The United States has long been a popular destination for traveling and immigration. Non-US travelers must obtain an American visa to be approved to enter the country. Most of the application process, including filling out electronic forms and submitting supporting documents, can be done online. However, an in-person visa interview at a US embassy or consulate is required.
Every day, hundreds or even thousands of applicants wait in line for a US visa, so it is impossible to walk in directly and ask for services. Instead, all candidates must book an American visa appointment in advance for medical examination, biometrics submission, and visa interview. You should fulfill part or all of these appointments depending on the visa type. In this article, you will learn everything about US visas.
Types of American Visa
America issues dozens of types of visas, classified into immigrant visas and nonimmigrant visas. In this section, we will introduce some common types.
Immigrant Visas
They are issued to those who plan to permanently move to the US. It is commonly seen to immigrate to the US through the following channels.
- Family ties
F Family-based immigrant visas are issued to immediate relatives (e.g. spouse, child or parent) and limited numbers of family preference members (e.g. brother, sister, or other specific, more distant relatives) of a U.S. citizen.
- Employment
America issues hundreds of thousands of visas to employment-based immigrants, such as persons with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors and researchers, professionals with advanced degrees, persons of exceptional ability, skilled workers, professionals, special investors, etc.
- Diversity visa program
It is also called the DV Lottery or Green Card Lottery, which is designed for immigrants from countries with a low immigration rate to the US. Every year, only 5,000 applicants are chosen among all entries.
Non-immigrant Visas
They are issued to temporary visitors for the purpose of tour, business, work, study, friend or family visit, etc.
- Visitor Visa
This is the most widely applicable American visa which is suitable for those who temporarily stay in the country. It includes category B-1 for business and sports competitions with prizes, and category B-2 for medical treatment, tourism, vacation, and pleasure visits.
- Student Visas
It is issued to international students with non-US citizenship. Applicants of vocational or other recognized nonacademic institutions should apply for a student visa of category M while those for universities, colleges, high schools, private elementary schools, seminaries, conservatories, or other institutions, focusing on language training programs should request under category F, such as F1 visa.
- Temporary Work Visas
Temporary workers in the US should apply for this visa under a suitable category according to their needs, such as intra-company transferee, international cultural exchange visitors, Free Trade Agreement (FTA) professionals, etc.
Requirements for American Visa
The US government imposes strict requirements on visa applicants from all over the world. Brazilian citizens must also hold a valid visa to enter the US. Requirements might differ slightly according to visa types and we will discuss the common rules. In order to avoid being rejected and not delay your trip, the following things are required.
- Complete Visa Application Form
There are different forms for the purpose of travel. They can be filled out online. Print it out and take it to your interview.
- Take a Passport-style Photo
It must be a colored picture taken within the last 6 months. In Brazil, you can take a visa photo at a post office, convenience store or photo studio. If you worry that the staff there is not familiar with a foreign country’s photo guidelines, you can use a passport photo maker with various countries’ photo templates and make a 100% compliant shot at home.
- Book an American Visa Appointment
An interview is required, but you should make a prior appointment. And we will talk about it later.
- Hold a Valid Passport
It serves as the proof of your citizenship. The US Government requires travelers from Brazil to hold a passport with at least 6 months of validity and two blank pages.
- Submit Previous Visa
If you have ever visited America before, please submit the previous visa(s) you have obtained.
- Provide Travel Itinerary
You have to explain to the interviewer of your traveling plan. It is necessary to submit travel reservations in your name.
- Provide Proof of Funds
You have to prove that you have enough money to support your trip and the expenses during your stay. It could be bank statements, pay slips, tax filing records, etc.
- Provide Proof of Return
This is essential for non-immigration visas. You have to persuade the officer of your determination and possibility to return to your home country. It could be an air ticket for returning or an onward trip, a letter from your employer, a property ownership certificate, etc.
- Write a Cover Letter
It should specify your details, purpose of traveling, and traveling plans.
- Prepare Other Evidence
Other supporting documents are subject to the visa type you apply. For example, a letter from your employer for a work visa, a letter of admission from your school for a student visa, etc.
How to Schedule an American Visa Appointment for Brazilian Passport Holders
Now that you have learned about visa requirements and have submitted a visa application online, it’s time to make an appointment for an interview which is generally required only for applicants aged between 14 and 79 years old.
Required Documents for American Visa Scheduling
Before starting booking, make sure you have obtained the evidence and information below.
- a valid passport and passport number (at least 6 months validity left)
- a passport with the last US visa (if applicable)
- payment receipt number after paying for the application fee
- confirmation page with a barcode after completing Form DS-160
- valid contact information, including phone number and e-mail address
- extra supporting documents according to your visa type, such as travel itinerary, school admission letter, etc.
How to Book a Non-immigrant Visa Appointment
Generally speaking, non-immigrant visa applicants can finish the booking independently. Applicants who apply for the first time and are 14-79 years old should schedule two appointments: one for digital photo and fingerprint capturing at the Applicant Service Center (ASC), and another for visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. However, if you apply at the U.S. Consulate General in Porto Alegre and Recife, you can submit biometrics and have the visa interview in one appointment.
Both appointments can be scheduled online or through the call center.
📍 Here is the list of ASC offices:
| Service centers | Location | Opening hours |
| Brasília ASC | Ed. Venâncio 2000 SCS, Qd 8 Bl B60 sala 340 – Setor Comercial Sul Brasília, DF – CEP: 70333-900 | 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Mon. – Fri.) |
| Porto Alegre Document Service Center (DSC) | Av. Assis Brasil, 1712 – Passo d’AreiaPorto Alegre, RS – CEP: 91010-001 | |
| Recife Document Service Center (DSC) | R. Alfândega, 35 loja 220Recife, PE, 50030-030 (“Shopping Paço Alfândega”) | |
| Rio de Janeiro ASC | Avenida Almirante Silvio de Noronha – No 365 – Loja SS101 – Shopping Bossa Nova MallCentro – Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Rio de Janeiro) – CEP: 20021-010 | |
| São Paulo #1 ASC | Av. José Maria Whitaker, 370- Vila MarianaSão Paulo, SP – CEP: 04057-000 | 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Mon. – Fri.)12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m (Sun.) |
📍 Here is the list of US consulates in Brazil:
| Service centers | Location | Opening hours |
| Brasília | U.S. EmbassySES – Av. das Nações, Quadra 801, Lote 03, via L-2Brasília, DF – CEP: 70403-900 | 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Mon. – Fri.) |
| Porto Alegre | Avenida Assis Brasil, 1889 – Passo D’AreiaPorto Alegre, RS – CEP: 91010-004 | |
| Recife | U.S. ConsulateRua Gonçalves Maia, 163Bairro Boa Vista Recife, PE – CEP: 50070-060 | |
| Rio de Janeiro | U.S. Consulate GeneralAv. Presidente Wilson, 147 CasteloRio de Janeiro, RJ – CEP: 20030-020Entrada pela Rua Santa Luzia | |
| São Paulo | U.S. Consulate GeneralRua Henri Dunant, 500,Chácara Santo Antônio,São Paulo, SP – CEP: 04709-110 | 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Mon. – Fri.)12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m (Sun.) |
How to Book an Immigrant Visa Appointment
The American immigrant visa appointment scheduling is different from the non-immigrant one, which will be arranged by the National Visa Center (NVC). After receiving your visa application, NVC will generate a case identification number and schedule an appointment at your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Please note that the date and time are decided by NVC instead of yourself. If you are not available as scheduled, please cancel and reschedule the appointment.
How to Reschedule American Visa Appointments
Supposing that you cannot attend the appointment as planned, you should change it in time. However, you have to be aware that visa rescheduling means waiting times might be added as your visa processing will be delayed. Therefore, it is recommended to try to attend the first appointment.
How to Change a Visa Appointment
To reschedule the appointment online, please go to the official Visa Appointment Service website and log in. Find out the “Cancel or Reschedule Appointment.” section and select your desired date and time. Once chosen, the previous one will be canceled automatically.
Provided that you want to reschedule an immigrant visa appointment, please contact NVC. The officer will ask for the case number or application number, the reason for the change and your available time.
How Many Times Can I Reschedule My US Visa Appointment?
Applicants are allowed to change their American visa appointment twice without any penalties or problems. Please note that you have to provide persuasive reasons. However, it is not suggested to schedule more than once because each re-arrangement extends your waiting time. Starting from the third rescheduling, you might need to pay the application fees again.
How to Cancel American Visa Appointments
Although you have spent a lot of time and energy preparing for the American visa application, there are times when you don’t need it anymore. Therefore, you should cancel your appointment. You should call VAC (for non-immigrant visas) or NVC (for immigrant visas).
How to Waive a U.S. Visa Appointment Requirement
In order to reduce visa wait times, the US government decided to waive in-person interviews for certain nonimmigrant visa categories. On the conditions below, applicants are allowed to be exempt from an interview appointment.
- Individuals with Brazilian citizenship or permanent residency status in Brazil.
- Individuals under 14 or above 79 years old.
- Individuals already with a US visa that is valid or has just expired in the last 48 months).
- The previous visa was not lost, stolen, canceled, or revoked.
- Individuals who haven’t been rejected while applying for an American visa last time
- Individuals who haven’t been arrested, accused of a crime, deported from or denied to enter the US
To apply for an appointment waiver, you must choose the “interview waiver” option on the American visa scheduling page or call the VAC. The VAC will verify your eligibility and tell you if you should book an appointment.
Bonus Tips to Pass Visa Interview
After all the following things are prepared, the next step is to get ready and attend the appointment as scheduled. To help you obtain the American visa successfully, here are some warm tips to prepare for the interview.
- Show your connection to your home country to prove that you are bound to return to your home.
- The interview will be carried out in English, not in Portuguese. Please practice your answers in advance, so you can speak fluently in front of an interviewer.
- Be confident and independent. The consular definitely doesn’t want to see candidates have the interview with the company of parents or family members unless minor applicants need an adult to help with complicated questions like funding.
- Get acquainted with the program and learn about how it helps your career plans.
- Keep your answers as concise as possible. Harangue will waste time and ruin the officer’s first impression of you.
- Organize your supplementary documents, so the officer will learn about what they are at a glance.
- Prepare yourself for chances of being rejected if you are from countries that are less developed or whose students remained in the US as immigrants after graduating.
- Learn about how your education will help your future career if you are applying for student visas.
- If you have your spouse and children remaining in Brazil, explain to the interviewer how they will be supported during your stay in the US.
- Be nice and friendly. Don’t argue with the consular officer even if you are challenged.
Summary
Scheduling an American visa appointment is not complicated as long as you are clear about the visa type you want, visa requirements and after you have submitted applications online. Some visa applicants are eligible to waive the American visa scheduling. It can be done on the official Visa Appointment Service website or by phone. Some visa applicants can waive the American visa scheduling. If you are not eligible for it, please make sure to get the supporting evidence and start booking. In case you cannot attend the appointment, please cancel and reschedule it in advance. After all these are completed, the last thing to do is to get ready for the upcoming interview according to our warm tips.