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Carry out the American visa: step by step on how to apply or renew in 2025 is undoubtedly the first big step for anyone who dreams of visiting the United States. The process is known for being bureaucratic, detailed and, for many, a little intimidating.
This therefore generates a lot of anxiety and a multitude of doubts in countless applicants every year. However, with organization, planning and, above all, the right information, the journey to obtaining your visa becomes much smoother and more predictable.
This comprehensive guide has therefore been created to be your definitive map, demystifying each stage. You'll understand everything from filling in the forms to the dreaded consular interview.
Understanding the Types of Non-Immigrant Visas
First of all, it's essential to know that there are dozens of types of american visas. Each one, in fact, corresponds to a specific travel purpose. For this guide, our focus will be on non-immigrant visas, which are the most common.
B1/B2 Visa (Tourism and Business)
This is the visa most requested by Brazilians. The B2 visa is intended for tourism activities. This includes vacations, visits to friends or relatives and medical treatment. The B1 visa, on the other hand, is for business trips. For example, attending meetings, conferences or negotiating contracts. In practice, both are issued together in the passport, as B1/B2.
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F1 Visa (Student)
This visa is for those who intend to study at an academic institution in the USA. Whether for an English course, a degree or a doctorate. To apply for it, you first need to be accepted by the educational institution.
J1 Visa (Exchange)
The J1 visa, on the other hand, is intended for participants in exchange programs. This includes au pairs, internships, trainees and visiting teachers. Each program has its own requirements. Therefore, the organization sponsoring the program will guide the applicant.
The Most Important Document: Your Passport
Before you start filling in any forms, check your passport. This is an essential and eliminatory step. To apply for a US visa, your Brazilian passport must be valid. In addition, the official recommendation is that it should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of travel to the USA. If your passport has expired, you should get a new one from the Federal Police before applying for your visa. A passport in good order is therefore the starting point for the whole process.
The Beginning of the American Visa Journey: step by step on how to apply or renew in 2025
Now for the detailed step-by-step. Follow each step carefully.
Step 1: The DS-160 Form - The Heart of the Process
The DS-160 form is the centerpiece of your entire application. It is an extensive online form. On it, you will provide all your personal, professional and travel information.
First of all, go to the official website of the American Consulate to find the link to the DS-160. The form must be filled out entirely in English. However, the website offers a translation tool. Just hover your mouse over the questions. So take it easy and use an online translator if you need help with the answers. Be extremely honest and precise with all your information. Any inconsistency could lead to your visa being denied.
Tips for filling out the DS-160
This form is long. It can therefore take more than an hour to complete. Fortunately, you can save your progress. Write down your application code (Application ID) in a safe place. This way you can resume filling it in later. Have your passport, previous travel information, and work and study details ready. At the end of the form, you will need to upload a photo. Finally, submit the form electronically. After submitting, print out the confirmation page. It is in fact a mandatory document for the next steps.
Tips for the 5×5 or 5×7 photo
The photo for the American visa has very specific requirements. It must be recent (taken within the last six months). The background must be white. Your face must be fully visible, without glasses, hats or smiles. The expression must be neutral. Although you upload the photo on the DS-160, you must bring a printed photo with you on the day of your visit to CASV. The size can be 5×5 cm or 5×7 cm. Look for a professional photo studio. They usually already know all the consulate's requirements.
Step 2: Registering on the Consulate Website and Paying the MRV Fee
With the DS-160 confirmation page in hand, the next step is administrative. You will need to register on the official visa scheduling website. Create an account with your e-mail address and personal details. The system will then generate a payment slip for the visa application fee (MRV). The amount varies, but for the tourist visa (B1/B2), it costs 185 dollars (amount subject to change). Payment can be made by bank slip or credit card. Keep proof of payment. It will certainly be needed for the appointment.
Step 3: The Double Appointment (CASV and Consulate)
Once the fee has been cleared, you can schedule your two interviews. Yes, for the first visa application, there are two appointments.
What Happens at CASV (Data Collection)
The first appointment is at the Visa Applicant Service Center (CASV). There are units in various cities, such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Recife, Porto Alegre and Brasília. At the CASV, the process is quick. They will take your fingerprints. They will also take a digital photo. You will need to bring your valid passport and the confirmation page of the DS-160.
What Happens at the Consulate? (The Interview)
The second appointment is the interview at the Consulate or Embassy. This is the decisive moment of your application. A consular officer will ask you questions about your life and your trip. The aim is primarily to check that you have strong ties to Brazil. And, therefore, that you have no intention of immigrating illegally.
Visa Renewal: A Simpler Way to Get Your American Visa: Step-by-step on how to apply or renew in 2025
If you already have an American visa and it expired less than 48 months ago, the process is simpler. You may in fact be eligible for an exemption from the interview.
Who is entitled to an Interview Exemption?
The rules can change. However, generally, the criteria are: you must be a Brazilian citizen, you must be renewing a visa in the same category, and your previous visa must not have been lost, stolen or revoked. In addition, your previous visa must not have any annotations, such as "Clearance Received". The American visa: step by step on how to apply or renew in 2025 it's much easier in this case.
The Simplified Renewal Process
If you are eligible, the process is almost entirely online. You will still need to fill in a new DS-160 and pay the fee. However, instead of scheduling an interview at the consulate, you'll just schedule a visit to CASV. There, you will hand in your passport, the confirmation of your DS-160 and your photo. If everything is correct, your passport will be returned to your home with the new visa.
Preparing for the Consular Interview
Preparing for the interview is what guarantees peace of mind. Organization and honesty are your best friends.
The Essential Support Documents
Although the consular officer may not ask to see any documents, you should take them. They serve to prove the information you have entered on the DS-160. Bring documents that prove your ties to Brazil. For example:
Income tax.
Bank statements for the last three months.
Pay stubs and work permit.
Proof of enrolment (if you are a student).
Marriage and birth certificates (if applicable).
Real estate deeds or vehicle documents.
Keep everything in an organized folder. So if the officer asks, you'll find it quickly.
How to dress and behave
There is no strict dress code. However, personal presentation is important. Dress casually but neatly. As if you were going for a job interview, for example. Avoid very informal clothing, such as shorts and flip-flops. During the interview, be polite and direct. Look at the consular officer while you answer. Only answer what is asked. Do not offer information or documents that have not been requested. Confidence and calmness really count for a lot.
The most common interview questions
The questions are usually simple and straightforward. The officer wants to confirm your itinerary and your connections.
Examples of common questions:
"What is the reason for your trip to the USA?"
"Which city are you going to and for how long?"
"What do you work with in Brazil?"
"Have you ever traveled to other countries?"
"Who's paying for this trip?"
Always answer truthfully. The information must be the same as in your DS-160. Consistency is therefore essential.
Interview Day: What to Expect?
On the day of your interview at the consulate, arrive early. However, don't arrive hours early. About 15 to 30 minutes is ideal. You won't be allowed in with bags, rucksacks or electronic devices. There are paid lockers outside.
Just take the folder with your documents. The internal process can be lengthy. You will go through security and document screening. You will then wait in a queue until you are called for your interview at the counter. Remain calm and patient throughout the process.
After the Interview: Visa Approved, Denied or in Administrative Process?
At the end of the short interview, the officer will give his verdict. There are three possibilities.
Approved: The officer will retain your passport. It will be sent to your home or to a pick-up point with the visa stamped on it in a few days.
Visa denied: The officer will return your passport on the spot. He will give you a letter explaining the reason for the refusal, usually under section 214(b). This means that you have not demonstrated sufficient ties to Brazil.
Administrative process: In rare cases, your visa may enter an administrative process. This means that they need an additional check. The officer will also retain your passport. This process can take weeks or months.
What NOT to do: Common mistakes that lead to negativity
Avoiding basic mistakes greatly increases your chances. The process of American visa: step by step on how to apply or renew in 2025 requires attention.
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Never lie or omit information on the DS-160. Honesty is the cornerstone of the whole process.
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Don't show any intention of staying in the USA. Your goal is to prove that you have every reason to return to Brazil.
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Don't present inconsistent information. Your answers at the interview must match the form.
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Don't carry false documents. This is a crime and could get you permanently banned from the USA.
Conclusion: A Detailed but Conquerable Process
In short, the journey to American visa: step by step on how to apply or renew in 2025 is indeed full of details. It requires organization, patience and, above all, honesty. The process can seem daunting. However, by following each step carefully, your chances of success are very high. Prepare your documents in advance. Fill in the application form with the utmost care. And at the interview, be confident and truthful. The dream of visiting the United States is within your reach. With this guide, obtaining your visa becomes a much clearer and more achievable goal.
