The United States Tourist Visa: how to apply

If you are considering to go to the United States to visit, know what you need to apply for a US tourist visa.

The United States Tourism Visa for Brazilian

The United States is one of the most wanted destinations for Brazilians for sightseeing and vacations. Only in 2018, there were around 2.20 million of Brazilians, a growth of 15% compared to 2017. Brazil is in third place in the ranking of tourists who spend the most in the country.

However, to travel to Miami, New York, Las Vegas, California, and many other attractive destinations in the country, an American tourist visa, also known as a B2 visa, is required. In this post, we will approach the process of B1 and B2 (business and tourism), as discussed in the other post (LINK) – it is a smarter way to apply for the visa.

Like the entire visa process, planning is an essential step. Still, the procedure is far less complicated than it appears and easier compared to other types of visas.

How to get an American Tourist Visa

DS-160 Form

You must first complete the DS-160 form on the US government website. The form is completed in English, but it has translation – if necessary. Just hovering over the word it translates automatically in the site – this tool makes it much easier for those who don’t have a full understanding of the language.

The information must be filled in accurately as this is the form that will be used in the process. Any mistake or lack of information can result in a denied visa – so always be aware of what you are filling out.

To help fill the DS-160, you can save the steps and continue later. Just remember to write down the form identification number and the password used to login. So it allows you to return to the form to keep filling in the information.

The form consists of data such as passport, reasons for visiting the United States, date of travel, and so on. It is essential to have your passport in hand to complete the process.

Visa Fee

The value to apply for the US tourist visa is US$ 160.00 – for B2 or B1 and B2. In case this is the value for permits who don’t require petition, for other types of visas, the best thing to do is to check it directly on the government website. Payment is made by credit card or bank slip and must be made after completing the form. The appointment at the consulate can be scheduled after the payment – which usually takes around 2 business days to process – and the confirmation.

Schedule the US Consulate Interview

The interview must be scheduled via the website or call center. The appointment requires the ID number on Form DS-160, passport, and receipt of payment of the visa fee.

At the time of applying for a visa, you have to choose which CASV – Visa Applicant Service Center – or Consulate will conduct the interview, do the biometrics, and hand over the photo and passport. The waiting time for the meeting varies by location.

If biometric data and photo collection are performed at CASV, it will be necessary to attend the Consulate for the interview. In some cases, biometric data happens alongside the interview – such as in Porto Alegre. If this is the option, you will also need to take a 5×7 photograph – according to the US government standards.

On the day of the interview

The interview takes place at the consulate, and on the day, you will need to bring your passport – at least 6 months until the due date – and the barcode confirmation page of the DS-160 form. Those under 16 or over 65 are exempt from the interview but may be called upon if the consulate deems it necessary.

An important tip for the interview is to stay calm. The US officer will only confirm the information already contained on the form and will ask questions about the trip. Always respond truthfully and validate the data you previously entered.

If your trip is for business, it is interesting to bring a letter from the company stating the reason for your travel – it helps in the process. Other documents proving your relationship with Brazil, such as goods – cars or properties – and employment agreement, income tax return – to prove income – also helps in the process.

US tourist visa delivery

The US visa is a page inside the passport. Therefore it is necessary to deliver the passport to the consulate or CASV. The form of delivery should be chosen at the time of the appointment of the interview and can be picked up on the website or delivered by the carrier.

What is the validity of the visa?

The B1/B2 visa is valid for 10 years. If your Brazilian passport expires in the meantime, the US visa will still be valid. However, when traveling to the United States, you will need to bring both passports.

Does the visa guarantee entry to the US?

Even though all the processes, the US passport visa does not guarantee entry into the country. The final word is always from the immigration officer – but the rejection rate is very low with everything in hand. It is always valid to carry on hand: the return ticket to Brazil and the hotel information.

If you have any questions, you can schedule a consultation through our website, and we will assist in the process. We always recommend that you get a visa before buying the flight tickets or travel packages, as even if the chances are small, there is still a possibility that your permission will be denied.