Embassy of the United States

IMPORTANT

The U.S. Diplomatic Mission to Brazil changed the nonimmigrant visa application process on April 30, 2012. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.
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General Information

Welcome to the nonimmigrant visa information page for the U.S. Embassy in Brasilia and for the Consulates in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Recife. This section provides nonimmigrant visa services to Brazilians and citizens of other countries who reside in Brazil and intend to enter the United States temporarily.

Temporary (Nonimmigrant) Visas

International visitors add greatly to our nation's cultural, education and economic life. We continue the proud tradition of welcoming visitors to the United States, with secure borders and open doors.

Nonimmigrant visas are for international travelers (citizens of other countries), going to the U.S. temporarily. The visa, placed in your passport when issued, allows you to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (airport, for example) and request permission of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection immigration officer to enter the U.S. A visa does not guarantee entry into the U.S.

International travelers go to the U.S. for a wide variety of reasons, including tourism, business, medical treatment and certain types of temporary work. The type of visa needed is defined by immigration law, and relates to the principal purpose of your travel. For an overview of the types of nonimmigrant visas available under immigration law, please see our Visa Types for Temporary Visitors webpage. Applicants will need to select their expected visa class when the complete the Online DS-160 electronic application. The Consular Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Brasília or at the Consulates in Recife, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo will decide what kind of visa you need, when you apply.

Advance planning can smooth the visa application process for you. Apply for your visa well in advance of your travel!

Important steps to remember:

1. Review your visa status, and find out if you need a U.S. visa or a renewal.
2. Check the "Contact Information / Working Hours" page to select the most convenient place for you to apply for your visa.
3. Read the "How to Apply" page to find out how to schedule an interview appointment, pay fees and any other instructions.
4. Visas are valid for entry into the U. S. up to and including the date of expiration on the visa. There is no need to renew a visa six months prior to its expiration. For more information regarding visa validity and length of stay click here.

See the Visa Types/Fees page for more information about visas required for temporary visitors to the U.S.

Warning

For security reasons, visa applicants and American citizens are not allowed to enter the Applicant Service Centers (ASC), Consulates or the Embassy grounds with bags (with the exception of one small purse), cell phones or any other electronic devices.