Consular Process in the USA: Steps, Fees, and Interview

Obtaining a U.S. visa requires more than just filling out forms: the consular process is a sequence of technical steps that culminate in the in-person interview, at which point the consular officer decides, in just a few minutes, whether the applicant meets the legal requirements for admissibility. In 2026, with updated MRV fees and constantly evolving immigration policies, proper preparation for each stage is not optional-it is crucial for the outcome.

The consular process applies to both nonimmigrant visas (tourism, study, temporary work) and immigrant visas (permanent residence). In Brazil, the U.S. Department of State operates consular posts in five cities: São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Recife, and Porto Alegre. Each location processes specific categories, and wait times for appointments vary significantly between them.

DS-160: The Starting Point

The DS-160 form is the mandatory electronic document for all nonimmigrant visa applications. Filled out exclusively online through the Department of State portal, it gathers personal information, professional and educational history, family data, previous trips, and the specific purpose of the trip. For immigrant visas, the equivalent form is the DS-260.

Every answer on the DS-160 is recorded and accessible to the consular officer during the interview. Inconsistencies between the form and verbal responses are one of the main causes of suspicion and denial. Therefore, it is essential to review each field carefully before submission and keep a printed copy of the confirmation page, identified by the unique alphanumeric code that will be required for scheduling.

Updated MRV Fees

After submitting the DS-160, the next step is paying the MRV (Machine Readable Visa) fee, the amount of which varies according to the visa category requested. The fees in effect for 2026 are:

• US$ 185 for B-1/B-2 visas (tourism and business), F-1 and M-1 (student), and J-1 (exchange)
• US$ 205 for petition-based visas, including H-1B, L-1, O-1, P, Q, and R
• US$ 265 for K visas (fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen)
• US$ 315 for E-1 and E-2 visas (treaty trader and investor)

The MRV payment receipt is valid for one year. After this period, a new payment is required to schedule the interview. The fee is non-refundable, regardless of the application outcome.

CASV: Biometric Collection

The CASV (Applicant Service Center) is the stage for biometric data collection: digital photograph and fingerprints of all ten fingers. In Brazil, CASVs operate in the same five cities with U.S. consular representation. The service is quick, usually between 15 and 30 minutes, and does not involve any assessment of the application’s merit.

You must go to the CASV before the consular interview, bringing a valid passport and the DS-160 confirmation page. Expired documents, non-compliant photos, or scheduling inconsistencies may result in rescheduling, delaying the process by weeks.

The Consular Interview

The interview is the decisive moment of the process. Conducted by a consular officer, it lasts on average two to five minutes for nonimmigrant visas, and may be longer in more complex cases. The officer evaluates three central elements: the real intention of the trip, the applicant’s ties to their home country, and the financial ability to support the stay without working illegally in the U.S.

For nonimmigrant visas, the legal presumption is that every applicant intends to immigrate permanently. It is up to the applicant to prove otherwise, demonstrating concrete reasons to return to their country. This reversal of the burden of proof is provided for in Section 214(b) of the INA (Immigration and Nationality Act), combined with Section 291, which expressly places the responsibility of proving eligibility on the applicant. This is by far the most frequent legal basis for denial of U.S. visas. It is worth noting that holders of H-1B, L, R, and V visas are exempt from this presumption of immigrant intent.

Preparation Strategies

Effective preparation for the interview is not just about rehearsing answers. The consular officer is trained to detect memorized scripts. The most efficient approach involves mentally organizing the facts of your own life and presenting them naturally when questioned.

• Answer only what is asked, without volunteering extra information
• Be direct and objective: long or evasive answers raise suspicion
• Bring supporting documents organized, but present them only if requested by the officer
• Maintain absolute consistency with what was declared on the DS-160
• Never lie or omit information: false statements can result in permanent inadmissibility under Section 212(a)(6)(C) of the INA

Common Reasons for Denial

Section 214(b) accounts for most nonimmigrant visa denials. It is applied when the officer believes the applicant has not demonstrated sufficient ties to their home country. The most decisive factors for this assessment include:

• Lack of formal employment or verifiable income
• Lack of property or financial commitments in the home country
• Migration history suggesting intent to remain, such as previous overstay
• Inconsistencies between DS-160 information and interview answers
• Insufficient or unverified financial documentation

A 214(b) denial is not permanent nor does it constitute inadmissibility. According to the Department of State itself, the applicant may apply for a new visa at any time, provided there are substantial changes in their personal or professional situation that justify a reassessment.

After the Interview

There are three possible outcomes. In the case of approval, the passport is retained for visa issuance and returned by delivery service within a few business days. In the case of denial, the officer verbally informs the legal basis (usually the specific section of the INA) and the passport is returned the same day. The third scenario is Administrative Processing, an additional review that can take weeks or months, common in cases involving sensitive areas of technology, research, or national security.

It is essential to understand that visa approval does not guarantee entry into the United States. The final admission decision is made by the CBP (Customs and Border Protection) officer at the port of entry. The visa authorizes travel to the U.S. border; actual admission is a separate decision, made based on the circumstances at the time of arrival and the documentation presented to the immigration officer.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.