Study (VITEM IV)
- Study visas are intended for foreign nationals traveling to Brazil to undertake the following activities: regular courses, study exchange, or research exchange.
- Regular courses comprise primary and secondary levels of education (Rotary Club); undergraduate and postgraduate degrees (specialization, master's, and doctor's degrees); technical and language courses. Regular courses must be offered by education institutions that hold a Corporate Taxpayer Identification Number (CNPJ) and are registered in E-MEC.
- Study or research exchanges involve the improvement of academic qualification by sharing knowledge and experiences within the academic environment, such as participation in "sandwich" and university collaboration programs, carrying out part of the master's/doctor's research, doing one's compulsory undergraduate / postgraduate study module abroad (commonly called "year abroad," often the third year).
- Regular courses or study exchanges must have a minimum course load of 15 hours per week. Exceptional and duly justified cases with a weekly course load of less than 15 hours are subject to analysis and may be accepted at the migratory authority's discretion. A minimum course load for research exchanges is not required.
- Foreign nationals traveling to Brazil for post-doctoral research/studies must apply for a VITEM I, not a VITEM IV, as they are classified as researchers, not students.
- For studies or exchanges with a duration of up to 90 days, the applicant must request a Visitor Visa (VIVIS). Citizens of America, Australia, Canada, and Japan are exempt from Visitor Visas (VIVIS). Therefore, they do not need to obtain a visa if their studies last for up to 90 days. Other nationalities must check the visa requirements table.
- Foreign nationals who are already in Brazil can apply for a residence permit for the purposes of study/exchange directly with the Federal Police.
- Student visa holders are permitted to undertake paid work as long as the working hours are compatible with their course load. Details and clarifications must be requested to the Federal Police.
- This type of visa authorizes the applicant to study at a specific institution. If the student would like to switch to another institution, the Federal Police must be contacted.
LENGTH & EXTENSION OF STAY
Validity period: up to 1 year.
Limit/expiry date until the first entry in Brazil must occur: counted from the date of issue of the visa.
Initial period of stay: up to 1 year. The initial period during which the individual is allowed to remain in Brazil – counted from the date of first entry into the country – will be confirmed at the moment of residence registration with the Federal Police.
Residence period: up to 1 year. To be determined at the moment of residence registration with the Federal Police.
Extension of stay: the period of residence may be extended until the conclusion of the studies. If an extension is necessary, the visa holder must contact the Federal Police before the end of the granted residence period.
VISA FEES
Click here for information regarding visa fee values and how to pay them.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Item |
Observation |
Valid Passport |
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Photo 2x2 inches (specifications) |
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Complete the online Application Form (read carefully before applying) |
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Background check (applicants aged 18 and older) |
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Proof of residence |
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Birth Certificate (along with a photocopy) |
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Evidence of financial capacity |
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Proof of enrollment |
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Graduate applicants |
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Postgraduate applicants |
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PEC-G applicant |
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Exchange applicant |
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Applicant in medical areas |
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Religious Student |
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Travel authorization |
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Proof of Immigration Status in the United States (if not American national) (photocopy) |
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(non-refundable) |
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Note - Supporting documents will vary depending on the purpose of the trip and may be requested at the Consular Authority's discretion.
IMPORTANT
The Consular Authority will determine the type of visa that applies to your case based on the information provided.
Processing time may vary and will be determined by the Consular Authority.
All visa requests shall be initiated through the E-Consular platform. Create an account and upload all necessary documents and wait for the approval.
- Once the documents are approved on the E-Consular platform, the original documentation can be sent by mail or delivered at the Consulate, after an appoinment is scheduled on the E-Consular platform. If mailed, a pre-paid return envelope, exclusively from the USPS, must be included. ATTENTION: it's necessary to present ONLY original versions of the documents that were validated, such as passports, whrere visas are stamped, birth or marriage certificates, green cards, notarized documents, Apostilles, and watermarked FBI criminal records. Otherwise, the issuance of the visa will be held until these documents are mailed or another appointment is scheduled to bring them.
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If the applicant is late to the appointment at the Consulate, it will also be necessary to schedule another time or mail the documents.
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IMPORTANT: the visa is NOT issued on the same day documents are handed in. After it's ready, we'll get in contact so that another appointment can be scheduled on the E-Consular platform to receive it, under the service "Pick up issued visas".
REGISTRATION WITH THE FEDERAL POLICE
Holders of this type of visa must register with the Federal Police within 90 days of their first entry into Brazil. Contact the Federal Police directly to learn how to register.
The Consulate anticipates that, among other documents, the applicant will have to present the Visa Application Form (FPV) provided upon the visa issue, as well as their original birth certificate containing parents'nts' full names.
Please note: the certificate must be apostilled by the competent authority in the issuing country. After being apostilled, the document will have to be translated into Portuguese by a sworn translator ("tradutor juramentado") in Brazil.
For additional information documents needed for this type of visa, please email visa.chicago@itamaraty.gov.br.