United States Tourist Visa
B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa · For Brazil citizens
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.
US Tourist Visa for Brazilian Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Brazil citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in the United States
Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160) form
A recent photograph meeting US visa photo requirements
Documents showing you have sufficient funds to cover your trip
Documentation proving your employment status and ties to Brazil
In-person interview at the US Embassy or Consulate in Brazil
Recommended (Optional)
Evidence demonstrating your intention to return to Brazil
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:
1. 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
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
Fees
| 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)
Interview Tips
The interview is the most critical part of your application. Tips for success:
- Arrive prepared with all original documents organized
- Dress professionally as first impressions matter
- Be confident and maintain eye contact
- Answer directly without over-explaining
- Be honest even if you think the truth is unfavorable
- Stay calm if asked difficult questions
- Speak in English if you can, though interpreters are available
Processing Times
Interview wait times vary significantly by consulate location and time of year. Summer months typically have longer wait times. After your interview, visa processing usually takes 2-4 weeks.4
Check current wait times at the US Embassy website for:
- São Paulo
- Rio de Janeiro
- Brasília
- Recife
- Porto Alegre
After Your Visa is Approved
Your B-1/B-2 visa will be valid for 10 years with multiple entries. At the US port of entry, the CBP officer will determine how long you can stay, typically up to 6 months.
At the border, you may be asked to show:
- Return flight or onward travel plans
- Hotel reservations or address where you will stay
- Proof of funds
- Your travel itinerary
If Your Visa is Refused
Most refusals are under Section 214(b), meaning the officer was not convinced of your ties to Brazil. If refused:
- Ask for the reason to understand what was lacking
- Gather stronger evidence of ties to Brazil
- Reapply when your circumstances have changed
- Consider timing as changed circumstances (new job, property purchase) strengthen reapplications
There is no waiting period to reapply, but submitting the same application without addressing the issues will likely result in another refusal.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Unable to Demonstrate Ties to Brazil
The consular officer was not convinced that you will return to Brazil after your visit. This is the most common reason under Section 214(b).
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.
Insufficient Financial Evidence
Unable to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover the trip or the financial documentation was unclear or showed suspicious patterns.
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.
Incomplete or Inconsistent Information
Information in the DS-160 did not match verbal answers or supporting documents showed discrepancies.
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.
Unclear Purpose of Visit
The travel purpose was vague, or the itinerary did not make sense for the stated purpose.
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.
Previous Immigration Issues
Past visa denials, overstays, or other immigration violations in the US or other countries.
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 2025?
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.