What can I do to continue living in Spain after completing my studies?
Once a foreigner has completed their studies in Spain with a student visa, it’s natural to explore the options available to them for staying in the country. Fortunately, there are several possibilities and legal avenues that can allow foreign students to continue their stay in Spain after completing their studies. In this article, we’ll explore the different options and requirements that those wishing to extend their stay in Spain after completing their study program should consider.
What visa do I need to continue in Spain after completing my studies? How can I continue in Spain if I just graduated? How do I obtain a Study Permit? Is there a permit that allows me to stay in Spain after completing my studies?
1. Extension of Authorization of Stay for Studies
If a student wishes to continue their academic studies, one option is to request an extension of their study permit. This extension can be considered when pursuing a new academic program, such as a master’s degree, offering the possibility of extending their stay in the country.
But, such situations must be met:
- That the student continues to meet the general requirements for applying for a student visa, which implies having sufficient financial means , having full medical insurance coverage during the stay in Spain, and proving the completion of studies , training, research activities, or a mobility program in the country.
- As a specific requirement for an extension, the student must demonstrate that they have passed the tests or requirements necessary to continue their studies, or that the research they are conducting abroad is progressing. In other words, they must demonstrate that they have performed well in their previous studies , having successfully passed and completed them.
In short, the study must be related to previous studies and must be at the same level or higher.
It’s important to remember that this time does not count toward obtaining citizenship.
2. Residence Permit for Job Search
For students wishing to seek employment opportunities in Spain, there is the option of applying for a residence permit for job search. This permit allows students to seek work in the country and obtain a residence card, facilitating the transition to the workforce.
Unlike the stay for studies permit, this permit counts toward applying for Spanish nationality.
It should be noted that the permit is for a maximum of one year, with no possibility of extension . This permit does not give the student the right to work , so if the student finds a job before the end of the year, they must change their permit to a permit that allows them to work without having to leave the country or obtain a new visa.
3. Residency for Professional Practices
Students who wish to gain work experience through internships can apply for a residence permit for professional internships. This permit makes it much easier for students who have completed higher education studies to obtain a residence permit. Moreover, this permit can be processed for a foreign student who has completed their studies outside of Spain and wishes to come to the country to enter into an internship agreement or contract.
The permit application will be processed very quickly, within 30 days . If it is not processed within this period, the permit will be deemed rejected due to administrative silence.
The residence permit for professional internships will be valid for six months , or the duration of the internship agreement, whichever is shorter. This authorization may be renewed only once, and the total duration of the initial authorization and its extension may not exceed one year.
4. Visa for Highly Qualified Professionals (PAC)
Students with a high level of professional specialization may consider obtaining a Highly Qualified Professional (HQP) visa: Students who have earned undergraduate or graduate degrees from universities and business schools . This visa is aimed at highly qualified and experienced professionals, offering the opportunity to access specific job opportunities.
This residence permit grants the aforementioned individuals a three-year residence permit , or the duration of the contract, whichever is shorter. After this period, they may apply to renew their residence permit for two years , and may obtain permanent residency after five years.
5. Residence and Employment as an Employer or Self-Employed
When applying for a change from a Study Stay to a Residence and Work Permit, a combined residence and work permit is granted, which must be requested by the corresponding employer or business owner . This permit may be granted if the employer demonstrates the student’s suitability for the position, offering a path to integration into the Spanish labor market.
If you wish to work independently, the student must demonstrate sufficient investment for the project and the impact it will have on job creation, including self-employment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, once a foreign student has completed their studies in Spain, there are several options for extending their stay in the country. From extending their study permit to obtaining a residence permit for job searches, to completing an internship, or obtaining a Highly Qualified Professional visa, there are a variety of legal options available.
These options provide international students with the opportunity to continue their academic development, gain work experience, or integrate into the Spanish labor market, thus contributing to their personal and professional growth.
