We went to our appointment today (February 8th 2025) at BLS Miami.
- We arrived super early (7:00 am) for our 8:30 am appointment. Only two more people arrived around 8:00 am for a Tourist Visa with no appointment. We waited on the chairs by the elevator.
- At 8:20 am, security checked our appointment confirmation letter and passports, and two minutes later, we were called inside the BLS office.
- 8:30 am – They called my husband first to present all the documents at the window.
- 8:40 am – They called me to present my documents.
We could not get the certificate of insurance (Certificate of Coverage) but presented a letter from the broker with the details of the insurance purchased and the payment receipt. They may ask for the certificate later, which we hope to receive this week.
We presented all originals and one copy (there is no space to arrange papers at the window, so bring everything in order).
- 8:50 am – We were called for payment. We paid $386 first and $16 later for notifications. Only debit cards were accepted.
- I asked for a breakdown of charges, and the lady replied that a list would be provided at the end.
- Then, they took our photos for the visa.
- They gave us a receipt and explained the procedures for visa pickup: in-person, with the receipt, between 3-4 pm, with no appointment necessary.
By 9:15 am, we were done.
Parking is available nearby with the PayByPhone app or in the building garage for $10 cash.
Questions and Answers
Q: “Did you submit one year of federal tax returns? Did you need copies of W-2s, 1099s, etc., or just the tax return itself?”
A: “They only ask for the first two pages of the 2023 income tax return. You can find the Spanish version online. No W-2s or 1099s needed.“
Q: “I didn’t know courier service for passport return was available. That will save us the cost of a plane ticket!”
A: “Yes, BLS offers courier service for those who don’t live in Miami. If you can’t find an appointment, you can also show up early (7:00 am) and pay an $80 fee as a walk-in.”
Q: “Do you know if they have the same policy in San Francisco?”
A: “I don’t know. It seems that every office manages things differently, even when it comes to requirements. Try posting your question specifically for BLS San Francisco, and people will reply.”
Q: “Did you use an FBI-approved channeler for the background check, or did you work directly with the FBI and the State Department for the apostille?”
A: “I used Docurapid in Coral Gables. They handled everything:
- Fingerprints
- Translation
- State Department apostille
- Notarization
We did fingerprints on November 13 2024 at their office and received everything back by December 10. We paid about $250 per person, but it was worth it for the convenience of an all-in-one service.”
Q: “Our appointment letter says to arrive 10 minutes early. Why did you arrive an hour and a half early?”
A: “I wasn’t sure if this worked like the Miami Passport Agency, where they give everyone the same appointment time and call you in first-come, first-serve order. No need to arrive too early unless you don’t have an appointment.”
Q: “Did they give you an estimated time for visa processing?”
A: “They said 3-6 weeks if everything is okay.”
Comments
- “Thanks for the detailed info! I didn’t know about the courier service—this will be helpful!”
- “This post is really helpful! We’re applying in May and weren’t sure if we needed W-2s and 1099s—glad to know just the first two pages of tax returns are required.”
- “Wow, I didn’t know you could just show up and pay $80 for a walk-in appointment. Good to know for emergencies!”
- “Didn’t realize how different each BLS office can be! Thanks for the info!”
Conclusion
Applying for the Spain Non Lucrative Visa at BLS Miami requires careful preparation, and while the process can be smooth, minor uncertainties can arise. Here are the key takeaways:
- Arrive on time, but don’t go too early – If you have an appointment, arriving 10-15 minutes early is sufficient. Walk-ins should arrive by 7:00 am and be prepared to pay an $80 fee.
- Have all documents organized – There is no space to arrange papers at the window, so having everything in order beforehand helps.
- Visa payment is only by debit card – Bring a debit card as credit cards and cash are not accepted.
- You don’t need all tax forms – Only the first two pages of your tax return are required. No W-2s or 1099s.
- The background check can take time – Using an FBI-approved channeler or services like Docurapid can speed up the process.
- Visa pickup is simple – It can be done in person with the receipt, between 3-4 pm, with no appointment necessary.
- Courier service is available – If you don’t live in Miami, you can opt for passport delivery instead of picking it up in person.
Every BLS office operates differently, so always check with the specific office where you’re applying. While the Spain Non Lucrative Visa process requires patience, staying organized and informed makes it more manageable. This information is based on a personal experience and is not official.
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