I’m hoping someone here has gone through a similar situation or can guide me, because I’m honestly exhausted and a bit lost.
Background:
I’ve been living in Spain legally since September 2023. Everything was fine until it was time to renew my visa in 2025. I decided to switch to a work visa and secured a job offer from a small English academy in Asturias. I signed a contract and hired a lawyer to handle my application.
The process started around May/June 2025, but due to delays from the employer, my application was only submitted at the end of July 2025. As many of you know, August is basically a dead month administratively in Spain, so everything got delayed.
I started working in September while waiting for the resolution. However, within few days, my hours were reduced drastically, and I was eventually let go. One day, they simply told me that since my papers hadn’t come through yet, they no longer wished to continue employing me. This happened without any real discussion beforehand, even though I was in a legally regular situation while waiting for my permit.
After that, I tried really hard to find another job that would meet the visa requirements (35 hours), but most employers either wanted someone with full papers already or couldn’t offer enough hours. It became a catch-22: you need papers to get a job, but you need a job to get papers. ( i did look into arrigo social, social laboral and other aspects but during that period it wasn't really working for me)
Long story short, my application fell through, and I’m now in an irregular situation. I currently survive by giving private English lessons. I make just enough to pay my rent and utilities.
Current situation / dilemma:
There’s a new pathway to regularization that I’m applying for, and I’ve managed to gather almost all required documents (empadronamiento, social inform - certificado de vulnerability, travel history, integration proof, etc.). Mind you I have also worked very hard in last few months to really improve my Spanish to a decent b1/b2 level
The only document I’m missing is the Indian PCC (Police Clearance Certificate).
- My current PCC is from September 2023 (when I first came to Spain).
- My lawyer suggested we might try submitting that along with proof that I’m applying for a new one.
- But realistically, I still need a fresh PCC.
The problem:
- I live in Oviedo, and applying in person seems to require traveling to Madrid. Financially, it’s not the best situation for me to make that trip right now, but I could figure something out if it’s absolutely necessary.
- The alternative is applying via post through BLS, but that requires sending my original passport. But with all due respect its a confusing website with no clear instructions.
- I’m really hesitant to mail my passport given my current irregular status.
I’ve tried researching online, but the information is unclear and inconsistent, and my lawyer can’t really help with the Indian-side process. I have tried reaching the embassy/consulate but haven't received any response, I understand they are swamped and the only way through this process is to apply through a third party called BLS.
Important context:
I’ve continued looking for opportunities, and I’ve actually managed to secure a summer camp job in July, plus there’s another proper contract potentially lined up from September. So things are finally looking a bit hopeful but I need to fix my legal status/work permit before I can move forward with these as they require me to sign a legal contract. I also have NIE and Cl@ve. And I was previously on a student visa with the permit of working 30 hours a week on my TIE.
My questions:
- Has anyone applied for an Indian PCC from Spain recently?
- Is it safe/reliable to send your passport via post to BLS?
- Is there any way to avoid sending the original passport?
- Are there any faster options, workarounds, or even loopholes in this situation?
I’m not here to complain. Please don't be mean and tell me to go back to my country. I’m genuinely very grateful to be in Spain and I love my life and my little community that I have built here. I’m just extremely tired of the paperwork stress and uncertainty.
Any advice, experiences, or guidance would mean a lot. Thank you so much