US Visa for Brazilians in 2026: What You Really Pay and Who Skips the Interview

For millions of Brazilians, the United States is the dream trip: Orlando with the children, shopping in Miami, a conference in New York or a visit to family in Boston. But before the plane ticket comes the visa, and in 2025 and 2026 the rules and costs have changed more than once.

Here is the short version. The visa application fee is 185 US dollars per person. A new 250 dollar Visa Integrity Fee exists in US law, but as of October 2026 reports from Brazil say it is not yet being charged at US posts in the country. And since 1 October 2025, far fewer people can skip the interview at the consulate.

What You Pay Today

The main fee is the application fee, often called the MRV fee. You pay it in the official US visa system after you fill in the DS-160 form and before you book your appointment. It is paid in reais at an exchange rate set by the consulate, which is not the same as the commercial dollar rate of the day. The receipt is valid for 12 months, and the money is not returned if your visa is refused.

The Integrity Fee: Budget for It Anyway

The Visa Integrity Fee was created by a US law signed in July 2025. It is meant to be paid when the visa is issued, after approval. Collection around the world has been uneven, and Brazilian travel agencies reported in October 2026 that it was not being collected in Brazil. That can change with little warning. The safe approach is simple: keep 250 dollars per person in your travel budget. If it is not charged, you have a little extra for your trip.

Who Can Still Skip the Interview

Until 2025, many children, older travellers and people renewing visas could apply without going to the consulate. Since 1 October 2025, the rules are much tighter. Children under 14 and adults over 79 no longer get an automatic waiver and usually need an in person interview.

A waiver may still be possible if you meet all of these conditions:

• You are renewing a B1, B2 or B1/B2 visa.
• Your previous visa expired no more than 12 months ago.
• You were 18 or older when the previous visa was issued.
• You apply in your country of nationality or residence.
• You have never been refused a visa, unless that refusal was overcome.
• There is no sign that you are ineligible.

Even if you meet every condition, the consular officer can still call you for an interview.

How to Plan Your Application

1. Check your passport is valid for your whole trip and beyond.
2. Fill in the DS-160 form carefully; small mistakes cause delays.
3. Pay the application fee in the official system and keep the receipt.
4. Book the earliest slot you can and avoid unnecessary rebooking.
5. Prepare proof of your job, income, studies and family ties in Brazil.
6. Answer interview questions honestly and in your own words.

Families Should Plan Earlier

Because children under 14 now usually attend an interview, a family of four may need four appointments, often on the same day. Book together where the system allows, take every child's birth certificate and travel authorisation where needed, and allow extra time before school holidays, when demand is highest.

Common Reasons Brazilians Are Refused

Most refusals for tourist visas come under one rule: the officer was not convinced that you will return to Brazil after your trip. This is not a judgement about you as a person. It means the evidence of your job, studies, family and finances in Brazil did not seem strong enough, or your answers did not match your form.

If you were refused before, do not simply apply again with the same documents. Think about what has changed in your life since then, such as a new job, a promotion, a business or a family situation, and be ready to explain it clearly. Never hide a past refusal; it is recorded in the US system.

Related courseUSA Visitor Visa (B1/B2) Training CourseRelated courseEmbassy Interview Coaching Masterclass for Consultants

Before You Rely on Any Figure

The fees and rules above reflect US State Department rules and reports from Brazil as of October 2026. The integrity fee could start in Brazil at any time. Rules, fees and dates change, so check the official government website on the day you act. For questions about your own case, speak to a licensed immigration lawyer or an authorised representative. World Visa Academy is a training academy; it does not file applications or guarantee any visa or outcome.

The Honest Summary

A US visa for Brazilians costs 185 dollars per person today, with a possible extra 250 dollars later. Interviews are back for most people, including children and older travellers. Apply early, keep your documents honest and organised, and budget for the integrity fee in case it starts.

Key takeaways

• The tourist and business visa fee is 185 US dollars per person and is not refunded if you are refused.
• As of October 2026, reports from Brazil say the 250 dollar Visa Integrity Fee is not yet being charged at US posts in Brazil.
• Since 1 October 2025, children under 14 and adults over 79 usually need an interview.
• Interview waivers are now mainly for adults renewing a B1/B2 visa that expired within the last 12 months.