Brazil is one of the largest sources of US visitor visa demand in South America, and the B1/B2 process runs through a specific network of consulates rather than a single national post. Knowing which consulate serves your state, and whether you qualify for the no-interview renewal path, can meaningfully change how long the process takes.
Where Brazilian applicants apply
The US operates visa services at five posts in Brazil: São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Recife, and Porto Alegre. Appointments for all five are booked through the same centralized online scheduling system used across Brazil. Wait times vary significantly by post and by season — check current, live wait times for your specific consulate at travel.state.gov’s visa wait-time page before committing to travel plans around an expected interview date.
Application process
- Complete the DS-160 online nonimmigrant visa application form and print the confirmation page with its barcode.
- Pay the visa application (MRV) fee — currently around $185 for B1/B2 applicants (confirm the current fee directly at ustraveldocs.com or travel.state.gov, since fees are periodically revised by the State Department).
- Schedule an appointment at your chosen consulate.
- Attend the interview, bringing your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, a photograph, and documents supporting your ties to Brazil and purpose of travel.
Interview waiver for renewals
Under a nationwide State Department policy effective October 2025, B1/B2 renewal applicants can skip the in-person interview if: their prior visa was issued at full validity, it expired within the last 12 months, they were 18 or older when it was issued, they’re applying in their country of nationality or residence, and they have no history of a visa refusal. This applies equally to Brazilian applicants — if your prior B1/B2 recently lapsed and you meet these conditions, check whether your consulate is currently processing waiver renewals through the dropbox-style process before booking a full interview slot.
Common reasons for refusal (214(b))
As with most B1/B2 applications worldwide, the dominant refusal basis is Section 214(b) — the legal presumption that every nonimmigrant visa applicant intends to immigrate until they demonstrate otherwise. For Brazilian applicants, officers typically weigh:
- Steady employment, business ownership, or a clear career trajectory in Brazil
- Property ownership or significant financial roots in the country
- Family ties — spouse, children, or dependents remaining in Brazil during the trip
- Sufficient financial resources to fund the trip without needing to work in the US
- A specific, credible itinerary and purpose for the visit
A 214(b) refusal is not permanent and doesn’t bar future applications, but reapplying with essentially the same documentation rarely produces a different result — a refusal is a signal to strengthen your evidence of ties before trying again, not just resubmit.
Related guides
For the full B1/B2 requirements and document checklist, see our US visitor visa (B1/B2) guide. If you’re weighing whether you might qualify for visa-free travel instead, our B1/B2 vs. ESTA guide explains the Visa Waiver Program and its eligibility rules (Brazil is not currently a Visa Waiver Program country, so B1/B2 is the standard route). If you’ve had a prior visa lapse recently, our interview waiver / dropbox guide covers the renewal process in more depth. VisaMet isn’t a law firm — confirm current fees, appointment availability, and document requirements with your consulate or ustraveldocs.com before applying. Join the VisaMet waitlist for AI-assisted help getting your application organized.
VisaMet provides preparation guidance, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with the official source before applying.