Here’s a summary of the top 5 most important things from the Non Lucrative Visa Spain Experience at Houston Consulate:
- Legal Assistance: Using a law firm was beneficial for handling the visa application process efficiently, especially for those who may lack the time or expertise to do it themselves, despite the higher cost.
- Documentation Requirements: The consulate required several notarized affidavits, including proof of no intention to work and financial responsibility for dependents. These documents didn’t need to be translated, but having translations could be safer. It’s also important to ensure all names appear on financial documents to avoid additional affidavits.
- Financial Statements: Applicants must provide 12 months of financial statements, and although only the summary might be requested, bringing complete statements is advisable as requirements may vary.
- Application Fees and Payment Method: The total fee was $350, payable by USPS money order or debit card before 2:00 pm since cards are not accepted after that time. This highlights the need to prepare the correct payment method in advance.
- Processing and Pickup: Processing times are typically 4-8 weeks, but faster times have been reported. Applicants have the choice to either pick up their passports/visas in person or have them mailed, for which a prepaid envelope from the post office is required.
The first-hand experience at Houston BLS Office
“We had our Houston/BLS appointment on Tuesday. Here is a summary: We used Carbray law firm. For the most part we were happy with them. They were expensive but it was worth it for us. We arrived at the BLS office and saw a sign that said they take in walk-ins but there is a $75 charge.
Since we had an appointment set up by our Lawyers it didn’t apply to us. My husband was the primary applicant and I was the dependent. They were courteous but there were a few hiccups.
They wanted a notarized affidavit stating that we were not going to work. My husband had a retirement letter from his employer and pension information. I had a letter from my former company stating I was no longer working but they still required it. They gave us the language and we were able to go to a notary and take it back the same day. They did not ask for it to be translated.
To be on the safe side I would have taken the notarized affidavit and a translation to the appointment. They said they were open until 5:00 but really close at 2:00. We arrived with the affidavit after 2:00 based on what they said but they made an exception and processed it.
They requested an additional notarized affidavit stating that my husband would be financially responsible for me as a dependent. This may have been because the bank statements only showed his name. In retrospect we should have made sure that both our names appeared on them. We completed and submitted that affidavit along with the previous one. They asked for 12 months of financial statements. Did not need to be translated and they only asked for the summary. ADVICE: Take all of the info not only the summary.
They pointed to a large box of complete bank statements they requested from someone. Not sure when they ask only for the summary and not the entire history. They only requested an address. No proof of a rental or property purchase. Glue, don’t staple the photo to the application.
The total fee for both of us was $350. Important: Make sure it’s a money order from USPS or you can pay with a debit card before 2:00 pm. They don’t take debit cards after that time. I would not risk it and do a money order. They said processing would take 4-8 weeks on average.
But I’ve heard people in this group get them sooner. They are supposed to send us an email confirmation once they send them to the consular services. We didn’t get one today. Once we get it I’ll tell the group know if it contains an update/status mechanism. They give you the option to mail the passports/visa or pick them up in person. If you want them mailed I would get a prepaid envelope from the post office when you buy the money order. And now we wait with bated breath”
Questions and Answers
Q: Which documents had to be apostilled? Which documents had to be translated by an approved translator?
A: You are going to find links to the official requirements in English and Spanish for Houston consulate NLV here: https://spainguru.es/spain-non-lucrative-visa-houston-consulate/
Q: How did you make an appointment with BLS?
A: “We used a law firm to do our documentation and they set up the appointment. If you’re in Houston I would just pop in and ask them. You can Google the address. They are close to The Galleria.”
Comments
- “This is great information! I plan on starting in July.”
- “I applied in Los Angeles last Friday and just got my confirmation email today. I was told processing time would be 2-3 weeks.”
- “Thank you for sharing this. We’re in the Woodlands and will be doing the same soon. I’ll save your post to make sure we do all those things.”
Conclusion
Navigating the Non-Lucrative Visa application process at the Houston Consulate requires careful preparation and understanding of the detailed requirements. Applicants have reported variability in document demands, such as financial statements and affidavits.
Utilizing legal services has proved helpful for many to ensure compliance and efficiency in this intricate process. Key advice includes ensuring all documentation is complete, understanding payment methods and timings, and preparing for unexpected requests or changes in consulate operations.
