So… You’ve Been Accepted into INLAES — What Happens Next?

You’ve got the email. You’ve read it three times just to be sure. You’re officially in.

Now what?

First things first; take a moment to enjoy it. This is the start of something big. But once the excitement settles, it’s time to get organised, because your next steps are all about one thing: your visa.

The Visa Process (Your Main Focus Now)

If you’re coming from outside the EU, getting your visa is the key step that makes everything else possible. It might seem like a lot at first, but in reality, it’s just a series of manageable steps and we’ll be there to guide you through them.

Once you accept your placement, we’ll guide you through what comes next and outline the exact steps you need to follow. We’ll also request a few initial documents from you to make sure everything is in place for you to begin your visa process smoothly.

From there, your job is to start preparing your application.

Step One: Gather Your Documents

This is where things get real.

You’ll need to start collecting a number of official documents, and this is usually the part that takes the longest so starting early really makes a difference.

The tricky part? There isn’t one single universal list. Requirements can vary slightly depending on your consulate, but in general, you’ll be asked for a combination of documents that prove who you are, why you’re going to Spain, and how you’ll support yourself while you’re there.

Some documents you may need could be: a valid passport, a visa application form, an acceptance letter into a programme in Spain, proof that you can financially support yourself during your stay, health insurance, and in many cases a criminal record check and a medical certificate.

On top of that, some consulates may ask for additional supporting documents, like proof of accommodation or payment of programme fees. 

And here’s where things can get a bit more time consuming, certain documents (especially things like background checks or medical certificates) often need to be officially translated into Spanish and apostilled before they’re accepted. 

This is completely normal but it does mean you need to give yourself enough time.

Step Two: Book Your Consulate Appointment

Once your documents are underway (or nearly ready), it’s time to book your appointment at the Spanish consulate.

A quick heads up: appointments can be surprisingly hard to get, especially during busy periods.

So don’t wait until you have everything perfectly ready, keep checking availability and book as soon as you reasonably can.

Step Three: The Appointment (Don’t Wing This)

This is the moment where everything comes together.

At your appointment, you’ll submit your full application every document, every copy, everything.

And this part matters more than people think.

If you forget something, you might be asked to come back. And if you can’t get another appointment in time, you could risk delays… or worse, missing your start date.

So here’s the golden rule:check your documents once, then check them again, and then check them one more time.

Bring originals. Bring copies. Bring backups if you’re unsure.

It’s always better to be overprepared than stressed at the window.

Step Four: The Waiting Game

Once you’ve submitted your application, there’s not much left to do but wait.

The consulate will keep your passport while your visa is being processed, and timelines can vary depending on where you’re applying from and the time of year.

Some people hear back quickly. Others wait a bit longer.

Either way, this is the part where patience comes in.

Step Five: Visa Approved… Now It Gets Real 

When your passport comes back with your visa inside, everything suddenly feels very real.

Now you can:

• Book your flights

• Start planning your arrival

• Get ready for your move to Spain

  
  

But here’s something important this isn’t the end of the paperwork.

Once you arrive in Spain, there are still a few administrative steps to complete (like your residence card/TIE and local registration). The good news? We cover all of this during onboarding, so you won’t be figuring it out on your own.

For now, your focus is simple: get yourself to Spain.

A Quick Reality Check

The visa process isn’t complicated—but it does require attention to detail.

Most issues don’t happen because the process is difficult, but because something small gets missed:a document not translated, a missing copy, an expired certificate.

That’s why we’re here to guide you, answer your questions, and make sure you’re on track.

You’re Closer Than You Think

Right now, it might feel like there are a lot of steps between you and Spain.

But once you get started, things move quickly.

One document leads to another. One appointment gets booked. One email arrives… and suddenly you’re packing your suitcase.

And before you know it, you’re stepping off a plane and starting your INLAES experience.

If you’ve been accepted, you’re already on your way.

Now let’s get you there!