Brazilian citizens need a B-1/B-2 visa to visit the United States. Brazil is not part of the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP), so there is no ESTA option for Brazilian passport holders. The B-1/B-2 visa allows stays of up to 6 months per entry for tourism, business, or medical treatment, is typically issued as a 10-year multiple-entry visa, and costs $185 (MRV fee). This guide covers every requirement, the step-by-step application process, interview wait times at Brazilian consulates in 2026, and all visa options available to Brazilian citizens.
Last updated: July 24, 2026.
- Do Brazilian Citizens Need a Visa for the USA?
- B-1/B-2 Tourist and Business Visa for Brazilian Citizens
- F-1 Student Visa for Brazilian Citizens
- H-1B Work Visa for Brazilian Citizens
- Other Visa Options for Brazilian Citizens
- Frequently Asked Questions — US Visa for Brazilian Citizens
- Can Brazilians travel to the US without a visa?
- How long does it take to get a US visa in Brazil?
- How much does a US B-2 tourist visa cost for Brazilians?
- How long can Brazilians stay in the US on a B-2 visa?
- Can a Brazilian with a US visa work in the US?
- Is the US B-2 visa for Brazilians single or multiple entry?
Do Brazilian Citizens Need a Visa for the USA?
Yes. Brazil is not a member of the US Visa Waiver Program, so all Brazilian citizens must obtain a visa before traveling to the United States — there is no ESTA option. The most common visa for Brazilian tourists and business travelers is the B-1/B-2 nonimmigrant visa. For work, study, or immigration, separate visa categories apply.
B-1/B-2 Tourist and Business Visa for Brazilian Citizens
The B-1/B-2 nonimmigrant visa is the standard entry for Brazilian citizens visiting the US for tourism, visiting family, business meetings, medical treatment, or short-term training. It is almost always issued as a 10-year, multiple-entry visa, meaning you can visit the US as many times as you like for up to 10 years — staying up to 6 months per trip.
Requirements — B-1/B-2 Visa for Brazilians
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay |
| DS-160 form | Completed online at ceac.state.gov/genniv — requires a digital photo |
| MRV fee payment | $185 (non-refundable, required before scheduling interview) |
| Interview appointment | Scheduled at a US Consulate in Brazil |
| Financial proof | Bank statements showing sufficient funds for your trip |
| Ties to Brazil | Job letter, property ownership, family ties — demonstrating you will return home |
| Travel itinerary | Flight reservations, hotel bookings (not required to be finalized) |
| Photo | 2×2 inch, white background — can be digital (uploaded during DS-160) |
Interview Wait Times at US Consulates in Brazil — 2026
| Consulate | City | Typical Wait Time |
|---|---|---|
| US Consulate General São Paulo | São Paulo | 30–90 days (highest volume) |
| US Embassy Brasília | Brasília | 15–60 days |
| US Consulate General Rio de Janeiro | Rio de Janeiro | 20–75 days |
| US Consulate General Recife | Recife | 10–45 days |
| US Consulate Porto Alegre | Porto Alegre | 15–50 days |
Check real-time appointment availability at travel.state.gov/wait-times — wait times fluctuate by season and consulate. São Paulo typically has the longest waits due to volume; Recife and Porto Alegre often have shorter queues.
F-1 Student Visa for Brazilian Citizens
Brazilian students are one of the largest groups of international students in the United States. The F-1 student visa requires acceptance at a SEVP-approved school, an I-20 form issued by the institution, and a SEVIS fee payment of $350 before the consular interview. After graduating, F-1 students are eligible for 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) — up to 36 months for STEM degrees.
H-1B Work Visa for Brazilian Citizens
Brazilian professionals in specialty occupations (technology, engineering, finance, healthcare) can be sponsored by a US employer for an H-1B visa. H-1B visas are subject to an annual cap (65,000 regular cap + 20,000 for US master’s degree holders) and are allocated by lottery each spring for the following fiscal year starting October 1. The employer files the petition — the employee does not apply directly. Processing typically takes 3–6 months.
Other Visa Options for Brazilian Citizens
| Visa Type | Purpose | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| O-1 | Extraordinary ability (arts, science, business, athletics) | Employer or agent sponsorship required; no annual cap |
| L-1 | Intracompany transfer (managers, executives, specialized knowledge) | Must have worked for the company abroad for 1+ year |
| E-2 | Treaty investor | Brazil does not have an E-2 treaty with the US — not available to Brazilians |
| EB-1 / EB-2 / EB-3 | Employment-based green card | Employer-sponsored permanent residence; EB-1 for outstanding researchers |
| Diversity Visa Lottery | DV Lottery green card | Brazil is typically not eligible — Brazilian-born applicants are usually excluded due to high immigration numbers |
| IR / F2A / F2B | Family-based green card | For spouses, children, or siblings of US citizens or permanent residents |
Frequently Asked Questions — US Visa for Brazilian Citizens
Can Brazilians travel to the US without a visa?
No. Brazil is not part of the US Visa Waiver Program and there is no ESTA option for Brazilian passport holders. All Brazilian citizens need a valid US visa to travel to the United States, regardless of the purpose of visit.
How long does it take to get a US visa in Brazil?
Processing time varies by consulate and season. After your interview, most B-1/B-2 visa decisions are made within 2–5 business days. The total timeline — from scheduling your interview to receiving your passport — typically ranges from 4 to 12 weeks at São Paulo, and shorter at smaller consulates like Recife or Porto Alegre. Check current wait times at travel.state.gov.
How much does a US B-2 tourist visa cost for Brazilians?
The non-refundable MRV (Machine Readable Visa) application fee is $185. This fee is paid before scheduling your consulate interview and is not refunded even if your visa is denied. There are no additional fees for the visa itself.
How long can Brazilians stay in the US on a B-2 visa?
The B-2 visa itself can be valid for up to 10 years, but each individual entry is authorized by a CBP officer at the port of entry — typically for 6 months. Your actual authorized stay is recorded on your I-94 at i94.cbp.dhs.gov. You can apply to extend your B-2 stay with Form I-539 ($370 fee) before your I-94 expires.
Can a Brazilian with a US visa work in the US?
No. A B-1/B-2 visa does not authorize employment. To work in the US you need a work visa (H-1B, O-1, L-1, TN, etc.) or a green card. Working on a B-2 visa is a serious violation that can result in deportation and bars from future US entry.
Is the US B-2 visa for Brazilians single or multiple entry?
B-2 visas issued to Brazilians are almost always multiple-entry with a 10-year validity. This means you can travel to the US as many times as you wish during those 10 years, for up to 6 months per trip, without applying for a new visa each time.
