I am currently trying to apply for a Temporary V visa to Brazil from the US to teach english. I am working through a Brasilian organization, which has set me up with a placement and a homestay. However when they initially sent my Visa paperwork they did not apply for authoriazation from the Brazilian Ministry of Labor. Now they are working on gettting it but it may take 30-45 days. I am planning on leaving in 17 days. I was wondering if I could go to Brazil on a tourist visa, and as soon as I am authorized cross the border into Argentina, and then return with the correct visa. Is it possible to change my visa in Brazil or do I have to be in the US (I am a US citizen). I'm really frustrated because this is the second time I've tried to travel to Brazil to teach and it has fell through. I'm trying to do this completely legally and above board (I know many people just teach english on a tourist visa) but I may have run out of options for that. I'm not doing it for the money, but because I love Brazilian culture. Anyone have any info on this, or done something similar? Thanks
Hi Marylou.
I'm a brazilian girl who probably doesn't know that much about Brazilian law but let me see if I can help you (since I have many friends from abroad, who also had problems with Visa things before)
How long you are planning to stay? (important question...)
I have a french friend who came to Brazil as a tourist, stayed the allowed 3 months, and then she crossed to Argentina and could stay more 3 months. I believe this is a "normal" practice here. So, 6 months is the maximun you can stay as a tourist, if you cross the board one time in between.
If your idea is correct, you will stay 13-28 days without the Labor visa, which I don't believe is a huge problem. (Of course, there is a risk, but I think it is small). As far as I know, you cannot "change" your Visa from Brazil, but you can wait here, as a tourist, and then when it is ready, you are already here and you are ok to work.
Well, let me know how things are going w/ you. I will ask some friends how to make this thing work, bureaucracy here can make you crazy.
If you want, keep in touch. I hope I can help. (By the way, I do live in Rio)
best,
Raquel
ps. http://www.mj.gov.br/Estrangeiros/ may help
Hey Ladies..
I am an American currently in Manaus.. just writing to correct Raquel on some of the things she said: You come to Brazil on a tourist visa for 3 months and then you can get a second 3 months extension by going to the Federal Police in any city in Brazil. You do not have to leave the country! After the full 6 months, as an American, you must leave the country and can not return until the following year. I think for Europeans, you can leave Brazil and immediately come back with a new visa.. but not for Americans: the maximum you can stay in the country is 6 months a year. This is a reciprocal law made by the Brazilian government- because the USA makes it so difficult for Brazilians to visit America.. Brazil makes it difficult for Americas to vist Brazil.. Thanks AGAIN America!!
I am also about to embark on the beauracratic path to recieving a work visa to work and live in Brazil. All I have found out so far is that I have to go back to my country to apply for it. I have been hearing horror stories... That it takes forever to recieve, and that there is so much beauracracy that you should hire a LAWYER to apply for you to make sure it is done right...Sometimes the powers that be make it so hard to do things legally and properly, one has no other options than to resort to underhanded means in order to achieve your goals..
good luck!
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