Religious Activities
If needed, contact us by e-mail: visa.cgwashington@itamaraty.gov.br
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.
VITEM applications can be submitted by mail or using an afilliated visa service agency.
1) VISA APPLICATION USING AFFILIATED VISA SERVICE AGENCIES:
The couriers are allowed to drop off and pick up the visa applications from Monday to Friday, 9:00am-1pm without appointments.
The Consulate is not responsible for the services of visa agencies.
THE CONSULATE DOES NOT PROVIDE URGENT OR PRIORITY SERVICES, HENCE NO EXPEDITING FEES ARE CHARGED BY THIS CONSULATE.
2) BY MAIL:
ATTENTION: In view of the occurrence of frequent delays in the delivery of envelopes sent by mail (USPS), the Consulate is now accepting visa applications submitted by FEDEX and UPS "drop off" envelopes, besides by USPS.
Please note that only USPS money orders are accepted.
We process visas submitted by mail within 15 business days.
Applicants may submit required documentation by mail to the following address:
Consulate General of Brazil in Washington
1030 15th Street, NW, Suite 280W
Washington, DC 20005
Att: Visa Sector
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.
Applicants should be sure to keep a copy of the tracking numbers of both the incoming and return envelopes. Before contacting the Consulate in reference to the whereabouts of a document, first check the tracking information of the envelopes at www.usps.com. The Consulate does not assume responsibility for any delays or loss by the postal service.
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
- Visa Application Form Receipt (printed and signed)
- Passport-style photo (2’’x2’’)
- U.S. Postal Service Money Order (see Visa Fees page)
- Birth Certificate (original and one copy)
- 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. See Visa Requirements for Minors page.
- 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)