Study - VITEM IV
General rules
- Study (Grade School, Undergraduate, Graduate, or Study Abroad Programs - over 90 days)
- Foreign nationals travelling 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 duration of up to 90 days, the applicant must request a Visitor Visa (VIVIS).
- Foreign nationals who are already in Brazil can apply for 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 authorises the applicant to study at a specific institution. If the student would like to switch to another institution, the Federal Police must be contacted.
Required documents
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Documentation |
Comments |
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1 |
Applicant's valid passport |
Must have at least two blank pages. Please note that pages reserved for amendments cannot be used for visa purposes. |
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2 |
One standard-sized passport photo (2x2") |
The photo must be recent, with a white background. |
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3 |
Visa application form (RER) |
Must be filled in online (click here). Print and bring the Visa Request Form Receipt (RER) to the appointment. |
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4 |
FBI background check (applicants aged over 18 years old) |
FBI Background Check (issued within the past 60 days) Please note: if the applicant has lived in multiple countries within the last 12 months, a police check from each country of residence must be provided. They must also be duly contain an apostille by the competent authority in the issuing country and, if necessary, translated by a certified translator. |
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5 |
Flight confirmation |
The applicant must submit either a booking confirmation (paid ticket or e-ticket) or a booking reservation (or letter from a travel agent on the applicant's behalf), containing the complete itinerary, flight numbers and arrival / departure dates. |
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6 |
Evidence of financial means compatible with the entire period of stay in Brazil or proof the applicant has been granted a scholarship |
Recent evidence must be presented (from at least the last 3 months), such as bank and/or credit card statements containing sufficient funds, payslips, proof of student loan / financing. Students being financially supported by their families must submit a notarized declaration signed by the sponsors, in addition to a copy of the identification pages of their passports and recent evidence of financial capacity. |
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7 |
Original letter from the USA university |
Applies only to higher education students. The document must attest the student is currently enrolled in higher education. |
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8 |
Letter from the Brazilian education institution to which the student will be linked (in Portuguese) |
Original letter – the signature on the letter must be certified at a cartório. Digital signatures are not accepted. The signature authentication will not be necessary if the student is going to attend an undergraduate or postgraduate course at a public-funded (Federal or State) university. The document must: a) Be presented on institution letterhead; b) Declare that the applicant is duly enrolled or has been accepted into the intended course; c) Inform the name of the course, duration, period (include activities' start and end dates), and weekly course load (for regular courses and study exchanges, it must be greater than or equal to 15 hours per week); d) Inform that the course has been fully paid (if it is not free of charge) or that the student has been awarded a scholarship/ maintenance grant. e) In the case of regular courses, include the Corporate Taxpayer Identification Number (CNPJ). f) Inform the contact details (full name, telephone number, e-mail) of the person handling the student's admission into the Brazilian education institution. |
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9 |
Travel authorization (only for applicants under 18 years old) |
Authorization signed by the parents / legal guardians in case of child or adolescent, as well as the details of the person who will be responsible for the minor in Brazil. |
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10 |
USPS money order |
Only USPS money orders are accepted. No other type is accepted. See visa fees page for the cost of the visa Visa fees are non refundable. |
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11 |
Return envelope |
Pre-paid and self-adddressed Priority or Priority Express envelope from U.S. Postal Service (for visas submitted by mail only) |
Dependants may be granted a Family Reunion Visa, bound to the primary VITEM IV application, thus subject to the same conditions (e.g. same length of stay etc.). Family applications may be lodged jointly or after the primary applicant’s VITEM IV has been issued.
Minor children (under 18 years old):
- Original full birth certificate;
Spouse / partner:
- Original marriage certificate (or equivalent) and/or full birth certificate of each child;
- FBI background check (item 4 of the table above).
How to submit your visa
Visas can be submitted:
- In person at the consulate
- Deliver the documentation listed above in a closed envelope at the reception containing applicant’s contact information (address, phone number, and email) in case contact is necessary. No third parties are allowed to deliver or pick up visas on applicant's behalf.
- Delivery and pick up are Monday through Friday, from 1pm to 3pm, except holidays.
- No appointments are necessary for visas.
- By mail
Required documentation should be sent to the following address, using a USPS Priority or Priority Express envelope:
Consulate General of Brazil in Atlanta
Att: Visa Sector
3500 Lenox Rd NE, suite 800
One Alliance Center
Atlanta, GA 30326
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.
Return envelopes with addresses outside the United States will not be accepted.
The Consulate does not assume responsibility for any delay or loss by the postal service.
Processing time
Up to 10 days after the documentation is received by the consulate.
Still have doubts? E-mail: visa.atlanta@itamaraty.gov.br
Emails inquiring about visa status or visa expediting will NOT be answered. The applicant should keep the tracking number of his/her envelopes to track the visa whereabouts.