Research conducted by AG Immigration — an immigration law firm based in Washington, D.C. — shows that Brazilians ranked third in the list of those who received the most American visas in 2022. A total of 815,842 visas of 80 different types were issued, an increase of 618.8% compared to the previous year (113,505).
The Brazil ranked just behind Mexico (1.9 million) and China (1 million), and well ahead of Argentina, which came in fourth with 259,000 visas received.
The research was based on official data from the U.S. Department of State, covering January to December 2022. According to the AG Immigration report, the American consulate in São Paulo was the third diplomatic post that issued the most visas in the world, behind only Monterrey and the embassy in Mexico City.
The ranking of diplomatic posts refers to the U.S. fiscal year, which spans from October 1, 2021, to September 30, 2022.
Another noteworthy piece of information from the study relates to B1/B2 visitor visas — used for business and tourism trips to the U.S. — which totaled over 748,500 last year, representing 91.76% of the total. This marks a 944% increase compared to 2021, a year when consulates and embassies were closed or had limited services due to the pandemic.
“Without a doubt, this is the most sought-after visa by Brazilians, who see the B1/B2 as their most accessible entry point into the U.S. It allows them to stay for up to six months in the country to visit tourist attractions and engage in various activities,” said immigration attorney Felipe Alexandre — founding partner of AG Immigration — in a statement.
Source: Agência Brasil