Government officials turned down the request for clearance claiming the player has not played enough times for his country over the last few months.
The club have agreed personal terms with the World Cup winner, 27 tomorrow, and quickly agreed the deal with his club AC Milan.
Roque has begun his medical and this could be complete over the weekend.
Speaking about his permit, Reid said: "The original application was turned down because he has not played as many Brazil games as he needs to.
"We need to go to the appeal and if they turn it down then it will amaze me. I have got to go to Sheffield on Monday just to plead our case and hopefully then everything will be ready to sign. Everything else is in place for the deal to be completed."
Another proposed addition to the squad, Cameroon midfielder Salomon Olembe, is still waiting on the results of a second medical before he completes his one-year move.
"If we can sign these two players it gives us strength in depth and the biggest thing of all, it gives us quality," said manager Peter Reid.
"When you are talking about a World Cup winner at your club, if it happens, then it will be a massive boost for us."
Reid is also hoping to strengthen his forward line and much could depend on whether Nigel Martyn joins Everton and Ian Harte moves to Italy as there has been interest.
Paul Okon has completed his move to Vicenza, with Reid in a transfer whirl as Monday's 5pm deadline looms as he stated: "To be perfectly honest I'd like a bit more cover up front. Getting another striker in is something I'm working on. There's a lot of things happening at the moment and there could be ins and there could be outs."