In a major development under the US immigration controls, Spain has launched a new initiative called ‘EduBridge to Spain,’ under which the nation has entered a new fast-track visa and has been welcoming students who are affected by the student restriction rules by the Trump administration.
It is to be reported that this initiative was released after the United States government denied the entry of international students due to tightened policies, focused on social media vetting, and halted visa interviews. At this time, the government of Spain has mentioned that under this new launch, students can continue their education without unnecessary delays.
Fast-track path for international students
This new program by Spain will provide education to the students who have been denied education in US universities, which means that the students can quickly transfer the progress from US-based universities to Spanish educational institutions.
This involves easier verification of prior held course work, credit transferring of current qualification, as well as easier transfer of academic records. The program also covers a broad educational spectrum; it can begin at the high school level, at the undergraduate level, or at the postgraduate level, and the student can move nearly at any stage of their studies.
Convenient study visa and work rights
In another step to complement the move, Spain, through its Migration Ministry, has announced that its consular offices in the US will give priority to student visa applications. In Spain, once they have arrived, the issuance of the Foreigner Identity Cards (TIE) will be fast-tracked not only to the students but also to the professors and researchers.
Also, only worthy students will be given an opportunity to engage in part-time jobs in order to relieve the financial pressure and facilitate a more holistic experience in Spain.
Entrance may be boxed up by new Immigration law
Nevertheless, it is not a simple plan without any obstacles. A new Spanish immigration law that took effect on 20 may also have new restrictions over several types of visas, including student permit visas.
These requirements require the students to adhere to stricter deadlines for delivery of academic materials, evidence of medical cover and housing, as well as a reduced period of obtaining a residence permit.
Apune (Association of American University Programmes in Spain) says that students are confused in terms of tuition payments since most of the universities in Spain do not demand payments until September, yet those who apply to get visas may be required to pay an upfront fee.
Scientists are among the beneficiaries
Apart from students, this initiative could also benefit US-based scientists who will be affected by the new policies of the Trump Administration. Spain has been inviting such scientists to relocate to the nation. Amid this announcement, the Science and Innovation Minister of Spain, Diana Morant, has stated that approximately 200,000 will be added to the funds of each scientist-centric project.