Quick answer
A U.S. consular post may still process certain applicants outside their country of nationality or residence, but this is no longer a neutral choice. In July 2026, the Department of State updated its instructions and stated that nonimmigrant visa applicants should schedule interviews in their country of nationality or residence. Applicants who choose a third country may face significantly longer waits, greater difficulty qualifying, and non-refundable, non-transferable fees if they later decide to change posts.
What changed in the July 2026 guidance
The current instruction is not simply a convenience recommendation. Applicants should generally use their country of nationality or residence. When relying on residence, they must be able to demonstrate that residence.
This is especially relevant to travellers, digital nomads, students and people considering another consulate simply because an earlier appointment appears available. Appointment availability alone does not make every consular post equivalent.
Three practical risks of applying in a third country
The first is timing: the Department of State says applicants outside their country of nationality or residence should expect significantly longer appointment waits. The second is financial: fees paid for those applications are not refundable or transferable. The third is adjudicative: the Department states that it might be more difficult to qualify for the visa in that situation.
For that reason, selecting a third country solely because of a seemingly attractive appointment date can create more uncertainty rather than less.
Living abroad is different from travelling abroad
A Brazilian citizen who genuinely resides in Portugal, Canada or another country is in a different position from someone visiting that country for a few weeks. The current rule recognises the country of residence as an appropriate place of application when that residence can be demonstrated. The key question is therefore not simply 'am I physically here?' but 'am I a national or resident here for this application?'.
Exceptions exist, but they are narrow
The July 2026 guidance excludes certain diplomatic and official visa categories and allows rare exceptions for humanitarian or medical emergencies or foreign-policy reasons. A purchased ticket, personal urgency or preference for another consulate does not automatically create an exception.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for a U.S. visa while travelling abroad?
A post may process some third-country applicants, but current guidance warns of longer waits and potentially greater difficulty. It should not be treated as an equivalent route.
If I legally live outside Brazil, do I need to return to Brazil to apply?
Not necessarily. The country of residence is one of the recommended locations if you can demonstrate residence and follow that post’s procedures.
Can I transfer the visa fee from one consulate to another?
The current guidance states that fees paid for applications outside the recommended location are non-refundable and non-transferable.
If another country has an earlier appointment, will my case be faster?
Not necessarily. The Department specifically warns that third-country applicants should expect significantly longer waits.
Does this guidance apply only to B1/B2 visas?
No. It applies broadly to nonimmigrant visa applicants, subject to listed exceptions.
Closing
Before selecting a U.S. consular post outside Brazil, applicants should distinguish genuine residence from temporary presence and confirm that the location fits current State Department guidance. Private assistance can help organise that analysis but cannot control appointment availability or guarantee that a particular post will process or approve a case.
Official sources consulted
For rules and procedures that may change, the final reference should always be the official source in effect on the application date.
• U.S. Department of State — Adjudicating Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants in Their Country of Residence: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/adjudicating-niv-applicants-in-their-country-of-residence.html
• U.S. Department of State — Global Visa Wait Times: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/global-visa-wait-times.html
Editorial note
Informational content produced by MVA Vistos, a private and independent consular-assistance company. MVA Vistos is not affiliated with any government, embassy or consulate and cannot guarantee approval, timing or outcome. Rules and procedures may change; confirm current official guidance before filing.
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