FAQ on Asylum Claim


Is it free to claim asylum?

The asylum claim is entirely free. The presence of a lawyer is not mandatory. If you need support with your asylum claim, you can always look for one of UNHCR partners – there you will find lawyers and you will be not charged for receiving their support.


Do I have a limited period to submit an asylum claim?

No.  At any moment after arriving in Brazil, a foreigner who considers him or herself a victim of persecution in his/her country of origin will be able to submit an asylum claim. It is not necessary to travel to or live in Brasília, where the headquarters of CONARE is located, to begin the procedure of recognition of refugee status.


I had to use false documents to enter in Brazil. Will I be punished for this? Can I claim asylum using my real name and personal information?

The authorities cannot detain or penalize you for entering Brazil without an entry visa if you are arriving from a country where your life or freedom may be in danger. However, please note that when submitting your asylum claim you must declare your veridical name and personal information, even if you do not have any documents with you. Remember to explain in your Asylum Claim Form why you had to use false documents and which documents were false.


Can I claim asylum for my family as well?

No. The Asylum Claim is individual. All family members who wish to claim asylum must go personally to a Federal Police Unit and request asylum. Members of the same family will receive the same Process number (but with different protocol identification numbers), what means they will go through the steps of the process together. However, each family member will receive an individual identification number and Provisional Protocol (Protocolo Provisório).

You have the right to request CONARE to separate your request from another person of your family at any moment of the procedure. In the case of children (under the age of 18) that are not with their parents or not accompanied by anyone, a public defender will be appointed to support him during his request for refuge.

However, if you already have your refugee status recognized in Brazil, you can file a family reunification and extension of refugee status application.


How can I let CONARE know that I moved to another address?

Fill out the FORMULÁRIO ATUALIZAÇÃO CADASTRAL.

Step 1 – Register as a SEI user according to the manual instructions available at the link.

Step 2 – After gaining access to SEI, log in with your login and password.

Step 3 – On the left side, under “peticionamento”, choose the “intercorrente” option.

Step 4 – Under “número de processo”, enter your Refugee Protocol number and then click “validar”.

Step 5 – After clicking “validar”, the SEI will fill in the “Tipo” field with the information “Migrações: Pedido de Refúgio”. Click on “adicionar”.

Step 6 – Then go to the option “escolher arquivo”. Select the FORM already filled in with your information.

Step 7 – Under “tipo de documento”, choose “formulário” and in the “complemento do tipo de documento” field, enter ATUALIZAÇÃO CADASTRAL.

Step 8 – In format, choose “nato-digital”.

Step 9 – Then click on “adicionar”.

Step 10 – After adding the form, click “peticionar”.

After this registration your registration will be reviewed by the Conare General Coordination.

If you need support please contact them at [email protected] or by phone at (61) 2025 9734


How long will CONARE take to decide on my case?

The Brazilian Refugee Law does not set a deadline for the conclusion of the asylum process. Even though the Protocol is valid for one year, the conclusion of the asylum process usually takes more time than this.

Therefore, if your protocol is about to expire and CONARE has not reached a decision on your request, you must go to a Federal Police unit and renew it. You can renew your provisional protocol as many times as necessary until a final decision is reached.

If you have already been interviewed by CONARE, the best way to consult the status of your process is through the email – [email protected]. Keep your information updated so they can contact you when a decision is reached.


How do I unarchive my refugee application process?

Step 1 – Complete the FORMULÁRIO DE DESARQUIVAMENTO DE SOLICITAÇÃO DO RECONHECIMENTO DA CONDIÇÃO DE REFUGIADO.

Step 2 – Register as a SEI user according to the manual instructions available at the link.

Step 3 – Under “número de processo”, enter your Refugee Protocol number, then click “validar”.

Step 4 – After clicking “validar”, the SEI will fill in the “Tipo” field with the information “Migrações: Pedido de Refúgio”. Click on “adicionar”.

Step 5 – Then go to the “escolher arquivo” option. Select the FORM already filled in with your information.

Step 6 – Under “tipo de documento”, choose “formulário” and in the “complemento do tipo de documento” field, place ATUALIZAÇÃO CADASTRAL.

Step 7 – In format, choose “nato-digital”.

Step 8 – Then click on “adicionar”.

Step 9 – After adding the form, click “peticionar”.

After this registration your registration will be reviewed by the Conare General Coordination.

If you need support please contact them at [email protected] or by phone at (61) 2025 9734


I want to give up my refuge application process. What to do?

Step 1 – Complete and print the FORMULÁRIO DE DESISTÊNCIA DA SOLICITAÇÃO DE RECONHECIMENTO DA CONDIÇÃO DE REFUGIADO.

Step 2 – Sign the FORM and scan it, or take a readable photo.

Step 3 – Register as a SEI user according to the manual instructions available at the link.

Step 4 – After gaining access to SEI, log in with your login and password.

Step 5 – On the left side, under “peticionamento”, choose the “intercorrente” option.

Step 6 – Under “número de processo”, enter your Refugee Protocol number and then click “validar”.

Step 7 – After clicking “validar”, the SEI will fill in the “Tipo” field with the information “Migrações: Pedido de Refúgio”. Click on “adicionar”.

Step 8 – Then go to the “escolher arquivo” option. Select the FORM already filled in with your information.

Step 9 – In “tipo de documento”, choose “formulário” and in the “complemento do tipo de documento” field, DESISTÊNCIA.

Step 10 – In format, choose “nato-digital”.

Step 11 – Then click on “adicionar”.

Step 12 – After adding the form, click “peticionar”.

After this registration your registration will be reviewed by the Conare General Coordination.

If you need support please contact them at [email protected] or by phone at (61) 2025 9734

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