I walked into the Brasilian Embassey in Manhattan at 10 am, had my VISA buy 3 pm. It's on 6 ave and like 52 street.????
Bring a money order or whatever was required.
The reason so fast was , YES, I handed them my crew ID at the same time with all the other stuff, application, money order, etc., before I could say, "I am a crewmember, can I get it today?" The lady said, "do you want this today?" I say "Yes" and she said, "it will be ready by 3".
And yes, your VISA is good for 5 years, but has to used (stamped) within the first 90 days of issuance.
Brasil is Awesome, surf, women, food, capoeira, all...