So the dread has begun to sink in. It is a little over 2 weeks until I have to leave Brazil, my job, my crappy apartment and my beloved Namo. Last time I left Brazil I was heartbroken but I knew what I had to do and when I would be back. This time, on the other hand, I have no idea when I'll be returning.
What I really want to do is take a Portuguese class at a University here in Rio and get a student visa. I don't want to return on another tourist visa because I'll have to wait 6 months and I don't know if I can do that again.
I need advice. Anything. If you have any contacts/friends/students/whoever that have taken portuguese classes and gotten visas to live here in Brazil, I would love to get in contact with them and bate papo.
I've been looking into UFRJ and UERJ but the sites aren't updated, they don't return emails and they never answer their phones...go figure.
I feel you! Getting on that plane in Rio is always the hardest thing I have to do. I'm on the count down now to coming back in just over two months. 90 days at a time, back and forth between Brazil and the US is really hard. I get 3 months in an amazing new country with this man that I love, and 3 months back in the land of convenience and freeways with my kids. It's what works for now, but I HATE flying away from Brazil and my heart.
ReplyDeleteI don't have any help for you on getting the student visa, but I know it is possible. I don't know if you can get it in just a couple of short weeks, but keep trying! Keep us posted, and good luck!
Just wishing you good luck...
ReplyDeleteI really can't help (I had to go back to the US and work my paperwork out with the Brazilian consulate in DC to come back, almost being forced to stay out 6 months--with a Brazilian husband of 3+ years waiting for me in Rio...)
Just an idea--I've read on the Gringoes.com forums that people just went out of Brazil for a weekend trip to Uruguay or Argentina (don't need visa for either) and then "re-upped" their tourist visa for another trip...you probably already booked your flight to the US being two weeks away, but it is a temporary solution to buy more time...
Guess it's good after all we never got together over the weekend---saudades sucks!
Have you tried PUC?
ReplyDeleteMight have been where you spent your semester abroad during University. Spent a month studying there a year ago.
Seemed like there was quite a bit of wiggle room there as far as enrollment goes.
http://www.puc-rio.br/ensinopesq/ccci/
I took Portuguese classes as UFF in Niterói, but they were discontinued for some reason about a year ago. I've heard rumors they are back, but I cant confirm. Keep trying the phone number, they have sometimes picked up for me. http://www.aai.uff.br/ppe.php A student visa (or permanent visa) is required.
ReplyDeleteI've also taken classes at UERJ in Rio (lousy teacher, however...) They NEVER lift the phone receiver. Just show up and go to the office window with your questions.
Also - have you considered applying for a permanent visa under the Stable Union law? You do not have to be married to your partner, just prove that you are in a "Stable Union." It used to be a 5 year minimum, but I think our visa lawyer said it has been reduced to 2 years. Either way, you just have to go to a cartorio and tell the guy what you need and he will certify it as true. (Of course I am not advocating anything out of order...)
Luiz and I used the Stable Union option. If you begin this process before your current visa expires you would not need to leave the country. Once your case is open your visa limits are suspended -- you are on the Brasilia clock. It took me 11 months to get the visa, but I was perfectly legal to be in the country during the wait.
More about the Stable Union visa option here: http://www.gringoes.com/articles.asp?ID_Noticia=1688
Good luck. And if you want our lawyer's info, let me know.
Thank you all so much for the support. We really are all crazy for falling in love with people located on the other side of the world!
ReplyDeleteIn terms of staying in Brazil, my mom would kill kill kill me if I didn't come home for Christmas, so I have to go back for a little while, I'm just hoping less than 6 months.
Jim, that was really interesting, the information you passed on about the Civil Union, it's crazy I've never heard of that before. However, my relationship is just a month or so short of 2 years, so maybe I can use it to stay in the country once I've found a way back in. Keeping my fingers crossed!
Thanks everyone!
Hi Nancy! I can give you only moral support. I think, love will help you to fight with problems (I say this after 25 years of marriage - quite an expert, huh?).
ReplyDeleteI wish you the best. Stay in touch.
Yo, just get married and then apply for a perm. ressy card. :)
ReplyDeleteCan we have a little going away party together before you go?? :((
Hint - submit a request on the grounds of stable union.
ReplyDeleteDoesn't matter that you guys are short a few months - it'll take them a couple months or more to schedule anything anyway.
By then, you'll probably have your 2ys. And, in any case, even if it's denied, nothing prevents you from reapplying immediately after that.
With the papers proving that you've applied for citizenship, you may enter the country anytime; so rush and do it before Christmas, there's enough time.
Hi Nancy!
ReplyDeleteI went to Brazil on a student visa a few years ago. The process was not too hard, and I was allowed to stay in Brazil the entire time I was attending school.
If you need more info, feel free to send me an email at amandamlakin2@hotmail.com.