U.S. Consulate in Porto Alegre: Complete Guide to the CED and Visa Interview

The U.S. consulate in Porto Alegre is the newest in Brazil, inaugurated in 2022, and serves visa applicants residing in the southern region, regardless of nationality. Unlike São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Brasília, the city does not have a separate CASV: the Document Delivery Center (CED) and the consulate are located on the same avenue, just a few meters apart, making it possible to complete biometrics and the interview in a single visit. This guide covers addresses, required documents, the service flow, and how to schedule your appointment.

How the consolidated service works

In the three older cities of the American consular circuit in Brazil — São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Brasília — the visa process requires two in-person visits at separate locations: first the CASV for biometric collection, then the consulate for the interview, usually on different dates. In Porto Alegre, the setup is more streamlined.

The U.S. Department of State operates in Porto Alegre a Document Delivery Center (CED), responsible for collecting biometrics and verifying documentation, and the consulate itself, where the interview takes place. Both addresses are on Avenida Assis Brasil, in the Passo d’Areia neighborhood, separated by just a few blocks.

The physical proximity allows applicants from other cities in Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, or Paraná to complete both steps on the same day, without needing to schedule a second trip. For those traveling by plane, the time and cost savings are significant.

Official addresses and phone numbers

Document Delivery Center (CED)

Av. Assis Brasil, 1712 — Passo d’Areia, Porto Alegre/RS, CEP 91010-001. Phone: (51) 3500-1460. This is where fingerprint collection, photo registration, and physical document submission take place. It functions as the equivalent of the CASV in other cities.

United States Consulate

Av. Assis Brasil, 1889 — Passo d’Areia, Porto Alegre/RS. Phone: (51) 3345-6000. The consulate is where the interview with the consular officer takes place and where the visa decision is communicated. The office was inaugurated in 2022 and expanded access for residents of the South, who previously had to travel to São Paulo or Brasília.

Required documents for your appointment

Because the process is consolidated, applicants in Porto Alegre must bring both the documents required by the CED and those needed for the consular interview on the same day. The basic list includes:

• Passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of entry into the United States.
• Previous passports, if any.
• Printed appointment confirmation page.
• Printed DS-160 form confirmation page.
• Printed photo in U.S. format: 5×5 cm or 5×7 cm, white background, taken within the last six months.

The printed photo requirement is specific to Porto Alegre. In São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Brasília, the photo is captured digitally at the CASV on the day of the appointment; in Porto Alegre, applicants are responsible for bringing their own ready-made photo.

Documents for the consular interview

In addition to the items above, it is recommended to bring documentation proving ties to your country of residence: proof of income, employment or business ties, property ownership, family ties, and a record of previous travel abroad. The consular officer evaluates this package to assess the applicant’s intention to return — a central criterion in the granting of non-immigrant visas.

How to get to both locations

The Passo d’Areia neighborhood is located in northern Porto Alegre and is well connected by various modes of transportation.

Public transportation

Avenida Assis Brasil is one of the city’s main thoroughfares and has several bus lines running along it. For those in Porto Alegre without a personal vehicle, it is the most practical and affordable option.

Car or rideshare app

Access is direct via Av. Assis Brasil itself, with easy entry from BR-290. There are paid parking lots near both addresses. On GPS, simply enter Av. Assis Brasil, 1712 for the CED or Av. Assis Brasil, 1889 for the consulate.

Connection to the airport

Salgado Filho International Airport is approximately 15 minutes by car from both addresses. This proximity makes Porto Alegre one of the most logistically efficient cities in Brazil for the U.S. visa process, especially for those arriving from other southern states or neighboring South American countries.

What happens at each step

At the CED, Av. Assis Brasil, 1712

• Document presentation and appointment verification.
• Fingerprint collection from all ten fingers.
• Printed photo verification.
• Submission of documentation for review.

At the consulate, Av. Assis Brasil, 1889

• Document presentation at the entrance.
• Interview with the consular officer.
• Immediate communication of the visa decision.

The interview itself typically lasts about three minutes, and may run longer when the officer needs additional clarification. Electronic devices — including cell phones, laptops, earphones, and smartwatches — are not permitted inside the consulate. Large backpacks and food are also prohibited.

Arrive at least 15 minutes early for each step and bring only the essentials. There are no lockers at either location, which further reinforces the recommendation to travel light on the day of your appointment.

When only the CED is sufficient

Applicants renewing their U.S. visa who meet the interview waiver criteria can complete the entire in-person process solely at the CED on Av. Assis Brasil, 1712, without needing to appear at the consulate. Biometric collection and document submission at the CED are sufficient to finalize the renewal.

For first-time applicants or those who do not qualify for the waiver, both steps remain mandatory: first the CED, then the consulate.

How to schedule with Porto Alegre as your city

Scheduling is done exclusively through the official U.S. Department of State system at ais.usvisa-info.com/en-us/niv. The DS-160 must be completed and the confirmation page generated before creating an account in the system. During scheduling, select Porto Alegre as your city; the portal will display available dates for both the CED and the consulate, and allows you to book both steps on the same day when compatible slots are available.

Passport pickup after visa approval

After approval at the interview, the passport can be picked up in person at the consulate on Av. Assis Brasil, 1889, or received at home by mail at the address registered in the system. Processing time is up to ten business days after the interview, and the status can be tracked via the registered email address and the official portal.

Consular district served by Porto Alegre

The U.S. consulate in Porto Alegre serves applicants residing in the three southern states of Brazil: Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, and Paraná. Those living outside this region may, in theory, schedule an appointment in Porto Alegre, but the official recommendation is to choose the office of the consular district of residence to avoid questions about the applicant’s connection to the chosen city.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a CASV in Porto Alegre?

No. In Porto Alegre, the equivalent is the Document Delivery Center (CED), located at Av. Assis Brasil, 1712, Passo d’Areia. The consulate, where the interview takes place, is on the same avenue at number 1889.

Can biometrics and the interview be done on the same day?

Yes. Since the CED and the consulate are just a few meters apart, it is possible to schedule both steps for the same day, making Porto Alegre one of the most convenient cities in Brazil for the visa process.

Which states are served by the Porto Alegre consulate?

Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, and Paraná. The office was inaugurated in 2022 and is the most recently opened in Brazil.

Is it mandatory to bring a printed photo in Porto Alegre?

Yes. A photo in U.S. format — 5×5 cm or 5×7 cm, white background, taken within the last six months — is required of all applicants, unlike the process in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Brasília.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.