Stay in Spain After the Auxiliar Program: Visa & Study Options
Are you currently working as an English teacher, an auxiliar de conversación in Spain, or planning to become one? Major immigration changes taking effect on May 20, 2025, may limit your ability to remain in Spain long-term.
This update affects student visa holders and language assistants, particularly those using their time in Spain to explore long-term residency or employment. Are you an Auxiliar de Conversación looking to transition from Student Visa to Work Visa in Spain? Then you’ll want to know all your options!
Watch our Webinar and download the guide!
This free resource will give you the clarity and strategy you need to plan ahead. In it, you’ll discover:
- How the 2025 immigration changes impact visa modification for auxiliares and language students
- Auxiliares de conversación visa options to transition from student visa to work visa after the May deadline
- Legal ways to stay and work in Spain after your program ends
- What types of study programs can help you maintain legal status and even lead to permanent residency
- How to position yourself now for success — from choosing the right education program to building a professional network
- Expert answers to real questions from other auxiliares navigating the same uncertainty
- Get exclusive discounts on legal consultations and scholorships to our Master’s Programs.
What’s Changing for Auxiliares and Language Students in 2025?
Starting May 2025, auxiliares de conversación and students studying Spanish on a student visa will no longer be able to modify their visa directly to a work permit after completing their programs.
Many people use these programs as casual year abroad-style experience and leave after one or two years to return home and start their career. For many reasons (be that falling in love, falling in love with Spain, falling out of love, falling out of love with your home country, etc.), many language assistants are looking for long-term ways to stay in Spain and develop themselves professionally outside the teaching world.
Until now, many language assistants could use their time in Spain as a stepping stone to work or residence visas. Under the new law, this pathway will close — your options to stay legally and transition professionally will become much more limited if you’re on a certain Student Visa.
That’s why understanding your next steps — and having a clear plan — is absolutely essential.
Key Take Aways from our Webinar
New Immigration Law – What’s Changing on May 20, 2025?
Spain’s new immigration regulation states that:
Auxiliares de conversación and students in language programs will no longer be able to switch to a work permit once their visa or program ends.
Previously, many auxiliares used their student visa time to eventually transition to a work permit or residency, especially after spending two or three years in Spain. This new law closes that pathway.
Who is affected?
- Current or future auxiliares de conversación (NALCAP, BEDA, MEDEAS, British Council)
- Students studying Spanish language with a student visa
- Individuals planning to use these programs as a bridge to long-term residency
- If this is you, the ability to modify your student visa to a work visa will be restricted after May 20, 2025.
What are your legal alternatives to transition from a student to a work visa?
Fortunately, you still have viable options — but you must plan ahead. One of the most strategic and secure routes is enrolling in an accredited Master’s program in Spain.
What happens if you don’t act before May 20th?
If you’re still on a student visa as a language assistant or studying Spanish, and you don’t switch to a different track before May 20, 2025, you may:
- Lose the ability to modify to a work permit
- Have to leave Spain when your contract or course ends
- Miss the opportunity to build a professional career in Spain
What steps can I take to build my career long-term in Spain
If your goal is to build a long-term future in Spain, there are still legal, viable options available.
Enroll in an Accredited Master’s Program
One of the most reliable ways to stay in Spain legally and transition to a long-term visa is through a university-accredited Master’s program. These programs offer:
- Student visa eligibility for one or two years
- The ability to work up to 30 hours per week during your studies
- A clearer path to modifying your visa to a work permit upon graduation (which will still be allowed for Master’s students)
- Increased career opportunities in business, digital marketing, international education, and other growing fields
At BLC Spain, our Master’s programs are specifically designed for international students who want to gain real career skills and create long-term professional opportunities in Spain and Europe.
