Explanation

Quick Answer

The present perfect subjunctive (el pretérito perfecto de subjuntivo) is used to describe past actions that are connected to the present, as well as actions that will have happened by a certain point in the future.

Forming the Present Perfect Subjunctive

The present perfect subjunctive is a combination of the present subjunctive of the verb haberand a past participle. It's very similar to the present perfect indicative, but is triggered by the same sorts of words and phrases as the present subjunctive.

The present perfect subjunctive is formed as follows:

Present Perfect Subjunctive Formula

present subjunctive of haber + past participle

Here's how to form haber in the present subjunctive.

Subject	Haber in the Present Subjunctive
yo	haya
tú	hayas
él, ella, usted	haya
nosotros	hayamos
vosotros	hayáis
ellos, ellas, ustedes	hayan

Present Perfect Subjunctive Uses

The present perfect subjunctive is used to talk about past actions connected to the present, as well as actions that will have been completed in the future. Certain words and phrases, such as those expressing emotions and desires, trigger the use of the present perfect subjunctive.

1. Past Actions Connected to the Present

The present perfect subjunctive can be used to talk about actions that happened in the past but are relevant in the present. It's very common to see it used to talk about things that just happened.

examples
Mi profesor duda que yo haya leído el libro. My professor doubts that I have read the book.
Me asusto de que usted me haya llamado. I am shocked that you called me.
Es bueno que hayamos hablado. It is good that we talked.
Me asusto de que ellas no hayan bailado bien. I am shocked that they didn't dance well.
Lamentamos que ella no haya podido venir a la fiesta. We regret that she was unable to come to the party.

2. Actions That Will Have Been Completed in the Future

The present perfect subjunctive is also used to talk about things that are expected to be done by a point in the future.

examples
Quiero que hayáis escrito 5 páginas para el lunes. I want you to have written 5 pages by Monday.
Es posible que ustedes hayan vuelto para marzo. It is possible that you will have returned by March.