My situation: I have now been in Brazil for 5 months (first 3 months
tourist visa were extended by another 3 months by the federal police).
The validity of my visa runs out in January. In the mean-time my
application for a work visa is being processed.

My wish: I want to be able to stay in Brazil for another 3 months
while the work visa application is being processed. I have heard that
many people in my situation simply take a trip across the border (to,
say, Argentina) and upon returning they get a new stamp in their
passport which allows another 3 months stay in Brazil. To my
understanding this is "standard practice".

My questions:
1. Does this work?
2. Is it legal?
3. Can I be refused re-entry into Brazil?
4. What country would be best to visit?
5. Can I go and return on the same day?
6. Do I have any other options for extending my tourist visa?

Hello lovkraft,

My responses below are based on my experiences of being a foreigner
living in Brazil.  My situation is different to yours as I married a
Brazilian national, but I have several friends who are in a similar
situation to yours.

A trip to Iguaçu falls and a quick trip over the bridge to Paraguay
and back is the norm, it`s beautiful scenery too.

Your questions:
1. Does this work?.........................Yes
2. Is it legal?............................Yes
3. Can I be refused re-entry into Brazil?..Yes (but unlikely)
4. What country would be best to visit?....Paraguay is probably the easiest.
5. Can I go and return on the same day?....Yes
6. Do I have any other options for extending my tourist visa?...Not
that I can think of.

I have posted this as a comment, as finding the relevant Brazilian
legislation to back up my answers, would be a nightmare!

Good luck

Very best regards

THX1138