Student Visa (VITEM IV) — Brazil
- Max stay
- 1460days
- Processing
- 30–60days
- Fee
- $100.00
Difficulty1/10·Realism7/10Why? ▾
Difficulty
Heavy paperworkLots of documentation, eligibility thresholds, or a sponsor required. Start months ahead and consider professional advice.
Why this score?
- —Embassy/consulate visa application
- -2Long processing time (up to 60 days)
- -0.5Proof of funds required
- -0.5Biometrics appointment required
- -1Long documentation list (8 items)
Approval realism
Approval depends on youApproval depends heavily on the documents and circumstances you can show. Read the warning above — it points to what tends to move the needle.
What drives this score?
- —Embassy visa applications generally succeed when documentation is complete and ties to home are clear
Step-by-step checklist
Your application checklist
- 1
Check your passport validity
120+ days beforeMost countries require 6+ months of validity beyond your travel dates and at least one blank page. If it's close, renew before applying.
- 2
Gather supporting documents
104+ days beforeYou'll need: Acceptance from a Brazilian higher-education institution; Proof of funds — typically R$3,000+/month; Apostilled academic documents with sworn Portuguese translations; Apply at the Brazilian consulate in your country; and others (see full list above).
- 3
Prepare proof of funds
104+ days beforeBank statements covering 3–6 months are standard. Include both savings and recent income flow — adjudicators look for stability, not just balance.
- 4
Book a biometrics appointment (Destination embassy / consulate or Visa Application Centre)
97+ days beforeBiometrics centres often have 1–3 week waitlists. Book the slot the moment your application is submitted, not after.
- 5
Submit the application to the embassy or consulate
90+ days beforeIn person at the consulate with jurisdiction over your residence. Bring originals + photocopies of every document. Most consulates require a prior appointment.
- 6
Track the application; print the approval
7+ days beforeDecisions typically take 30–60 days. Print or save a clear PDF of the approved visa — airlines check this at check-in.
- 7
On the day of travel
day of travelCarry: passport (printed visa if applicable), onward ticket, proof of accommodation, proof of funds, travel insurance. Border officers retain discretion regardless of visa status.
Show full requirements, fees, and source
What you need
- Acceptance from a Brazilian higher-education institution
- Proof of funds — typically R$3,000+/month
- Apostilled academic documents with sworn Portuguese translations
- Apply at the Brazilian consulate in your country
- Register at the Federal Police within 30 days of arrival (get the CRNM card)
- Portuguese for most programmes; English for select international Master's (FGV, USP, INSPER)
- Work permitted up to 20 hours/week with prior approval
- Post-study: switch to work visa (VITEM V) without leaving Brazil if you find employment
Fee breakdown
- Student visa application fee$100.00