Volunteer services

If needed, contact us by e-mail: visa.cgwashington@itamaraty.gov.br

VITEM VIII: Volunteer Services

The VITEM VIII visa may be granted to an individual who will perform volunteer work with an NGO or foreign government-sponsored organization in Brazil for more than 90 days.

How to apply

BY MAIL:

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

• Pre-paid Priority or Priority Express Envelope from U.S. Postal Service 
• Letter of invitation from the inviting institution in Brazil

The letter from the inviting institution/church/OSCIP/NGO must mention your exact role and activities during your time in Brazil. The letter must be signed by someone legally responsible for the institution/church/OSCIP/NGO, i.e. a member of the board of directors.

• Copy of notarized Articles of Incorporation (ato constitutivo) of inviting institution in Brazil
• Minutes of the meeting (notarized) from the election of the current board of directors of the inviting institution (Ato de nomeação, designação ou eleição da atual diretoria da entidade requerente)
• Affidavit of responsibility for applicant, stating institution’s commitment to provide for all of applicant’s needs while in Brazil, and to provide for applicant’s exit from the country before his or her visa expires.
• Certificado de Qualificação da instituição como Organização da Sociedade Civil de Interesse Público (OSCIP) expedido pelo Ministério da Justiça

If the institution is not an OSCIP: Comprovante de inscrição no Conselho de Assistência Social
Churches are exempt from this requirement