United States Visa for Brazil Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

Planning a trip to the United States as a Brazilian citizen? This guide covers everything you need for the B-1/B-2 visitor visa application: required documents, current fees of $185, interview preparation, and strategies to improve your approval chances. Learn how to navigate the DS-160 form and what to expect at the US Embassy.

Visa Application process

The US visa application requires completing an online form and attending an in-person interview at a US Embassy or Consulate.1 Here are the steps:

Complete DS-160 Form

Fill out the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160) at ceac.state.gov.2 Upload your photo and save your confirmation number. Starting May 1, 2025, the DS-160 confirmation number must match the one used to schedule your appointment.1

Pay the Visa Fee

Pay the $185 application fee online or at designated bank locations.3 Keep your receipt as you will need it to schedule your interview.

Schedule Interview Appointment

Book your interview at the US Embassy or Consulate through the visa appointment system.4 Locations include São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Recife, and Porto Alegre. Wait times vary by location and season.

Attend Interview

Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, photo, and all supporting documents. The consular officer will ask about your travel plans, ties to Brazil, and financial situation. Fingerprints are collected at the interview.

Wait for Processing

If approved, your visa will be printed in your passport. Most applications are processed within 2-4 weeks. You can track your passport delivery status online.

Visa Application Steps

1. Complete DS-160 Form
2. Pay the Visa Fee
3. Schedule Interview Appointment
4. Attend Interview
5. Wait for Processing

Visa Fees breakdown

Fee Type: Cost	B-1/B-2 Visa Application: US$185	The application fee is non-refundable regardless of whether your visa is approved.3 Additional processing may be required for some applications, which could result in delays but no additional fees.

What you need to prove

Under US immigration law, all visa applicants are presumed to be intending immigrants until they prove otherwise.2 You must demonstrate:

Non-immigrant intent showing you plan to return to Brazil after your visit
Sufficient funds to cover all expenses without working in the US
Genuine purpose for visiting, whether tourism, business, or visiting family/friends
Ties to Brazil that will compel you to return (job, property, family, business)

Required documents

Valid Passport
DS-160 Application Form
Passport-Style Photo
Financial Evidence
Employment Evidence
Consular Interview

Valid Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in the United States • At least one blank page for the visa sticker; • Must not be damaged or altered; • Include old passports with previous US, UK, or Schengen visas if available] (Tip: If your passport expires soon, renew before applyingPrevious US visas in old passports strengthen your application)

DS-160 Application Form

Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160) form • Provide travel dates and itinerary; • Employment history for the past 5 years; • Education background; • Family information; • Security and background questions; • Upload a recent digital photo (51mm x 51mm)] (Tip: Save your application ID as you will need it to schedule your interviewAnswer all questions honestly and accuratelyThe DS-160 confirmation number must match your interview appointment)

Passport-Style Photo

A recent photograph meeting US visa photo requirements • 51mm x 51mm (2 inches x 2 inches); • White or off-white background; • Taken within the last 6 months; • No glasses, head coverings only for religious reasons] (Tip: Use the State Department photo tool to check your photo meets requirementsProfessional photos from visa photo services are recommended)

Financial Evidence

Documents showing you have sufficient funds to cover your trip • Bank statements for the last 3-6 months; • Income tax returns (Declaração de Imposto de Renda); • Proof of regular income; • Investment statements if applicable] (Tip: Show a stable balance that comfortably covers trip costsAvoid large unexplained deposits before your interviewBring original documents to your interview)

Employment Evidence

Documentation proving your employment status and ties to Brazil • Letter from employer on company letterhead; • Include position, salary, and length of employment; • Confirm approved leave dates for your trip; • Business registration (CNPJ) if self-employed] (Tip: If self-employed, bring business documents and client contractsStudents should get a letter from their school or universityShow stable employment of 1+ years where possible)

Consular Interview

In-person interview at the US Embassy or Consulate in Brazil • Schedule appointment after completing DS-160; • Interviews conducted at São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Recife, or Porto Alegre; • Bring all original documents; • Fingerprints collected at the interview] (Tip: Arrive 15 minutes earlyDress professionallyAnswer questions clearly and conciselyBe prepared to explain your travel purpose and ties to Brazil)

Optional documents

Ties to Home Country

Evidence demonstrating your intention to return to Brazil • Property ownership documents; • Family certificates showing dependents; • Ongoing business commitments; • Vehicle registration] (Tip: This is crucial for the interviewThe officer must be convinced you will return to Brazil)

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
45%	Unable to Demonstrate Ties to Brazil
25%	Insufficient Financial Evidence
15%	Incomplete or Inconsistent Information
10%	Unclear Purpose of Visit
5%	Previous Immigration Issues

45% - Unable to Demonstrate Ties to Brazil

How to avoid: Bring strong evidence of ties: employment letter showing tenure, property documents, family certificates, ongoing business contracts. Be prepared to explain your reasons to return.

25% - Insufficient Financial Evidence

How to avoid: Show 3-6 months of bank statements with stable income. Bring tax returns to verify income. Ensure funds are sufficient for your stated travel plans.

15% - Incomplete or Inconsistent Information

How to avoid: Review your DS-160 carefully before the interview. Be consistent in your answers. If asked about anything, answer honestly even if different from written responses.

10% - Unclear Purpose of Visit

How to avoid: Have a clear, specific reason for your visit. Know the places you want to visit and approximately how long you plan to stay.

5% - Previous Immigration Issues

How to avoid: Be upfront about any previous issues. Explain what has changed in your circumstances since then.

Frequently asked questions

How long can I stay in the US on a B-1/B-2 visa?

The B-1/B-2 visa allows stays of up to 6 months per visit. The exact duration is determined by the CBP officer at the port of entry. You cannot work during your stay.

Can I work on a US tourist visa?

No, the B-1/B-2 visa does not permit any form of paid employment in the United States. Even volunteer work for US organizations is generally not allowed. Business activities like attending meetings or conferences are permitted under B-1.

How long does US visa processing take from Brazil?

After your interview, most applications are processed within 2-4 weeks. However, interview appointment wait times vary by consulate and season. Check the US Embassy website for current wait times in your city.

What is the US tourist visa fee for Brazilians in 2026?

The B-1/B-2 visa application fee is $185. This fee is non-refundable regardless of whether your visa is approved. Additional fees may apply for certain administrative processing.

Do I need to book flights before applying?

No, you are not required to book flights before your interview. Have a general travel plan ready, but avoid non-refundable bookings until your visa is approved.

How long is the US visa valid?

For Brazilian citizens, the B-1/B-2 visa is typically issued for 10 years with multiple entries. This means you can visit the US multiple times during the validity period, with each stay limited to the duration granted at entry.

What happens if my visa is refused?

You will be told the reason for refusal under Section 214(b), which typically means the officer was not convinced of your ties to Brazil. You can reapply with stronger documentation demonstrating your intent to return.

Apply for United States tourist visa online

Sources

US Embassy Brazil - Nonimmigrant Visas

https://br.usembassy.gov/non-immigrant-visas-overview/

US Department of State - Visitor Visa

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit.html

US Department of State - Visa Fees

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html

US Visa Appointment Service Brazil

https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-br/niv

At a glance