Hello Tian,

Welcome to the forum.

First of all you need to know that the NIE is not a permit nor a visa. The NIE is the ID number that has been assigmed to you in order to identify you before the police authorities as a foreigner in Spain.

Foreign students are normally granted a visa that allows them to stay in Spain during the time of the course. That means, that, initially, you are not considered as being under the concept of Residencia, but estancia. If the course is intended for more than 90 days, you must apply for the tarjeta de estudiante, which allows you to reside in Spain during that period, considering you as a resident. If that is your case, the US embassy should allow you to apply for a visa.


Regards,