e-Consular Frequently Asked Questions

Publicado em 24/01/2023 13h24 Atualizado em 31/01/2023 15h12

GENERAL QUESTIONS

What do I need to use the e-Consular system?

All you need is an electronic device with an internet connection and a camera/scanner (smartphone, computer, or tablet). If necessary, you can start filling in on one device and finish on another.

How do I schedule a consular service?

To schedule a service, you can use the e-Consular scheduling system. Click here to access the information and the step-by-step information on the scheduling system, as well as the specific instructions for the service you want to request.

I can't use the scheduling system. What should I do?

The availability of services online is a worldwide trend, and the e-Consular system helped improve the services provided to the Brazilian community residing in the jurisdiction of the Consulate General of Brazil in Chicago. Citizens can now book appointments online and have a previous verification of their documents, reducing the consular services' problems. However, we know that some people may have difficulties handling computerized systems, so we elaborated detailed explanations and step-by-step tutorials on the scheduling system. In exceptional cases, you can contact the responsible department at the Consulate so we can assist you with filling out your application. Email your questions to central.chicago@itamaraty.gov.br.

Can I schedule an appointment by phone call? Booking online is very complicated.

No, scheduling an appointment through phone calls is impossible, as we need to verify all documentation in advance. You must upload pictures of the documents requested for each service through the e-Consular system. The Consulate will then verify the documentation, and only after the validation, it will be possible to schedule an appointment. This previous verification of the documentation greatly increases the chances that the service can be performed on the appointment day and also allows the service to be faster and more efficient.

I can't use the system. Can I go to the Consulate without an appointment?

No, if you have not scheduled an appointment through the e-Consular system, it will not be possible to assist you in the Consulate. You must use the e-Consular system so the Consulate staff can confirm in advance that you have all the necessary documentation to perform your service.

When will the Consulate return with walk-in appointments?

The appointment scheduling has been permanently implemented at the Consulate in Chicago. With the scheduling system, there is no need to wait in line, and the citizen has predictability in the service. The main benefit of the e-Consular system is to reduce the chances of a "miss a trip" to the Consulate and to avoid the necessity of sending documentation by mail several times for the same service.

Can I schedule the service by going to the Consulate in person?

No, scheduling an in-person appointment is impossible, as we need to verify all documentation in advance. You must upload pictures of the documents requested for each service through the e-Consular system. The Consulate staff will then verify the documentation, and only after the validation, it will be possible to schedule an appointment. This previous verification of the documentation greatly increases the chances that the service can be performed on the appointment day and also allows the service to be faster and more efficient.

I need to go to the Consulate today. Can I schedule for today?

It is impossible to schedule appointments on the same day, as verifying the documentation in advance is necessary to prepare the applicant's service. You must upload pictures of the documents requested for each service through the e-Consular system. The Consulate will then verify the documentation, and only after the validation, it will be possible to schedule an appointment. This previous verification of the documentation greatly increases the chances that the service can be performed on the appointment day and also allows the service to be faster and more efficient.

It is urgent! I don't have time to wait for the Consulate's validation!

We understand that there are urgent situations, but the previous validation by the Consulate in the e-Consular system is usually fast enough. This prior verification (validation) also guarantees that you will be fully assisted on the scheduled day without running the risk of "losing the trip" due to a lack of documents. Organize your documents according to our instructions and follow the explanations and step-by-step instructions on the scheduling system.

I'm in an emergency! There is no time to schedule!

Emergencies are the ones that involve risk to the life, safety, or human dignity of Brazilian citizens abroad. Expiration of the period of stay, loss of documents, or the need to resolve urgent business in Brazil are not considered emergencies. In case of a proven emergency, please get in touch with the department responsible for the matter at the Consulate so that an appointment can be scheduled "manually". A list of emails for all Consulate departments is available here.

ACCESS AND REGISTRATION

How do I access the system?

The system must be accessed with a login (CPF or email address) and a personal password. There are two options for accessing the system: with a CPF through the GOV.BR login system, or by email and password, for those who do not have a CPF. To learn how to register, access the step-by-step.

I tried to access the system, but a screen appeared to enter my CPF. What should I do?

To access the e-Consular for the first time, it is necessary to register. Thus, whenever accessing the system, it will be required to use your login and password. There are two options for accessing the system: with CPF through the GOV.BR login system, or by email and password, for those who do not have a CPF. To learn how to register, access the step-by-step.

I don't have CPF, or I don't remember the number. How do I access the e-Consular?

If you do not have a CPF or do not remember the number, you can still access the e-Consular with your email address. On the initial screen of the e-Consular, DO NOT CLICK the blue button called "Entrar com GOV.BR" (access with gov.br) and instead click "Se você não tem CPF, clique aqui para entrar com email e senha" (If you do not have CPF, click here to enter with email and password) and follow the instructions.

I tried accessing it with my CPF, but it states I already have a record. I don't remember registering before.

The GOV.BR Account combines other existing authentication tools, such as "Cidadão BR" (used by the INSS) and "Brasil Cidadão" (used by other government branches).

Thus, if you have already used digital services in Brazil, you may be already registered at "GOV.BR", even if you do not remember your password. If you have an attorney or accountant in Brazil, for example, he may have created an account in your name.

If you don't remember your password or don't recognize the phone number or email registered to your account, follow the steps below to regain access:

1) Go to http://faq-login-unico.servicos.gov.br/en/latest/_perguntasdafaq/formarrecuperarconta.html and try to recover your account with the suggested steps.

2) If you have already tried all the alternatives without success, contact the "How can I help you" area of the federal government and follow the instructions on the page: https://portaldeservicos.economia.gov.br/atendimento/

3) Remember that it is also possible to access the e-Consular with just an email and password, without CPF. To learn how to register, access the step-by-step.

I tried accessing it with my CPF, but I do not recognize the email or phone number registered in the system.

The GOV.BR Account combines other existing authentication tools, such as "Cidadão BR" (used by the INSS) and "Brasil Cidadão" (used by other government branches).

Thus, if you have already used digital services in Brazil, you may be already registered at "GOV.BR", even if you do not remember the password. If you have an attorney or accountant in Brazil, for example, he may have created an account in your name.

If you don't remember your password or don't recognize the phone number or email registered to your account, follow the steps below to regain access:

1) Go to http://faq-login-unico.servicos.gov.br/en/latest/_perguntasdafaq/formarrecuperarconta.html and try to recover your account with the suggested steps.

3) Remember that it is also possible to access the e-Consular with just an email and password, without CPF. To learn how to register, access the step-by-step.

I don't have a CPF, and I tried registering with an email address, but I can't access the e-Consular. What could be happening?

To access the e-Consular, you must verify your email first. Check your email for a message from the e-Consular with the verification code to confirm your registration and access the system. Codes sent by email are valid for one hour. If you don't receive the verification code email within an hour, please try again later or use another email service. Don't forget to check your spam folder.

I do not have a CPF, and I tried registering with an email address, but the verification code wasn't sent to complete the registration. How can I access the system?

Check if the e-Consular email is in your spam folder. If the problem persists, try using another email address. Codes sent by email are valid for one hour. If you don't receive the verification code email within an hour, please try again later or use another email service.

FILLING UP AN APPLICATION

I chose the service I wanted, but the screen only showed instructions and nothing else. What should I do?

Click the "Iniciar Serviço" (Start Service) button at the bottom of the page. A window will appear to confirm. From there, complete all the steps on the form. If you need help, access explanations and step-by-step information on the scheduling system.

I have questions about the documentation required for the requested service. Who should I ask?

Select the desired service from the list of e-Consular services, and you will see an instruction screen with all the information, including the necessary documentation. The instructions page is available throughout the form filling, in a "button" at the bottom of the page. This Consulate's website provides instructions for each service and required documentation. If you still have questions, email us. A list of emails for all Consulate departments is available here.

Why do I have to fill in all this information and upload the documentation?

The goal is to ensure you have all the necessary documentation for the requested service. Thus, you have better chances of completing your request on the appointment day and will not have to return to bring complementary documents. This results in greater agility and efficiency in granting consular services.

How do I upload the documents?

When filling out the electronic form for the requested service, you will see several fields requesting a document copy. When you find this type of field, press the "attach button" and look for the file on your computer. Confirm the choice when you see the file, and the system automatically uploads it.

It is even easier to upload documents if you use a smartphone. When you press the button, you can use your phone's camera to take a photo of the document or upload it from your photo gallery.

I have a hard time uploading documents. What should I do?

It's straightforward to upload documents into the system. You only need a photo of the document taken by your phone. The document does not need to be framed perfectly. It just needs to be clear.

If you are filling out the electronic form on your computer but want to use your phone to take the photos, save the form and then enter the e-Consular system again on your phone. It is possible to continue the service using the phone to take pictures of the requested documentation.

I need multiple services. Should I complete each request separately?

Some services can be requested and scheduled in a combined way in the e-Consular system and be carried out on the same day. For example: "Birth registration (with optional services)".

If there is no combination available for the services you wish to request, fill in the forms individually for each of the services. Requests will be submitted, validated, and scheduled separately.

In this case, scheduling more than one service for the same day is still possible. To do so, it is necessary to wait for all requested services to be authorized (validated) so you can schedule them individually for the same available date.

If you have already scheduled one of the services and do not have a slot to schedule the rest of the services on the same day, you can cancel and reschedule it. To do so, log in to e-Consular, find the service, and click "reagendamento" (reschedule). To find out how to schedule or reschedule orders, click here for explanations and step-by-step instructions on the scheduling system.

Is filling out the electronic form mandatory when ordering service by mail?

Yes. The goal is to have the documentation checked beforehand to avoid errors. Thus, you will be assured that the service will be processed. Otherwise, missing documentation results in the request being returned. Always check before mailing your application.

Access explanations and step-by-step instructions on the scheduling system and find out how to request orders by mail. This option is available only for certain services.

How do I know if I've finished filling out the form?

Complete all steps and upload photos of the required documents. Some forms are more extended, others shorter, depending on the service. In the last step, you must check all the data provided and click "Confirmar e enviar" (Confirm and send). Only after clicking this button, you will complete the application, which will then be sent for validation by the Consulate staff.

I haven't finished filling out the application at e-Consular. Will I lose the information if I log out?

No. You can save the electronic form and finish filling it out later. The partially completed form will be held in the system for 30 days. You must log in to the system again and access the requested service.

This is especially useful if you are missing a document. Fill in everything you have, save the form, and gather the necessary documents. Afterward, log in again and reaccess the form to complete the application.

I just completed filling up the form. Can I go to the Consulate or send the documentation by mail right away?

Not yet. After clicking "Confirmar e enviar" (Confirm and send), the Consulate staff will analyze the request. Only after approval you can send the documentation by mail (if this option is allowed for this type of service) or schedule an appointment to come to the Consulate.

I filled out the entire request at e-Consular and clicked "Confirmar e Enviar" (Confirm and Submit). Why can't I book an appointment?

You must wait for the Consulate's validation email. The validation message will not be sent immediately! Be patient and wait for the Consulate to communicate. Usually, the validation email that authorizes the scheduling of the service will be sent within five business days, but exceptional cases may require additional time for analysis.

If the electronic form is incomplete, the Consulate team will send a message indicating what is missing. You must log in to the system again, access the requested service, and complete the information.

If you receive a validation message, your request has been accepted. You can click the link in the message to schedule an appointment.

I have already uploaded pictures of the documents. Do I need to bring the originals on the day of the appointment?

Yes. Uploading pictures does not replace the necessity of presenting the original documentation on the appointment. Uploading the images ensures that the correct documentation will be presented on the day of the service and prevents the applicant from "wasting the trip" due to incomplete documentation. Furthermore, you must show proof of payment along with the rest of the documentation, in the form of a USPS "money order".

INVALIDATIONS AND CORRECTIONS

I submitted my request for review, but it was denied. What should I do?

Your application has probably been invalidated, and it is necessary to correct it, as the Consulate staff found errors, a lack of information, or a lack of documents. Don't worry! Reaccess the e-Consular, correct or complement what is missing and send it again for validation.

Click here to learn how to correct an invalidated order.

The Consulate keeps returning my order, and I can't schedule an appointment. What's happening?

If your order contains errors or requires additional information, it will be invalidated, and you must correct the errors or send the requested additional documents. This request for corrections is made to ensure that you will be fully attended to on the scheduled day without risking "wasting your trip" due to a lack of documents. Correct your request following the guidelines within the e-Consular system and send it again for our validation. You should follow the specific instructions for the service you are requesting.

I received a message from the Consulate requesting additional information. Do I have to fill out the entire application at e-Consular again?

No. The completed form will be saved in the system for 30 days. You must log in to the system, access the requested service, and complete the missing information or upload the missing documents.

Click here to learn how to correct an invalidated order.

I received an email saying my order was deleted. What now?

Sometimes it is necessary to delete an order because the requester filled out the form for another service, different from the one they wanted. For example, copy authentication was requested when the person wanted to do a notarization. In this case, we exclude the request, and it is necessary to fill out a new form requesting the appropriate service. Another possible reason is that we cannot provide the requested service, like copies of registrations made by notary offices in Brazil (in this case, it is necessary to request the service from a Brazilian notary).

Carefully read the email we sent you, as the reason for the request to be deleted is explained there. If you still have questions, contact the department responsible for the matter in the Consulate by email.

APPOINTMENT SCHEDULING

Is it possible to schedule more than one service for the same date?

Some services can be requested and scheduled in a combined way in the e-Consular system and may be carried out on the same day. For example: "Birth registration (with optional services)".

If there is no available combination for the services you wish to request on the list, fill in the forms individually for each of the services. Requests will be submitted, validated, and scheduled separately.

If you have already scheduled one of the services and do not have a slot available to schedule the rest of the appointments on the same day, you can cancel and reschedule it. To do so, log in to e-Consular and click "reschedule".

My service request was validated, and the system opened for an appointment selection. However, I did not find the desired date and need the document urgently. What should I do?

It is possible to check later if new vacancies are available by clicking "Datas disponíveis" (Available dates) in the e-Consular. We try to offer as many slots as possible, but there are times when there is high demand for consular services, and it is not possible to offer appointments earlier than those available on e-Consular. For this reason, we advise that you plan ahead.

Some services, such as passports, offer the option of sending documentation by mail without an appointment.

I accessed the "Datas Disponíveis" (Available dates) page, and only one available slot appears for the service I want. Can't I schedule for later/earlier?

The "Datas Disponíveis" (Available dates) page only shows the earliest available service date and is a reference list only. Only after completing the application and after approval by the Consulate you will have the complete list of dates available for scheduling.

To learn more, access the explanations and step-by-step information of the scheduling system.

I want to cancel and reschedule my appointment. How can I do it?

If you need to cancel your appointment or change the date, it is required to access the e-Consular system and click "reagendamento" (reschedule) in the desired service.

Before scheduling a service, the Consulate recommends double-checking whether you can attend on that date and time.

To learn how to reschedule orders, access the explanations here.

I scheduled my service, but I won't be able to attend. Can I send it by mail?

In this case, access the e-Consular and click "reagendamento" (reschedule) in the desired service. Your service will be canceled, and the website will display new time slots along with the option "enviar documentação por carta" (send documentation by mail) if the system allows this option for the service you are requesting. Civil records and powers of attorney must always be done in person and cannot be requested by mail.