Brazil/visa-marriage

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Expert: - 9/3/2009


Question

JOHNandESTHER
HELLO SANDRA,

I CAME TO BRAZIL TO MARRY A GREAT BRAZILIAN WOMAN. SHE WORKS EVERYDAY TEACHING ENGLISH CLASSES. WE HAVE BEEN LIVING TOGETHER SINCE JUNE 22ND AND WE HAVE BEEN JUMPING THROUGH MANY HOOPS TRYING TO GET MARRIED.

WE GATHERED ALL OF HER DOCUMENTS, HAD MINE TRANSLATED-STAMPED, ALL OF MY DOCUMENTS COPIED, PROOF OF MY AMERICAN ADDRESS FROM MANY BILLS, ETC. AND EACH TIME THEY COME UP WITH MORE REQUIREMENTS.

MY 3 MONTHS ARE UP ON SEPTEMBER 22ND.

MY QUESTIONS ARE THESE:

SHOULD I GO TO A FEDERAL POLICE OFFICE AND ASK FOR ANOTHER 3 MONTHS?

DO I HAVE TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THEM TO DO THIS?
(I WOULD HAVE TO GIVE THEM MY ADDRESS HERE)

WHAT IF THEY SAY NO?

I READ THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY 8R$ FOR EACH DAY I STAY PAST THE FIRST 90 DAYS - HAVE YOU HEARD OF THIS?

SUGGESTIONS?

IN ADVANCE THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP AND TIME.

SINCERELY,

-JOHN



PS SHE JUST CALLED ME BECAUSE SHE FORGOT TO SAY I LOVE YOU THIS MORNING.  

Answer
John,
You and Esther both look very content in the photo. Congratulations on your committed relationship.
As far as extending your stay for another 90 days, just go to the nearest PF, but do it at least a couple of weeks before your original 90 days is up, I believe it costs R$60 to get the extention. They should not refuse. It’s not a common occurrence.The R$8 per day is only if you go over your original 90 days or the 90 of extention. And you might also then have a problem finding a cartorio that would allow you to marry.
Brazilian bureaucracy can be very frustrating ! (Believe me, I have enough experience of my own to comment and empathize.) As for the marriage documents, you must realize that each cartorio is a private enterprise and can ask for pretty much whatever they wish. It’s best to get the requirements in advance, and in written form. But now your situation is in process. You could still try to get them to give you a written list of docs and then try to hold them to it. At the very least, try to deal with the same individual at the cartorio every time, to try to get one person to be responsible.  You might try to deal with another cartorio relatively close to you, if one exists. Or even try a “suborno” with the person at the counter of the cartorio you are currently dealing with. Occasionally that is effective. (Worked to get my friend a much earlier date for the wedding.)
Best wishes and best of luck.

Sandra

Expertise

Drawing on my personal travel experience in Brazil (more than a decade's worth), as well as time spent living in Brazil (especially Salvador, Bahia) and knowledge of the Brazilian community in the U.S., I can help with most questions concerning travel, specific destinations, paperwork for moving, marriage or business, and more. I enjoy helping people get the most from their stay in Brazil. I'd be happy to hear from you.

Experience

I have spent considerable time in Brazil, living and travelling, over more than a decade. I have travelled widely throughout much of Brazil, sometimes solo and sometimes with Brazilian friends and relatives, and am familiar with many destinations. I have done translation and interpretation, and also have taught ESL.

Publications
I write for a number of travel forums, blogs and publications concerning Brazil.

Education/Credentials
BA, technical certificates

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