New rules for American visa affect Brazilians

Mandatory in-person interview for all ages

Since September 2, 2025, an in-person interview with a consular officer has become mandatory for all visa applicants, regardless of age. Previously, children under 14 and seniors aged 80 and over were exempt from this step. Now, everyone must personally attend the consulate or embassy for the interview.

This change aims to enhance the security and integrity of the visa issuance process, allowing for a more detailed assessment of each applicant. It is essential for candidates to adequately prepare for the interview, gathering all necessary documentation and being ready to answer questions about the purpose of the trip, ties to Brazil, and other relevant aspects.

Interview exemptions maintained for specific categories

Some categories of applicants remain exempt from the in-person interview, including:

Applicants for diplomatic or official visas;

Employees of international organizations and military personnel;

Individuals seeking to renew a B-1, B-2, or B-1/B-2 visa that is still valid or expired less than 12 months ago, provided the applicant was at least 18 years old when the previous visa was issued.

For this last category, the application must be made in the applicant’s country of nationality or residence, who must not have had a visa refused (unless the refusal has been overcome) and must not present apparent or potential ineligibility.

Increase in American visa cost with the “Visa Integrity Fee”

Starting October 1, 2025, the “Visa Integrity Fee” of US$ 250 will come into effect. This fee will be in addition to the current costs of US$ 185, raising the total cost for obtaining the visa to US$ 435, equivalent to more than R$ 2,000. In some cases, the fee may be refunded.

This additional fee was implemented to cover the costs associated with increased security measures and the improvement of screening processes. Applicants should be aware of this increase and plan their application financially accordingly.

Additional requirements for student and exchange visa applicants

Applicants for student visas (categories F and M) and exchange visas (category J) must keep their social media profiles open for analysis during the screening process. Refusal to adjust privacy settings may lead to the rejection of the application, being interpreted as an attempt to conceal online activities.

This measure allows consular authorities to assess the digital presence of applicants, seeking to identify potential security risks. It is advisable for candidates to review their social media profiles, ensuring that the content is appropriate and accurately reflects their activities and interests.

Recommendations to applicants

In light of these updates, it is essential for applicants to:

Check the latest information on the official channels of the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Brazil before starting the process;

Plan ahead, considering possible increases in wait times for interview appointments due to the new requirement for all ages;

Be aware of additional costs and prepare financially for the new fees.

Additionally, it is advisable for applicants to carefully review all requirements and instructions provided by consular authorities, ensuring that all necessary documents and information are provided completely and accurately. This can increase the chances of a successful visa approval and avoid delays or complications in the process.