The new rules for applying for a visa for those wishing to travel to the United States (US) for tourism or business took effect this Tuesday (2). Now, an in-person interview with a consulate employee will be mandatory, even for children under 14 years old and seniors aged 80 and over, who were previously exempt from interviews.
The change applies to citizens of all countries and was announced in July by the U.S. Department of State.
Interview exemptions still apply to applicants for diplomatic and official visas, employees of international organizations and military personnel, and those renewing a visa that expired less than 12 months ago and who were at least 18 years old when the previous visa was issued.
In the latter case, the traveler must apply in their country of nationality or residence, have never had a US visa denied (unless such denial was overcome or waived), and have no apparent or potential ineligibility.
Consular officers may still require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis for any reason. In Brazil, there are US consulates in Brasília, São Paulo, Porto Alegre, Recife, and Rio de Janeiro.
The nonimmigrant visa allows foreigners to enter the United States temporarily and has various durations of stay and purposes such as tourism, business, temporary work, medical treatment, and studies. It is a different document from that granted to immigrants who have family or work ties that allow them to live permanently in the United States.
Visa Integrity Fee
Obtaining a nonimmigrant visa will also become more expensive. The US Congress approved in July the creation of the so-called Visa Integrity Fee, in the amount of US$250, for issuing the document. It will be in addition to the costs already in place, of US$185.
With this, obtaining the visa should reach US$435 – more than R$2,000. In some cases, the fee may be refunded.
The measure is expected to take effect on October 1, the start of the US fiscal year, but there is no official communication yet on the date.
Source: Agência Brasil