How to get a US tourist visa: step by step

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How to get a US tourist visa: step by step
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When planning a trip to the USA, it is common to have doubts, since the first step is to obtain an American tourist visa. This is when many people are afraid of having their authorization denied or do not know exactly how to proceed with the documentation and the steps until completing the process.

Therefore, to explain the entire procedure, we have prepared a step-by-step guide to obtaining your tourist visa to enter American soil for the first time.

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A tourist visa is an official authorization granted by a country that allows temporary entry to foreigners for the purpose of carrying out tourist activities, such as leisure, family visits or participation in events. In the case of the United States, this type of visa is called a B-2 visa.

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The tourist visa is therefore a tool to control the flow of travelers and ensure that immigration laws are respected.

Who needs a visa to enter the United States?

If you are Brazilian or from a country outside the Visa Waiver Program, you will need a visa to enter the US, whether for tourism, business or any other purpose. Citizens of countries that are part of this program, however, can enter without a visa, but with prior authorization via ESTA for short stays of up to 90 days.

ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is the United States Electronic System for Travel Authorization, used by citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). ESTA allows travelers to enter the United States without a visa for stays of up to 90 days for tourism, business, or transit.

Brazilians need a visa to enter the United States, whether for tourism, business, study, work or other purposes. Citizens of countries that do not participate in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) also need a visa.

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Citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries: Citizens of 40 countries, including Japan, Australia, South Korea, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and other European Union countries, do not need a visa for short-term trips (up to 90 days) for tourism or business.

Important: To take advantage of this exemption, travelers must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ESTA) before departing for the U.S. The ESTA is valid for two years and allows multiple entries.

How to get a tourist visa for the USA

To obtain a US tourist visa (B-2 visa), follow the steps below:

Step by step guide to getting an American visa

Complete the DS-160 form
Visit the U.S. Consulate website and fill out the DS-160 form online, available on the U.S. Department of State website. On the page, you will find information on how to complete the form. Select the country and location (São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Recife or Porto Alegre). The form will ask for personal information, travel history, information about the purpose of the trip and who will be financing the trip.
Pay the visa application fee
After completing the form, you must pay the visa application fee, known as the MRV fee. In 2024, the fee is approximately US$185 (check the current fee before starting the process, as it may vary). The fee can be paid by bank slip, credit card or debit card.
IMPORTANT: After selecting your country and location on the form, the system will redirect you to a new page where a request ID will be generated. Make sure to write down and save both the ID and the security answer you chose, as you will need this information to access your DS-160 later. See the image:
Schedule the interview and CASV
First, schedule an appointment at the Visa Application Center (ASC) to have your fingerprints taken and the photo that will be used for your visa. This is done before your interview at the consulate. Then, schedule your interview at the nearest U.S. consulate (São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Recife or Porto Alegre).
Go to CASV
Bring your valid passport, proof of payment of the MRV fee, the confirmation page of the DS-160 form, and proof of appointment. At the CASV, your fingerprints will be taken and a photo will be taken.

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5. Attend the interview at the Consulate

In addition to your passport and the aforementioned documents, bring documents that prove your ties to Brazil, such as:

Proof of employment (pay stubs, letter from employer).
Proof of residence (water and electricity bills).
Income Tax Declaration.
Bank statements, vehicle or property documents.

Answer the questions clearly and objectively. Show that you have strong ties to Brazil and that you do not intend to immigrate illegally.

6. Wait for the result

Approval: If your visa is approved, your passport will be retained and returned with the visa within a few days. You can choose to collect your passport at the CASV or have it delivered to your home, depending on the option you chose when scheduling your appointment.
Denial: If denied, the consular officer will inform you of the reason and you will be able to try again in the future.

7. Receive your passport with visa

The passport can be delivered to the address provided or collected at the CASV. Check the status of the passport on the Consulate website to find out when it will be available.

Validity: A tourist visa is generally valid for 10 years, but the period of stay in the US is determined by the immigration officer upon arrival in the country.
Planning: Start the visa application process in advance, as it can take a few weeks or even months, depending on the availability of appointments at the consulate.

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