Job Discussion Forums

[nycguy2011]

Hi, this is my first post so please go easy on me. I've done some research here and on other sites but haven't been able to confirm what I was told by the director of the school where I went for TESOL training.

He said that after 6 months in Brazil with a tourist visa, I could make a "visa run" to a nearby country (Paraguay, Argentina), stay there for a few days - week, then go to the Brazilian consolate in that country and extend my visa further. And that I could continue doing this.

Has anyone had experience with this? I would like to teach in Brazil but I don't feel like it would be worth my while unless I can stay for 1 year.

Thank-you very much!

Ned

[ShadowCat17]

Hey Ned,

Unfortunately, this is not true. Your Brazilian tourist visa is valid for 6 months per year. Before the first 3 months are up, you need to request an extension from the Federal Police to reach 6 months. But once the 6 months are up, you'd have to spend 6 months outside Brazil before re-entering the country.

With that said, I've heard stories of people who have done the "visa run" and managed to get back in; it appears that some border controls (particularly if you enter/leave by bus) are not so strict about enforcing the 6-months-per-year rule. It all depends on how lax - or strict - the particular immigration agent you happen to get is. I, personally, wouldn't want to risk it.

If you want to stay in Brazil, your best bet is to come for 6 months on a tourist visa and then enroll in some course - can be college classes or a Portuguese course at a legit school. You can ask then ask the school to provide you the necessary documentation for you to get a student visa (http://novayork.itamaraty.gov.br/en-us/other_types_of_visa.xml#Temporary Visa iV), and you'll have to fly back to NYC to apply, then re-enter Brazil on your student visa. If you want more info, PM me.