Quick answer
A foreign national may apply for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa in Brazil, but current State Department instructions say applicants should schedule in their country of nationality or residence. Someone relying on Brazilian residence must be able to demonstrate it. The B1/B2 process commonly includes the DS-160, the US$185 MRV fee, a local scheduling account, CASV biometrics when applicable and a consular interview.
Brazil must be your nationality or residence base
The July 15, 2026 guidance directs nonimmigrant applicants to the U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of nationality or residence. A foreign citizen who lives in Brazil should be prepared to show that residence if applying on that basis.
Applying outside both nationality and residence can mean significantly longer waits and greater difficulty demonstrating qualifications. Fees paid for such applications are not refundable or transferable.
Choose the category before completing DS-160
B1 covers permitted temporary business activities, while B2 covers tourism, visits and certain medical travel. Neither authorizes ordinary U.S. employment. Study, exchange, media work and employment have different categories.
The DS-160 is not a marketing document. Identity, passports, residence, occupation, refusals, travel and funding should reflect the complete facts. Keep the barcode confirmation page after submission.
Fee and Brazil scheduling account
The published B1/B2 application fee is US$185 and is non-refundable. An issuance fee may apply later depending on nationality. Nationality can therefore affect cost even when the interview occurs in Brazil.
The local account connects fee, DS-160, appointment and passport delivery. Follow the current Brazil system instructions because cities and available appointment types can change.
CASV and consular interview are separate
The CASV handles biometrics and documents assigned by the local process. The embassy or consulate conducts the adjudication and interview when required. Appointment confirmations specify where and when the applicant must appear.
Bring the passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt when required and any item requested by the post. Documents may be requested to establish purpose, intent to depart and ability to pay.
Language, lawful residence and case context
A case filed in Brazil still follows U.S. law and the applicant's nationality-specific reciprocity rules. Brazilian residence does not erase prior refusals or travel history. If the applicant cannot communicate in the available interview language, the post's current interpreter policy should be checked before the appointment.
Invitation letters are not required for a visitor visa and do not replace ties abroad. The case should explain where the applicant actually lives, what the trip is for and how it will be funded.
After the interview
The outcome may be issuance, refusal or a 221(g) request or administrative review. Do not make final, non-refundable travel plans until the passport has been returned with the visa and the printed data have been checked.
A visa allows travel to a U.S. port of entry. CBP, not the consular officer, makes the final admission decision.
Documents should answer a question, not fill a folder
Employment, family ties, purpose and funding may be relevant, but there is no universal package that guarantees a B1/B2 visa. A foreign resident should distinguish evidence of Brazilian residence from evidence about the U.S. trip. They answer different questions.
Translations, names and dates should be checked across passports, Brazilian immigration records, employer letters and bank evidence. A large unexplained deposit or an outdated address can create more questions than an orderly, truthful file.
Frequently asked questions
Can any tourist apply in Brazil?
A post may accept an application, but current guidance prioritizes nationality or residence. A visitor with no Brazilian residence may face greater difficulty and delay.
How do I prove residence?
Use genuine current evidence requested by the post, such as immigration status and address records. There is no universal single document.
Is the B1/B2 fee different for foreigners?
The MRV fee is US$185. A nationality-based issuance fee may apply after approval.
Must I attend the CASV?
Follow the appointment assigned to your case. Age, biometrics and renewal rules can change the required steps.
Is an invitation required?
No. The State Department says it is not required for a visitor visa.
Does applying in Brazil change my history?
No. Citizenship, refusals, travel and immigration history must be disclosed regardless of post.
Official sources consulted
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/adjudicating-niv-applicants-in-their-country-of-residence.html
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html/visa
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/forms/ds-160-online-nonimmigrant-visa-application.html
- https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-br/niv
Specialized consular assistance
MVA Vistos can review residence evidence, category, DS-160 and Brazil appointment steps. The company is independent and cannot guarantee a consular decision.
Editorial note
Informational content updated on September 3, 2026. MVA Vistos is a private, independent consular-assistance company. It is not part of, and does not represent, any government, embassy or consulate. Rules, fees and procedures may change, and the competent authority makes every final decision.
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