What are the types of American visas?
- B1/B2 (Business and Tourism) - ideal for tourism, vacations, meetings and events.
- F1 (Student) - for those attending universities, schools or study programs in the USA.
- J1 (Exchange) - used in internship, au pair and training programs.
- H1B (Specialized work) - aimed at professionals hired by American companies.
Step by step to apply for an American visa
1. Fill in the DS-160 form
- The DS-160 is compulsory and must be completed in English.
- Warning: errors on this form are one of the main causes of refusal.
2. Pay the MRV fee
- The current rate is US$ 185 for the tourist visa (B1/B2). However, from 01/10/2025 the value must be changed to US$ 495.
3. Make an appointment at the CASV (Visa Applicant Service Center)
- Place where fingerprints and photographs are taken.
4. Attend the interview at the consulate or embassy
- The consular officer evaluates the information and can approve or deny the visa.
5. Wait for issue
- After approval, the passport with the visa is returned by post or picked up at CASV.
Documents required for the American visa
- Valid passport.
- DS-160 confirmation page.
- Proof of payment of the MRV fee.
- Appointment confirmation page.
- Documents proving links in Brazil (employment, study, income, family).
How long does it take to get an American visa?
Main reasons for visa refusal
- Inconsistent information on the DS-160.
- Lack of ties with Brazil (work, family, studies).
- Unsure or contradictory answers in the interview.
- Omission of relevant information.
Renewing your American visa
Anyone who already has a visa that has expired or is about to expire can apply for renewal. In some cases, the applicant may be exempt from interviewBut this depends on your profile and how long your previous visa was valid for.
How Target Relocation can help
- Guidance on how to fill in the DS-160 correctly.
- Support in scheduling and organizing documents.
- Preparing for the interview with simulation of real questions.
- Translation and revision of documents.
- Corporate plans for companies sending employees to the USA.
FAQ - frequently asked questions about the American visa
How much will American visas cost in 2025?
The consular fee (MRV) is US$ 185 for the tourist visa (B1/B2). It is expected to increase from 01/10/25 with the inclusion of two other fees: visa integrity fee of USD 250.00 and the I-94 form fee of USD 24.00.
Do I need an interview to renew my visa?
As of September 1, 2015, there will be significant changes to the previously established visa renewal criteria. Children under the age of 14 and over the age of 79, who were previously exempt from renewal, will now be obliged to do so and it seems that every renewal will be considered as a 1st visa, requiring a Consular Interview. Cases of exemption from the interview will be analyzed and released on a case-by-case basis, depending on the US Consulate's analysis.
Can I travel to the USA with just my passport?
No. A valid American visa is mandatory for all Brazilians.
Does the visa guarantee my entry into the United States?
No. The final decision rests with immigration at the airport, but a visa is an indispensable requirement.
Conclusion
Request the visa to the USA in 2025 requires attention, planning and care for every detail.
With the right guidance, the process becomes much simpler and your chances of approval increase significantly.
