On this page
- Quick summary
- Overview (What is Form Work Authorization?)
- Context and workflow
- Do you need this visa?
- Requirements snapshot
- Failure prevention (What causes Form Work Authorization rejections?)
- What you need (What do you need for Form Work Authorization?)
- Checklist (What is the Form Work Authorization checklist?)
- Processing times
- Where to file
- Fees
- Form sections (What sections does Form Work Authorization have?)
- Choose your path
- Strategy tips
- Mistake severity
- Examples (What are examples for Form Work Authorization?)
- Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form Work Authorization?)
- Edge cases and variations
- In-depth guidance
- Scenarios
- Next steps
- Verification
- Related guides
- Resources
- Visual references
Quick summary
#Eligibility depends on the specific stream and may require employer compliance.
VITEM-WORK: Temporary Visa - Work (VITEM V)
Include it with your application package and follow official instructions for submission.
Names, dates of birth, and passport details on other forms Program checklist requirements Supporting documents and translations
Overview (What is Form Work Authorization?)
#Depending on your eligibility category, Work Authorization may be filed alongside Form RERVISA-APPLICATION, or other related forms, as described in the Form RERVISA-APPLICATION guide, as described in the Form E-VISA APPLICATION guide.
Context and workflow
#Processing times for Work Authorization depend on the case type and current workload. Always consult the official PF processing time tool, as outlined in the Form WORK AUTHORIZATION guide.
Why this matters
- This form helps confirm that the application matches the program’s requirements and checklist.
- Small mismatches inside Work Authorization (or between Work Authorization and supporting evidence) can force rework later in processing.
Where it fits in the workflow
- Initiates the process of obtaining legal work status in Brazil.
- Receipt protocol number (protocolo) is issued upon submission.
- May require providing biometrics at a Federal Police (Polícia Federal) office.
- Leads to CRNM card issuance if approved.
Who uses it
Eligibility depends on the specific stream and may require employer compliance. Common filers: Standard Employer-Filed, Intra-Company Transfer, Technical Assistance Agreement.
When it is used
- VITEM-WORK: Temporary Visa - Work (VITEM V)
- Foreign nationals with a job offer from a Brazilian employer; the employer files.
- Employees of multinational companies being transferred to a Brazilian subsidiary.
- Foreign technical experts providing services under a registered technical assist.
Do you need this visa?
#Requirements snapshot
#- To allow foreign nationals to legally work in Brazil.
- To gather necessary information for evaluating work authorization requests.
Failure prevention (What causes Form Work Authorization rejections?)
#Technical rejections
- Ensure form edition is current
Substantive weaknesses
- Inadequate labor market justification.
- Discrepancies in employment history or educational qualifications.
- To avoid employer files with incorrect job category code (cbo): Verify the CBO (Classificação Brasileira de Ocupações) code matches the actual position before submission.
- To avoid missing labor market justification: Include a detailed explanation of why a foreign worker is needed and that no qualified Brazilian candidate is available.
- To avoid incomplete company documentation (cnpj, tax compliance): Ensure all company documents including CNPJ registration and current tax compliance certificates (CND) are included.
What you need (What do you need for Form Work Authorization?)
#- The current edition of Work Authorization
- Job offer letter or employment contract
- Proof of qualifications
- Proof of identity
- Complete all required sections, sign, and submit with required evidence.
- Educational credentials and any required evaluations
- Employment history details for the period specified in the instructions
- Copy of your filed or approved RERVISA-APPLICATION (Authorization needed for work visa application)
Checklist (What is the Form Work Authorization checklist?)
#- Access the latest Work Authorization form and its accompanying instructions directly from the official PF website.
- Gather required supporting documents per the instructions
- Ensure that you fill out every necessary section of the Work Authorization Application.
- Ensure that you sign and date the Work Authorization form, then submit it along with all necessary supporting evidence.
Sources for this section
Processing times
#| Category | Processing time |
|---|---|
| Standard (Mail/Drop box) | 5 to 10 daysas of February 2026 |
- Processing time for Work Authorization under "Standard (Mail/Drop box)": 5 to 10 days (as of February 2026).
- Processing times for Work Authorization vary by category and processing location. Verify current processing times with the issuing authority.
- Processing times differ significantly by eligibility category. Initial applications, renewals, and replacements each go through different adjudication queues, and some categories consistently take longer than others.
- Processing times for this form vary by PF office and current workload. Verify current processing times with PF.
- While pending: track your case status using your protocol number, respond promptly to any requests for additional documents, and update your contact information with PF if it changes.
Where to file
#Submit your application at the designated PF office, embassy, or consulate. Check the official website for the location with jurisdiction over your place of residence.
Submit application
Submit your application at the PF office or designated embassy/consulate in your country of residence. Check the official instructions for the correct location.
Filing locations and procedures may change. Always verify on the official PF website before submitting. For related guidance, see Form CTPS.
Fees
#| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Filing FeeThe standard filing fee for form work authorization. Check the official fee schedule for the current amount. | See official schedule |
Can the Form Work Authorization fee be waived?
Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility.
What happens if I submit the wrong fee?
PF will reject your application if the incorrect fee is submitted. Verify the current fee on the official schedule before filing.
Fee waiver: Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility. For related guidance, see vitem-work.
Fees change; always verify on PF.
Form sections (What sections does Form Work Authorization have?)
#Employer Information
Details about the sponsoring company in Brazil.
- Company legal name and CNPJ registration number
- Tax compliance certificates (Certidão Negativa de Débitos)
- Business activity description and sector
- Company contact information and representative
Position Details
Information about the job being offered to the foreign worker.
- Job title and CBO (Classificação Brasileira de Ocupações) code
- Salary and benefits offered
- Work location and contract duration
- Justification for hiring a foreign worker
Worker Information
Biographical and qualification details of the foreign worker.
- Full name as shown on passport
- Nationality and passport number
- Educational qualifications and professional certifications
- Relevant work experience documentation
Labor Market Justification
Evidence that the position cannot be filled by a Brazilian national.
- Description of recruitment efforts conducted in Brazil
- Explanation of specialized skills or qualifications required
- Evidence that no qualified Brazilian candidate is available
Choose your path
#Choose your path based on your eligibility category. Each block summarizes who qualifies, what to file, common mistakes, and typical processing time.
Standard Employer-Filed
VITEM-V
Foreign nationals with a job offer from a Brazilian employer; the employer files the work authorization with the Ministry of Justice.
File with:
- Work Authorization Application
- Employer CNPJ and tax compliance certificates
- Labor market justification
Common mistakes:
- Filing without a detailed labor market justification
- Using an incorrect CBO (job classification) code
Typical processing: 1-3 months
Intra-Company Transfer
VITEM-V-ICT
Employees of multinational companies being transferred to a Brazilian subsidiary or affiliate for a temporary assignment.
File with:
- Transfer letter from parent company
- Proof of corporate relationship between entities
- Employee qualifications and assignment details
Common mistakes:
- Not proving the qualifying corporate relationship between the foreign and Brazilian entities
Typical processing: 1-2 months
Technical Assistance Agreement
VITEM-V-AT
Foreign technical experts providing services under a registered technical assistance, technology transfer, or cooperation agreement between companies.
File with:
- Technical assistance contract registered with INPI
- Company documentation and CNPJ
- Expert qualifications
Common mistakes:
- Failing to register the technical agreement with INPI before filing
Typical processing: 1-3 months
Strategy tips
#Mistake severity
#| Mistake type | Severity | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Employer files with incorrect job category code (CBO) | Rejection | Verify the CBO (Classificação Brasileira de Ocupações) code matches the actual position before submission. |
| Missing labor market justification | Delay | Include a detailed explanation of why a foreign worker is needed and that no qualified Brazilian candidate is available. |
| Incomplete company documentation (CNPJ, tax compliance) | Rejection | Ensure all company documents including CNPJ registration and current tax compliance certificates (CND) are included. |
| Worker qualifications do not match job requirements | Rejection | Provide diplomas, professional certifications, and experience letters that clearly match the position requirements. |
| Filing after the worker has already started working | Penalty | File and receive approval before the worker begins employment in Brazil. |
Examples (What are examples for Form Work Authorization?)
#- Strong application: An applicant submits the form with all required documents and receives a timely decision.
- Common weakness: Applicant omits their employment history, leading to a request for additional information and delays.
- A foreign national applies for Work Authorization to obtain legal authorization to work in the country
- An employer sponsors a worker who files Work Authorization as part of the work authorization process
- Strong application: Foreign nationals with a job offer from a Brazilian employer; the employer files submits with required evidence; receives National Migration Registry Card (CRNM — Carteira de Registro Nacional Migratório) in approximately 1-3 months.
- Strong application: Employees of multinational companies being transferred to a Brazilian subsidiary submits with required evidence; receives National Migration Registry Card (CRNM — Carteira de Registro Nacional Migratório) in approximately 1-2 months.
Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form Work Authorization?)
#- Filing this form does not guarantee approval of the underlying case
- Filing does not authorize immediate work
- Work permits are employer- or category-specific; changing jobs may require a new permit
- Filing Work Authorization automatically allows you to start working — You must wait for official approval before beginning employment. Working without authorization can have serious immigration consequences.
Edge cases and variations
#- If you are asked to submit or update Work Authorization, treat it as a package update: check every place the same details appear and keep them consistent.
In-depth guidance
#How to complete this form reliably
Treat Work Authorization as part of a system, not a standalone document. Most delays happen when details conflict across the form, supporting documents, and other parts of the application package. Before you start, gather the documents you will reference and decide which one is the source of truth for each field.
Fill the form in one sitting if possible. Partially-completed forms are where inconsistent edits creep in. When you finish, review each section and ask "what evidence in my package proves this statement?"
Scenarios
#A tech company in São Paulo wants to hire a German software engineer. The employer files work authorization with the Ministry of Justice, including labor market justification, company financials, and the engineer's degree and experience letters.
Authorization is approved in 35 business days. The worker applies for a VITEM-V work visa at the Brazilian consulate in Berlin.
Having complete documentation including labor market justification avoids delays and rejections.
A restaurant chain files for a foreign chef but does not include labor market justification explaining why a Brazilian chef cannot fill the role.
The application is returned for insufficient documentation, causing a 3-month delay while the company gathers evidence.
Always include a detailed justification for why a foreign worker is needed, even if the position seems specialized.
An employer changes the worker's position from software engineer to project manager after authorization is granted but before visa issuance.
The original authorization is voided because it was tied to a specific role. A new application must be filed from scratch.
Finalize all employment details (title, salary, function) before filing; changes void the authorization.
Next steps
#- Receive a receipt protocol number (protocolo) upon submission.
- Provide biometrics at a Federal Police (Polícia Federal) office if required.
- Await decision on work authorization application.
- If approved, receive CRNM card issuance.
- Begin employment legally once CRNM card is received.
Verification
#This guide is based on official PF instructions for Work Authorization and is updated with changes in form editions or filing rules. Always confirm current requirements on the official PF website.
Resources
#Visual references
#
Official portal interface for Work Authorization
Source: Work Authorization online portal
Work Authorization quick reference guide PDF
FAQs
Why does PF need the information requested on Work Authorization?
Conditions such as employer, location, or occupation may be restricted to what is specified on the permit. Review the official Work Authorization instructions for complete guidance specific to your immigration case and circumstances.
Does Work Authorization guarantee approval of my case?
No. The decision depends on whether all requirements are met. Review the official Work Authorization instructions for complete guidance specific to your immigration case and circumstances.
What are common misconceptions about Work Authorization?
People think they can start working immediately after submitting the form because they have applied, but actually, they should wait for approval and issuance of the CRNM card.
What happens after you file Work Authorization?
Receipt protocol number (protocolo) is issued upon submission. The specific timing depends on your case type and circumstances. Generally, forms should be filed according to the sequence outlined in the official instructions for your immigration category.
Do I need to file Work Authorization if I'm only updating my address or contact information?
Consult the official instructions to determine the appropriate form or procedure for your specific update type.
Can I apply for Work Authorization without a job offer?
Typically, a job offer or employment contract is required to apply for Work Authorization, as it demonstrates the need for your employment in Brazil.
When will Work Authorization be processed and what is the workflow?
Processing timing for Work Authorization varies depending on the filing category, processing location, and current application volume. Standard processing can range from a few weeks to several months. Before submitting, check the official PF processing times tool for the most current estimates. After filing, monitor your case status and consider whether expedited options are available.
What are common mistakes when filing Work Authorization?
Common mistakes include submitting incomplete forms, missing required signatures, paying incorrect fees, and failing to include all required supporting documents. Even minor errors can cause significant delays or outright rejection of your application. Double-check every section, verify fee amounts on the official PF schedule, and review the instructions thoroughly before submitting.
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Next steps
Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. VisaMind turns uncertainty into a sequenced checklist with official source citations.
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