |
| SMS | USD 5 |
So it is best to have all your documents in order , before you visit for your appointment.
Can B1/B2 visa holders apply for Spain Schengen visa?
No, if you hold a B1/B2 visa you must apply for a Schengen visa in your home country. Make sure to apply for the visa in person at least 15 days before your planned departure, and no later than 180 days before your intended departure date. Visa applications submitted with more than 180 days until your departure date won’t receive approval.
What is the fee for a Spain Schengen visa in the Chicago BLS VAC ?
| Tourist | 85.00 |
| Children between 6-12 years | 42.00 |
| Nationals of North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Moldova, Serbia, Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia | 37.00 |
| Nationals of Cabo Verde | 64.00 |
| Nationals of Cabo Verde (Children between 6-12 years) | 32.00 |
The Spanish visa application center will assess a service fee of 20 USD (including tax) to applicants who apply. Pay the fees either in cash or by debit card. VAC do not charge any service fee for children under the age of six.
The Visa Fee may change without prior notice, and once paid, it is non-refundable.
Which documents are required for a Spain Schengen visa in Chicago?
Submit following documents when applying for a Spain Schengen visa :
- Visa fees can only be paid in cash or with a debit card; money orders cannot be used.
- The applicant must fill out the entire Visa application form, sign it, and submit it. One of the applicant’s parents must sign the application if the applicant is underage. Download the Spain visa application from here.
- Two Recent US passport-size pictures in color, which is 2×2 inches (51x51mm) in size, printed on matt/glossy paper. The specifications must be as mentioned in Schengen visa Photo Specifications.
- Valid and unexpired passport .
- Proof of residence in consular jurisdiction such as Driver’s license, state ID, or Student ID.
- The receipt of a residence card, student or work visa, passport stamp, or parole authorizing a return to the United States. You should possess a valid residence card or US visa which extends at least three months beyond your intended stay in the Schengen region.
- Complete travel itinerary. Get a hard copy of the Round Trip Flight reservation with the booking reference number. Purchase the travel tickets only after your Visa has been approved. Instead, make your flight itinerary for Visa online using the FlightGen App.
- Proof of Accommodation such as hotel bookings, an official invitation letter from the host, travel arrangements made by your tour operator, or a cruise itinerary showing ports by day.
- Approved Schengen travel insurance In case of medical emergencies, accidents, or unfortunate events, you need medical travel insurance, which covers at least 30,000 euros or around USD 50,000 in all Schengen areas throughout your stay. Remember, an insurance card won’t do. You need to provide a detailed coverage breakdown or a visa letter when applying.
- Financial sustenance proof that you have sufficient money for your trip, which can include 3 months of latest bank statements. If your most recent statement is more than a week old, you must obtain a bank seal. It is recommended to have at least an average balance of $110 per day per person of stay in the Schengen area or, if your vacation is less than 10 days, maintain a minimum of $1100.
- Sponsorship letter (only for members of the immediate family):
- The signed and sealed letter from the employer where the sponsor works and the last three paystubs, serve as proof of employment.
- The three most recent bank statements.
- Tax Return
- W2 and 1040 form Evidence of connection (such as a birth certificate or tax return proving your dependency)
- Proof of Employment, such as an employment offer letter stating the role, pay, and a leave authorization letter. You must also provide your latest three paystubs, a tax list (1040 forms), or a W2.
- For Self-employed, give the last 3 months’ corporate bank statements along with IT returns. Issue if you have any professional license or certificate of incorporation.
- For retired, Issue a Social Security Administration letter certifying monthly pension.
- For students, proof of enrollment such as F1 copy, School ID card, or transcripts are accepted.
- Business travellers get a company letter indicating the length of their stay and an invitation letter from a Spanish company.
- For minors, accurate legal documents must be submitted by the parents/guardians, which include a birth certificate, legal custody, a notarized letter from both parents authorizing travel, a notarized copy of the parent’s ID, and financial documentation (three most recent bank statements, taxes (W2 and 1040 Form), three most recent pay stubs, and, in some circumstances, a notarized copy of the green card).
- If one of the parents doesn’t live in Florida, Georgia, or South Carolina, you can apply at the nearest Spanish Consulate to your residence.
If parents are divorced, issue the final judgment containing the conditions for child custody.
Also, make sure your payments are made in either cash or debit cards for the visa process. For more details, the documents required for a Schengen visa visit here.
How long does it take to process my Spain Schengen visa in Chicago?
Typically, your application will be processed within 15 days. First, your application will be accepted at the visa application centre and then submitted to Spanish Consulate General. Some nations may need extra security checks for their visa applications, which could delay the processing time.
Make sure to submit your applications at least 15 days before your departure date to avoid last-minute hustle.
What are the different types of Spain Schengen Visa?
Tourist Visa: Explore the enchanting beauty of Spain hassle-free! Get your Spain tourist visa today and embark on a memorable journey filled with culture, sun-kissed beaches, and delicious
cuisine.
Transit Visa: If you have a layover in one of Spain’s airports, you need this Visa.
Business visa: If you are conducting international business affairs, meeting partners, attending a conference, trade fairs, or any other business activities, you need a business visa with a
letter of invitation.
Visitor visa: If you are visiting relatives or friends who live in Spain, you need this visa.
Diplomat visa: Authorities issue these visas to individuals officially representing their country during visits.
Medical visa: If the sole objective is to visit Spain for any medical treatment, apply for this visa.
Student Visa: If you legally want to study in Spain at any university or college for any period, then apply for Student Visa.
Sports and Film Crew Visa: This visa is designed for athletes, sports enthusiasts, film crew members, and anyone actively participating in events, competitions, or filmmaking in Spain.
Spouse Visa: If you look forward to staying with your spouse, who is a resident or on a work permit, apply for this visa.
How to Apply for a Spain Schengen visa in Chicago?
To increase your chances of getting a Spain Schengen visa, follow the below steps in order :
- Confirm your jurisdiction is Spain Chicago BLS VAC
- Book your Appointment and note down the ARN number.
- Write your cover letter for a Spain Schengen visa.(Know more about cover letter for a Spain Schengen visa.)
- Fill out your Application Form for the Spain Schengen visa (Download in English ) (Download in Spanish)
- Get Travel insurance for a Spain Schengen visa.
- Get a Flight itinerary and proof of accommodation( if you do not have one).
- Get all the documents you are submitting and keep them in the same order
- If someone else sponsors your trip, then they must also fill out Sponsorship letter on your behalf.
- In the case of minors, the parents must accommodate the child during the interview and have the parental authorization letter filled out.
- Make sure to fill out the visa collection acknowledgement notice, which states that you will have medical insurance throughout your trip and won’t cancel it prior to departure.
- Gather and prepare each document in accordance with the requirements.
- Attend the appointment with a printed copy of your schedule.
- Enter your biometric information, sign it, and submit your paperwork.
- The average processing time is 7 days, so expect your Visa to be issued within 15 days.
Where in Chicago can you apply for a Spain Schengen visa?
121 W Wacker Dr #1430, Chicago, IL 60601, USA
Timings
Passport Collection Time
(Monday through Friday) from 15:00 to 16:00 hrs
Submission Time
(Monday through Friday) from 10:00 to 14:00 hrs
Phone
+1 516-888-1169
Email
[email protected]
Who is BLS International?
BLS International is a respected business partner of diplomatic missions for non-judgmental administrative tasks such as outsourcing passport, Visa, and attestation applications in India and overseas. It currently has 101 offices that support diplomatic missions in 22 different countries, and a few more are under construction. It has demonstrated that, for its clients’ benefit, it can outsource Visa, Passport, Consular, and Value-Added Services. BLS International processes more than 14.3 million applications annually. They operate in Austria, Poland, Lithuania, Spain, UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, the Republic of Korea, Philippines, Singapore, India, and South Africa, where they employ more than 500 employees. We have a couple more procedures planned.