Hello,

I am an Australian hoping to solve a problem I foresee at this time next year and it is as follows:

I will be studying in Spain for a year, I arrive in Spain on a student visa on the 8th of July, 3 months before university course starts as I intend to spend time with my girlfriend (Belgium resident). Now, here is my problem as I see it and as the Spanish consulate in Australia has explained.

My temp. visa becomes active as soon as they give it too me (whilst in Australia), as a result the consulate had me apply very very late to ensure i would not have problems with the gap between my arrival and the start of my course, the issue which i didn’t see until AFTER i had paid for plane tickets and made arrangements is that if my visa becomes active on the 28th or 29th of June (which is highly likely since I handed it in on the 29th of May, and I’ve been told it will around a month.) I could run into a possible problem, as my final exams continue up till 30th of June next year.
Yes it would take extraordinary amounts of bad luck for my exams to fall this late in the month, but I would rather find a way to avoid the problems.
So, here is my question: Is it possible to extend my student visa or get a temp. visa covering an extra week or longer? (latest i can take my flight is the 8th, exactly 12 months following my first flight).
Also, can i travel outside of Spain on a temp. student visa to another Schengen state without it becoming void/messed up?

I understand that they would probably not care if stay a few extra days, however, I really don’t want to risk a 3 year ban on my visiting a Schengen state as I intend to make a permanent move to Belgium following the completion of my studies.

My apologies if this is not clear, if additional information is required or something needs to be clarified please leave a message.

The short answer is yes, you can renew your visa here.

The long answer is, unless I’ve completely fuddled the process, regardless of how long you’re studying for (as long as more than 90 days) you get a one year student card, dated from your first trip to the foreign office in Spain, and this seems to act as your right to stay here. Before it expires you can renew it (but allow plenty of time before).

More information:
I’m also Australian, currently on a student visa. When I applied for my visa I was issued a 3 month visa, although I provided proof of longer studies. While I applied from Mozambique, it was implied this was standard procedure. Once you arrive in Spain you have to go to the foreign office to apply for an extension and student card (which will have your NIE on it, which allows you to open a bank account without paying an extra, monthly non-resident fee, import a vehicle, register for health services, etc.). I think I had to go within 14 days.

At the FO, you’ve got to present the same documents you did for your original visa, plus a copy of the stamp in your passport and a form which is available at the office (solicitud de tarjeta de estudiante extranjero). Apparently they are supposed to issue your NIE on the spot, but they ‘forgot’ to give me mine. This meant several repeat visits, so make sure you get it! They will also give you a form to make payment at a bank, for your student card. You then send an email quoting your NIE to the associated police division, they reply with an appointment time, you take your passport, two photos and your receipt from the bank saying you have paid for the card, they fingerprint you, and give you a slip advising when you have to return to collect your card (approx 6 weeks).

Nothing additional was ever recorded in my passport, which is a little concerning. I haven’t left Spain yet, but when I do I’ll carry the card and hope for the best.

List of foreign offices: http://www9.map.es/servicios/servicios_on_line/extranjeria/extranjeria_ddgg.html