Passports

Prior to receiving detailed information in April 2026, please work on securing a valid passport as soon as possible. As a participant of N.U.in Spain, you must have a passport valid through at least July 1, 2028, or eighteen months after the end of your N.U.in program. We recommend applying for or renewing your passport as soon as possible if you do not already have a passport or if it will expire before July 1, 2028. Please note that you will need to surrender your passport to the Embassy/Consulate (sometimes for 8-12 weeks or longer at a time) as part of the visa application process, which could impact your personal summer travel.

N.U.in Semester Visa

It is your responsibility to obtain an appropriate visa, if necessary, prior to your arrival in Spain. Please check with your local Spanish consular authority for the most updated visa requirements and processes.

Detailed information about your N.U.in location’s visa process will be provided in the spring preceding your fall program entry. If applicable, Northeastern or the host partner institution will provide the documentation needed. Please note that such information is intended as informational guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Global Experience Office staff cannot advise students or families concerning visa requirements and/or application processes.

The 2026 N.U.in Spain Visa Guide will become available on this webpage in April 2026.

Please read and ensure that you understand the following points regarding the visa process of your N.U.in location:

Since the N.U.in Spain program is over 90 days, all students who do not hold a European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) passport will need to apply for a Spanish Study Visa before departing for Spain. This includes U.S. citizens.

Applying for a Spanish visa requires time, effort, and multiple steps. While we will provide you guidance on the process, it is ultimately your responsibility to secure your visa in a timely manner. The visa process can take 8-12+ weeks, depending on the consulate or BLS center where students are applying and your specific situation. Consulate of Jurisdiction is based on your official permanent address. Based on current Spanish government policies, some students may be required to travel to their local Spanish consulate or BLS center to submit their application and/or pick up their approved visa. During visa processing, students will not be in possession of their passport, which could impact any summer travel plans requiring your passport. Students in N.U.in Spain are encouraged to carefully consider extended summer travel as it may affect their ability to obtain a visa before the start of their N.U.in program.

Please be aware that you will also be responsible for any fees associated with the application, including consular fees, travel expenses, and additional documentation (e.g., background checks or medical certificates). Please stay proactive and check your Northeastern email regularly for updates. It is imperative not to wait until the last minute to begin the visa application process. 

European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) passport holders do not require a visa to participate in N.U.in Spain, however, if you hold both a U.S. and an EU/EEA passport, you will need to travel with both passports. Your EU/EEA passport is required to enter Spain, while your U.S. passport will be needed for your return to the United States.

If you cannot obtain a valid visa in time for the program start date, please refer to the N.U.in Payment and Withdrawal Policy in your Application Status Check (posted in late spring) and contact the Global Experience Office to discuss next steps.

Non-US Students F-1 Visa Process

Please note, enrolling students who anticipate needing an F-1 Visa for the duration of their time at Northeastern on the Boston campus are eligible to begin the application process as soon as possible once an enrollment deposit has been received. Students will need to first request for and receive a Form I-20 from Northeastern prior to applying for an F-1 visa. Additional information about the F-1 visa process can be found in the OGS Self-Service Portal and will be updated as guidance evolves (Note: You must be logged in with your Northeastern credentials to access this article).

If you will require a Spanish student visa to participate in N.U.in Spain and an F-1 visa for your time at Northeastern’s Boston campus, please plan carefully to ensure you have access to your passport when needed. Should you have questions about completing your N.U.in visa requirements and F-1 obligations over the summer, please contact us at [email protected].