Which documents expire before a Non-Lucrative Visa appointment?

The FBI check, the medical certificate and civil certificates such as marriage and birth certificates are read as stale after about three months. Order them inside their window, counted back from your appointment, not in the first week.

Do I need an FBI check if I lived abroad?

The consulate asks for a criminal record certificate from every country you lived in during the last five years. The FBI check covers the U.S. years; each other country issues its own, apostilled or legalised there.

Which Spanish consulate handles my application?

The one whose jurisdiction covers the state where you live, and you apply in person. California is split by county between Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Non-Lucrative Visa Document Checklist, Dated to Your Appointment

Your situation

Consulate list · 2026

The state where you live

Your appointment booked, or the date you are aiming for

Every date below counts back from this one. Book the appointment first: it decides everything else.

Who moves with you

Spouse or partner 0

Children 0

What you will live on Social Security A pension, annuity or retirement account Investments or dividends Rental income Savings in the bank

Also true for me I still work and will stop before the appointmentThe job has to end first. No work of any kind is allowed on this visa, remote included. I lived outside the U.S. in the last five years A document shows a different name from my passport U.S. military service or an old arrest on record

Your consulate

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Choose your state to see where you apply.

Want me to look at it?

Send me this list as you have set it. I read it myself and reply within 24 hours with what I would change for your consulate. Free, and it commits you to nothing.

Not legal advice. A planning list. Each consulate keeps its own list and changes it without notice, so check the official page linked on the right before the appointment. I check yours against it when we work together.

Your Non-Lucrative Visa documents, dated.

Your situation

Want me to look at it?