Last Updated on May 2, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi
Firsthand experience with the Spain Non Lucrative Visa application process at the Chicago Consulate, including detailed document preparation and timeline tips.
“We finally got our appointments at the Chicago site!! Everything went very smoothly. We had all what they were asking for including the bank statement for the previous year and average balance. Again thanks to our local BMO manager who went above and beyond to help us.
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List of things in the order that were organized and that is the way they asked them for:
National application form with picture glued
Passport with one copy
Copy of driving license and the original to verify
Form EX-01
Form 790 that we finished there because we weren’t sure (address from Spain is the right thing to do)
Health insurance certificate
Proof of funds: Social Security statement, bank statements and letter from the bank, savings and investments
Proof of accommodation (AirBnB with address for 3 months)
FBI background check apostilled and a copy, translations too
Bilingual medical certificate (template from the website)
Letter of intention (it is only in the Spanish version on the site)
Extra for me: marriage license apostilled and translated (they didn’t want my proof of means except for Social Security statements because I am sponsored by my husband)
We paid 344 USD for both of us, everything by debit card, even though the site says the Form 790 had to be paid by money order (glad ours were not written).
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Explore Cities →The ladies taking care of us were very nice and helpful and happy that we had everything. They told us 4 to 8 weeks because they have a lot of students applying. Patience is what we need now.
Thanks to this group and other similar ones for all the information helping us enormously. Hopefully this will be useful for someone else.”
Questions and Answers
Q: Did you fill out the forms by hand or typed? All caps? Also, for birthplace on the forms, did you use city or state?
A: “We filled the 790 there in the office because I couldn’t do it on the computer. The rest we typed, and yes, in all caps. We put city and state in my husband’s form. I was born in another country, so it was different. I hope it helps 😊”
Q: How long did it take to get the appointment?
A: “It was hard. I think it’s because student visa applications increase dramatically at this time.”
Q: About bank statements—did they have to be stamped? Did you submit all pages? Can printed statements work if you don’t get paper ones?
A: “I had all the statements since December because it is the new requirement. No stamps, but all of them had our name, address, and the account number. I printed checking and savings statements.”
Conclusion
The Spain Non Lucrative Visa application process at the Chicago Consulate appears organized and smooth when you come well-prepared.
Applicants who bring all required documents—including financial proofs dating back several months, apostilled and translated documents, and properly completed forms—report positive and professional experiences.
Appointments can be difficult to secure during peak times, especially when student visa demand surges. Some forms (like Form 790) can be completed on-site, and while the official site may indicate payment by money order, debit card payments may still be accepted.
Bank statements don’t necessarily need to be stamped, but must clearly show your identity and account details. Both digital and printed statements were accepted in this case.
Key Takeaways
- Thorough preparation leads to a smooth experience
Bringing organized, complete documentation—especially financial records and apostilled documents—makes the process efficient at the Chicago Consulate. - Appointments can be limited
Booking an appointment during peak seasons (like when student visa demand increases) may require flexibility in your timeline. - Form and payment flexibility
Some forms, such as Form 790, can be filled out on-site. Despite official instructions, debit card payments were accepted instead of money orders. - Bank statements don’t need to be stamped
Printed statements were accepted as long as they included the applicant’s name, address, and account numbers. - Spanish consulate staff were professional and helpful
Applicants found the consulate staff friendly, efficient, and encouraging when all documents were in order.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is based on personal experiences and contributions shared by members of the Spainguru community. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified expert for guidance specific to your situation.
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