This won't help people currently in the process of getting a visa, but it might help a small group of people in the future...
Each time I was at the Brazilian consulate here in Santiago to get my visa I met other US citizens who told me that they intentionally leave the US to get the visa in another country, being sure that it's a country whose citizens are not required to have a visa - like Chile - so there's usually no backlog.
Speaking with other US citizens when I was in Rio solidified this - I was amazed by the number of people who travel just to get their visa. Of course, you need to have the time and funds to get to another country, spend a week while the visa is processed, etc., but apparently it's quite a popular option. It has it's own pitfalls, too, but I thought I'd mention it.
Each time I was at the Brazilian consulate here in Santiago to get my visa I met other US citizens who told me that they intentionally leave the US to get the visa in another country, being sure that it's a country whose citizens are not required to have a visa - like Chile - so there's usually no backlog.
Speaking with other US citizens when I was in Rio solidified this - I was amazed by the number of people who travel just to get their visa. Of course, you need to have the time and funds to get to another country, spend a week while the visa is processed, etc., but apparently it's quite a popular option. It has it's own pitfalls, too, but I thought I'd mention it.
I'm a US passport holder living in the Netherlands and actually got my Brazil visa (in 2009) from the Brazilian consulate in Brussels, Belgium. It was fairly painless (except for the having to walk to the post office to pay the fee bit) and took somewhere around a week IIRC.
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Each time I was at the Brazilian consulate here in Santiago to get my visa I met other US citizens who told me that they intentionally leave the US to get the visa in another country, being sure that it's a country whose citizens are not required to have a visa - like Chile - so there's usually no backlog.
Speaking with other US citizens when I was in Rio solidified this - I was amazed by the number of people who travel just to get their visa. Of course, you need to have the time and funds to get to another country, spend a week while the visa is processed, etc., but apparently it's quite a popular option. It has it's own pitfalls, too, but I thought I'd mention it.
I second this but there is a potential downside. Originally Posted by zpaul
This won't help people currently in the process of getting a visa, but it might help a small group of people in the future...Each time I was at the Brazilian consulate here in Santiago to get my visa I met other US citizens who told me that they intentionally leave the US to get the visa in another country, being sure that it's a country whose citizens are not required to have a visa - like Chile - so there's usually no backlog.
Speaking with other US citizens when I was in Rio solidified this - I was amazed by the number of people who travel just to get their visa. Of course, you need to have the time and funds to get to another country, spend a week while the visa is processed, etc., but apparently it's quite a popular option. It has it's own pitfalls, too, but I thought I'd mention it.
First my experience. In the US, for some reason, it takes 1-2 weeks minimum to get a visa. Given that I typically used a "facilitator", maybe they add a couple days to the processing time. I'm just too darn far away to go to the consulate directly. I've received visa from the consulate in HK and Singapore pretty much "on the spot".
Now the downside. In both those cases (HKG and SIN), I've been asked to "show cause" why they should process my visa application instead of sending it back to the US consulate. I was able to demonstrate that I was there for a legitimate work reason and they accepted it.
I droped my passport and papers the other day at the consulate in NY.
when i checked the status on-line, all is in red from left to right( pick-up).
The status is ready to collect.
I do not know what that means.Visa was rejected and i can pick up my passport?
when i checked the status on-line, all is in red from left to right( pick-up).
The status is ready to collect.
I do not know what that means.Visa was rejected and i can pick up my passport?
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Each time I was at the Brazilian consulate here in Santiago to get my visa I met other US citizens who told me that they intentionally leave the US to get the visa in another country, being sure that it's a country whose citizens are not required to have a visa - like Chile - so there's usually no backlog.
Speaking with other US citizens when I was in Rio solidified this - I was amazed by the number of people who travel just to get their visa. Of course, you need to have the time and funds to get to another country, spend a week while the visa is processed, etc., but apparently it's quite a popular option.
Wow, I wish I had seen this a couple of months ago! Excellent idea. Originally Posted by zpaul
This won't help people currently in the process of getting a visa, but it might help a small group of people in the future...Each time I was at the Brazilian consulate here in Santiago to get my visa I met other US citizens who told me that they intentionally leave the US to get the visa in another country, being sure that it's a country whose citizens are not required to have a visa - like Chile - so there's usually no backlog.
Speaking with other US citizens when I was in Rio solidified this - I was amazed by the number of people who travel just to get their visa. Of course, you need to have the time and funds to get to another country, spend a week while the visa is processed, etc., but apparently it's quite a popular option.
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First my experience. In the US, for some reason, it takes 1-2 weeks minimum to get a visa. Given that I typically used a "facilitator", maybe they add a couple days to the processing time. I'm just too darn far away to go to the consulate directly. I've received visa from the consulate in HK and Singapore pretty much "on the spot".
Now the downside. In both those cases (HKG and SIN), I've been asked to "show cause" why they should process my visa application instead of sending it back to the US consulate. I was able to demonstrate that I was there for a legitimate work reason and they accepted it.
Good point. An additional proviso.Originally Posted by SometimesFlyer
I second this but there is a potential downside. First my experience. In the US, for some reason, it takes 1-2 weeks minimum to get a visa. Given that I typically used a "facilitator", maybe they add a couple days to the processing time. I'm just too darn far away to go to the consulate directly. I've received visa from the consulate in HK and Singapore pretty much "on the spot".
Now the downside. In both those cases (HKG and SIN), I've been asked to "show cause" why they should process my visa application instead of sending it back to the US consulate. I was able to demonstrate that I was there for a legitimate work reason and they accepted it.
That is quite common. For example, you can get a visa in Puerto Iguazu with a very short turn around time, but it is usually for only 30 days. Same fee as the 10 year multi-entry visa issued by the Brazilian Consulate with jurisdiction over your residence. So it really depends on your plans for visiting Brazil.
Some Brazilian Consulates in the U.S. are really not a problem, Boston for one example.
Some Brazilian Consulates in the U.S. are really not a problem, Boston for one example.
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That is also a drawback of being AustralianOriginally Posted by Palal
A drawback of getting a visa elsewhere is that they might not issue the 10-year visa,
At least you're not from Spain, hmmm.
I've been waiting on my technical visa for about 3 months now. We had to postpone the trip twice already. I haven't even had my consulate interview yet. 
Technical visa? Out of curiosity, which?
Temporary Visa I - Cultural Visa - The purpose of the trip is to:
as a scientist, professor or researcher, participating in scientific or technological studies;
or
Temporary Visa V - for the purpose of:
to render technical assistance;
as a scientist, professor, teacher, technician, or a traveler holding an employment contract with a Brazilian organization or corporation;
The latter is essentially a work visa, and documents are carefully scrutinized, which takes time and some Brazilian patience. Best wishes for a great experience in Brazil once it comes through.
Temporary Visa I - Cultural Visa - The purpose of the trip is to:
as a scientist, professor or researcher, participating in scientific or technological studies;
or
Temporary Visa V - for the purpose of:
to render technical assistance;
as a scientist, professor, teacher, technician, or a traveler holding an employment contract with a Brazilian organization or corporation;
The latter is essentially a work visa, and documents are carefully scrutinized, which takes time and some Brazilian patience. Best wishes for a great experience in Brazil once it comes through.
Correct, VNP.
The technical visa does indeed require a large amount of supporting documentation, including a mandatory letter or introduction from the hosting university, agency, or corporation in Brasil. Note that it is not a Business Visa, and there are certain circumstances in which additional information (a local or EU Police report ) is required.
If one has and submits all required documents, then the process is normally expedited to facilitate your flight and arrival schedule. " To the head of the line or queue, " so to speak.
No Tourist Visa ever required (reciprocity), but I was required to obtain a Residente Permanente when I purchased property. All well worth the time, and effort.
Brasil is obviously an attractive country for business at the moment. Be patient, accommodating, and above all, friendly.
The technical visa does indeed require a large amount of supporting documentation, including a mandatory letter or introduction from the hosting university, agency, or corporation in Brasil. Note that it is not a Business Visa, and there are certain circumstances in which additional information (a local or EU Police report ) is required.
If one has and submits all required documents, then the process is normally expedited to facilitate your flight and arrival schedule. " To the head of the line or queue, " so to speak.
No Tourist Visa ever required (reciprocity), but I was required to obtain a Residente Permanente when I purchased property. All well worth the time, and effort.
Brasil is obviously an attractive country for business at the moment. Be patient, accommodating, and above all, friendly.
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The Temp Visa V. We are going down to train service dealers on equipment; a five day trip. I went through our HR dept to apply for the visa; sad mistake. We should have just lied to them and told them we were going down for meetings and get a business visa. Once they found out what our purpose was, it changed everything.Originally Posted by VidaNaPraia
Technical visa? Out of curiosity, which?
And who knew HR-types had scruples. They wouldn't change the application type to accommodate our schedule.
We had to provide a letter from our host stating why we are needed to provide the training. We also had to provide documents showing that we are qualified to train Brazilian workers; college degrees, certificates showing we are qualified trainers on the equipment, etc.
I have to take a copy of my police record to the interview. My co-worker is japanese, so he had to get a background check from the FBI. The funny thing is, his application is going through faster than mine.
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I wish. No one asked us what our schedule was... Well, no one from the Brazilian Labor Ministry, that is. Originally Posted by Swissaire
If one has and submits all required documents, then the process is normally expedited to facilitate your flight and arrival schedule. " To the head of the line or queue, " so to speak.
Technical Visa V (Vitem) is complicated and a pain to process. From the US, requires a background check to prove to the government of Brazil that you are "not a criminal". For the NY consulate they require an FBI background check. To get the FBI check, you need your fingerprints and form filled out, sent to West Virginia, and wait 4-8 weeks for the results.
Some other consulates (Boston, Chicago) may only require a State or County Police background check to be done.
Once you obtain the Technical Visa, be aware that you have to register with the Federal Police in Brazil within 30 days of arrival in country. Even if your visit is 2 weeks or so, you still need to register if you want to come back into Brazil in the future. Plan on half a day and probably a local lawyer to help you through the registration, where they'll take your fingerprints again.
Again, Technical Visa only...Tourist or Business Visa isn't nearly as complicated.
Some other consulates (Boston, Chicago) may only require a State or County Police background check to be done.
Once you obtain the Technical Visa, be aware that you have to register with the Federal Police in Brazil within 30 days of arrival in country. Even if your visit is 2 weeks or so, you still need to register if you want to come back into Brazil in the future. Plan on half a day and probably a local lawyer to help you through the registration, where they'll take your fingerprints again.
Again, Technical Visa only...Tourist or Business Visa isn't nearly as complicated.