How long does a US visa take from Brazil? The steps and the wait

Who needs a visa

According to the US Embassy in Brazil, all Brazilian citizens need a visa to travel to the United States, including passengers only making a connection there. Dual citizens may be able to enter as tourists without a visa through the Visa Waiver Program, using their other passport, if that country is part of the program.

The visa has to match the purpose of the trip. For tourism and business it is the visitor visa (B1/B2). Study and exchange programs have their own visas.

The steps, one by one

1. DS-160 form. This is the online visa application. Each family member fills in their own. At the end, print the confirmation page with the barcode and write down the Application ID and the answer to the security question: you will need them to get back into the form.
2. Fee and appointment. On the official appointment service you pay the visa fee (MRV fee), book your appointments and choose how you want your passport returned.
3. CASV (Brasília, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo). At the Visa Application Center, they take your fingerprints and photo. Children under 14 do not need to go, but a parent or guardian brings their documents and printed photo.
4. Interview at the Embassy or Consulate. Everyone attends, at any age. In Porto Alegre and Recife it works differently: there is no CASV, so there is a single appointment at the Consulate, where they take your biometrics and do the interview. Bring a printed photo.
5. Passport back. Approved visas come back through the CASV, by mail or for pickup at the nearest CASV. The CASV only keeps the passport for 30 days.

How long it takes

The total time has two parts:

The Embassy recommends planning your trip ahead and applying early. You can follow your application status on the State Department’s official CEAC website.

When it takes longer after the interview

• Missing documents (section 221(g)). If the officer needs more information, the visa is refused under section 221(g) until you send what is missing. This is not a permanent refusal: it is an extra step before a final decision. They explain how to send it at the interview.
• Administrative processing. Some applications go through extra review that takes more time after the interview. You are told about it at the interview.
• Refusal under section 214(b). This decision cannot be appealed, but you can apply again if you have more evidence that you qualify.

Renewing without an interview

Through the Interview Waiver Program, you can renew by just dropping off your documents (at the CASV or, in Porto Alegre and Recife, at the Document Delivery Center). The Embassy lists these requirements, and you must meet all of them:

• be a Brazilian citizen or permanent resident of Brazil applying in Brazil;
• have a B1/B2 or H-2A visa that is valid or expired less than 12 months ago;
• have been at least 18 when the previous visa was issued;
• the previous visa was issued with full validity;
• the previous visa was not lost, stolen, cancelled or revoked;
• never had a visa refused (unless the refusal was later overcome);
• have no apparent or potential ineligibility.

The appointment system asks these questions and tells you whether you qualify. Even so, the consulate may still ask you to come in for an interview. And the requirements can change: renewing without an interview before does not guarantee you can do it again.

Emergency appointments

In cases such as the death of a close relative, a serious illness or urgent medical treatment in the United States, you can ask for an emergency interview. First book a regular interview on the first available date, then choose "Request Emergency" and follow the instructions. The consular section decides.

Tips for the day

• Leave your phone at home. Phones, smartwatches, tablets, laptops and other electronic devices are not allowed in the Embassy or Consulates. Neither are drinks or large bags, and there is no storage on site.
• Bring your DS-160 confirmation with the same barcode as your appointment.
• Need an accommodation? People with a disability or medical condition can ask for special arrangements right after booking.