Religious activities
VITEM VII: Religious Activities
The VITEM VII visa may be granted to a priest, pastor, medium, monk, nun, missionary, or other type of religious worker or professional whose purpose in Brazil is to preach, evangelize, speak as a religious authority, care for others’ spiritual needs, manage or help manage a religious institution, church, mosque, terreiro, synagogue, religious site, spiritual center, etc.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Passport (valid and signed with at least two blank Visa pages)
- Proof of residence in the U.S. (visa or Green Card), for non-U.S. citizens
- Notarized copy of applicant's valid driver's license
- Visa Application Form Receipt (printed and signed)
- Passport photo (2’’x 2’’)
- U.S. Postal Service Money Order (see Visa Fees page)
- Birth Certificate (original and one copy) - if not born in the USA, Birth Certificate must be apostilled or legalized
- FBI Background Check (issued within the past 60 days)
- Minors (younger than 18 years of age at time of application) are exempt from this requirement.
- Pre-paid Priority or Priority Express Envelope from U.S. Postal Service (envelopes from other carriers, e.g. FedEx/UPS/DHL, are accepted)
- Notarized copy of “Act of Establishment” of the religious institution in Brazil
- Notarized letter of invitation from the religious institution in Brazil, signed by its legal representative, assuring lodging and financial support for the intended party and members of his/her accompanying family, and assuming full responsibility for the departure of the clergyman and his/her family from Brazil
- Notarized letter from the Church in the United States attesting eligibility of the applicant, stating length of stay, place and type of work that will be performed in Brazil
- Notarized certificate of theological or academic religious education indicating assignments as clergyman
- Curriculum vitae
- Notarized and signed “statement of commitment” stating that the applicant will not engage in any activity within indigenous areas without the proper authorization from FUNAI (National Indian Foundation)
► Additional documents may be requested at the discretion of the Consular Authority.
HOW TO APPLY:
►Only USPS money orders are accepted.
►Visa fees are NON-REFUNDABLE!
►Visas can be requested by mail or by the drop box located at reception area of the Consulate-General in Atlanta.
Required documentation can be submitted by mail to the following address:
Consulate General of Brazil in Atlanta
Att: Visa Sector
3500 Lenox Rd NE, suite 800
One Alliance Center
Atlanta, GA 3032
Along with the required documentation for the visa, applicants must include an additional self-addressed, pre-paid return envelope (Priority or Priority Express flat-rate) from the U.S. Postal Service. This envelope will be used to return the visa to the applicant, and may be folded in half to fit inside the original sending envelope.
Applications by mail should also include the applicant’s contact information (address, phone number, and email) in case contact is necessary. Return envelopes with addresses outside the United States will not be accepted.The Consulate does not assume responsibility for any delays or loss by the postal service.
Questions? Send an e-mail to visa.atlanta@itamaraty.gov.br