The new visa request rules for those who want to travel to the United States (USA) to tourism or business came into force on Tuesday (2). Now, the face -to -face interview with a consulate employee will be mandatory, even for children under 14 and elderly from 80 years old, previously exempt from interview.
The change is valid for citizens from all countries and was announced in July by US Department of State. .
The interview exemption is still valid for applicants of diplomatic and officers visas, employees of international and military organizations and for those who will renew a visa he expired under 12 months ago and was at least 18 years old when the previous visa was issued.
In the latter case, the traveler must apply the request in the country of nationality or residence, never had a visa to the US refused (unless such refusal has been overcome or resigned) and not have apparent or potential ineligibility.
Consular agents may still require face -to -face interviews on a case by case basis for any reason. In Brazil, there are US consular units in Brasilia, Sao Paulo, Porto Alegre, Recife and Rio de Janeiro.
The visa for non -immigrants serves for the foreigner to go temporarily and has several durations of permanence 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 relationships that allow them to live permanently in the United States.
Integrity rate
Taking the visa from non -immigrant will be more expensive too. The United States Congress approved in July the creation of the so -called visa integrity fee, in the amount of US $ 250, for the issuance of the document. It will be additional to the costs already practiced currently, of $ 185.
With this, obtaining the visa should reach $ 435 – more than $ 2,000. In some cases, the rate may be refunded.
The measure should come into force on October 1, beginning of the US fiscal year, but there is no official statement on the date.
