[ATUALIZADO 2024] How to get an American visa: step by step

The process of filling out the form is time-consuming, involves a lot of details, and requires patience.

Brazilian citizens must have a visa to enter the United States. To help you in the process of obtaining the document, we have prepared a step-by-step guide with information on visa types, forms, scheduling and interview. Be prepared to spend at least an hour and a half on the process, save the page more often than you might have imagined, and delve deeper into the story of your journey and your life.

Step 1. Determine the type of visa you want to travel to the United States

The common tourist visa is the B-2. But there are other types. To find out more and check which category your visa will fall into, consult the details on the website of the United States embassies and consulates in Brazil.

Step 2. Fill out Form DS-160

Tourist, student, business and other nonimmigrant visas require completion of Form DS-160. to be filled in (in English). If you don’t speak English, a tip: by placing the cursor on the question, the Portuguese translation appears.

Before starting to fill in, select the city in which you will complete the American visa application procedure. In Brazil you can choose between Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia, Porto Alegre and Recife. Then click “Launch an application”.

Important: Write down the form number and the answer to the security question. Also make sure you have all the information they will ask for, such as passports (current and, if you have them, old ones), contact details in Brazil, and the address and telephone number of the place where you intend to stay in the United States United. States.

This makes it easier to compile, as it is normal for the page to fall during the process. At the end of each page there is a button that allows you to save information. This way, if the page crashes, you don’t lose all the work you’ve done up to that point. Log in again with your form number.

Fill in your personal details on the first two pages: name and surname as they appear on your passport, any other names (single, for example), sex, marital status, date and place of birth, nationality, whether you live in a country other than that of your nationality and your identity card or CPF.

On the next page, enter your address, postal address, phone numbers, and email. Next, the form asks for your passport details (type, number, date and place of issue, expiration date, and whether you have ever lost or stolen your passport) and your travel details (purpose – tourism, business, etc. -, expected date arrival date, length of stay, address in the United States and who pays for the trip).

If you don’t yet know your US address, type “N/A” (not available). Never leave the field blank and provide complete and correct answers.

Then specify whether there are other people traveling with you, details of previous trips to the United States, contact details of the place where you intend to stay, details of your parents and relatives living in the United States, if any, and the details work/study (company, address, monthly income and description of activities).

Finally, you answer a series of security questions, such as whether you have any contagious diseases or whether you have ever been arrested. The form also asks for information that doesn’t apply to Brazilians, such as American ID numbers, so if you don’t have that, choose the “Not Applicable” option.

Any mistake (even a typo) may result in the interview being rescheduled. Be careful to fill out and save each step to avoid the page expiring and you having to restart the process.

You will have the opportunity to review the information before submitting it electronically.

Step 3. Pay the MRV fee

All applicants must pay the MRV fee of US$185, except those applying for the A (diplomats and employees of foreign governments) and G (employees of international organizations) visas. Depending on the visa, there may be additional costs (for example for a student). To find out all the rates, see here.

If you pay by bank receipt, be aware that the consulate may take up to three days to confirm receipt. For faster payment, pay by credit card.

Step 4. Schedule the interview

Appointments must be made on the US government website on visas for Brazilians, which may also be unavailable from time to time. If this happens, try again later or on another day.

There are two appointments: one at the Visa Application Center, to collect fingerprints and take a photo, and another at the consulate, for the interview. You can reschedule the interview as many times as you like.

Step 5. Separate the documentation

To avoid the risk of missing your trip or being denied an American visa, make sure you have everything you need with you: passport (for Brazilians it must be valid at least until the day you return to your country of origin), confirmation page of your by completing Form DS-160 and the Schedule Confirmation page.

But the interviewer can also ask for other documents. Therefore, it is also a good idea to bring with you copies and originals of documents that demonstrate ties to Brazil, such as university certificates, proof of employment, bank statements, income taxes, marriage certificates, pay stubs and anything else you think might be relevant. your case.

Step 6. Go to CASV and Consulate

There is no point in arriving too early at the Visa Application Center: your registration will only be released when the appointment time is communicated. The Sao Paulo unit is full of people waiting on the sidewalk, in the sun and rain, because they arrived unnecessarily early.

Entry to the consulate is permitted approximately half an hour before the appointment time. It is not permitted to bring any type of electronic device into the building, including cell phones and earphones. At the Sao Paulo consulate, several establishments in front of the consulate have luggage storage for R$5: lock your things inside and take the key.

CASV addresses:

Addresses of Embassies and Consulates:

More information on the websites of the US Embassy and Consulates in Brazil and on the official US government website on visas for Brazilians. If you have any questions, please contact the service centers.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.