US tightens visa rules with mandatory interviews and new $250 fee starting in 2025

Starting September 2, 2025, Brazilians and citizens of other countries requiring non-immigrant visas to enter the United States will face stricter rules, with mandatory in-person interviews for most applicants, including those under 14 and over 79 years old. The change, announced by the U.S. Department of State, ends the interview waiver policy adopted during the pandemic and aims to strengthen security protocols. Additionally, a new $250 fee, called the Visa Integrity Fee, was approved and may take effect from October 2025, raising the total cost of a tourist visa (B1/B2) to approximately $459. These changes directly impact those planning to travel for tourism, study, or work, requiring greater financial and logistical planning. The goal is to enhance immigration control and ensure compliance with stay regulations.

The decision to reinstate in-person interviews marks the end of a facilitation that simplified the process, especially for visa renewals. During the pandemic, interview waivers were expanded, allowing many Brazilians to renew visas without attending consulates. Now, the interview requirement will apply to categories such as tourism (B1/B2), study (F and M), work (H-1B), and exchange (J), with some specific exceptions. The measure is expected to increase wait times and lines at consulates in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Recife, and Porto Alegre.

The financial impact will also be significant. The new fee, approved in July 2025 as part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” legislative package, will be charged upon visa issuance, after consular officer approval. The U.S. government’s rationale is that the Visa Integrity Fee encourages compliance with immigration rules, with the possibility of a refund for those who adhere to stay conditions and do not violate visa terms.

• New requirements: In-person interviews mandatory for nearly all applicants starting September 2.
• Additional fee: $250 will be charged, raising the total visa cost to about $459.
• Limited exceptions: Only diplomatic visas and specific categories are exempt.
• Possible refund: The fee may be refunded if the applicant complies with immigration rules.

New interview requirements

The mandatory in-person interview requirement starting September 2, 2025, represents a significant change in the non-immigrant visa application process. Previously, those under 14 and over 79 were exempt from this step, as were some renewal applicants. Now, these age groups will also need to attend consulates, which may increase demand for appointments and wait times. The measure affects Brazilians and citizens of other countries requiring visas to enter the U.S., except those eligible for the Visa Waiver Program.

The U.S. Department of State justified the change as a way to strengthen national security, ensuring more thorough applicant screening. Even those who qualify for the few exceptions, such as holders of diplomatic visas or those renewing B1/B2 visas with less than 12 months of expiration, may be called for an interview if deemed necessary by the consulate. This makes it essential for applicants to be prepared to attend and present complete documentation, including the correctly filled DS-160 form.

• Affected categories: Tourism (B1/B2), study (F and M), work (H-1B), and exchange (J).
• Exceptions: Diplomatic visas, A-1, A-2, C-3 (except domestic workers), G-1 to G-4, NATO-1 to NATO-6, and TECRO E-1.
• Waiver requirements: B1/B2 renewal with less than 12 months of expiration and no history of refusal.
• Essential documentation: Valid passport, DS-160 form, and proof of ties to the home country.

The appointment process also requires heightened attention. Since May 2025, the DS-160 confirmation number must exactly match the one used for online scheduling, or the applicant may not be interviewed. In cities like Recife and Porto Alegre, biometrics and interviews occur on the same day, while in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Brasília, applicants must visit the Visa Application Center (CASV) before the consular interview.

Financial impact of the Visa Integrity Fee

The introduction of the $250 Visa Integrity Fee, approved in July 2025, significantly increases the cost of non-immigrant visas. The current $185 fee for tourist and business visas will rise to approximately $459, a more than 130% increase. The fee will be charged only after visa approval, but there are no guarantees of exemptions or discounts, except for diplomatic visas (categories A and G). The U.S. government plans to adjust the fee annually based on the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI).

The possibility of a refund is a positive aspect but is conditional on strict compliance with immigration rules. Applicants who do not use the visa within its validity period or who leave the U.S. within five days after expiration, without violating conditions such as illegal work, may request a refund. However, the refund process has not yet been detailed, creating uncertainty for travelers. For families or groups, the financial impact will be even greater, requiring more careful planning.

• Current cost: $185 for B1/B2 visas, including the application fee.
• New cost: $459 with the addition of the $250 Visa Integrity Fee.
• Refund: Possible for those who comply with immigration rules, but no clear procedure yet.
• Annual adjustment: The fee may increase based on inflation.

The increased visa cost may discourage frequent travel to the U.S., especially for Brazilian tourists facing the devaluation of the real against the dollar. The recommendation is to start the application or renewal process before October 2025, when the new fee is expected to take effect, to take advantage of the current rate.

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How to prepare for the process

Applying for a U.S. visa requires organization and attention to detail. The first step is to complete the DS-160 form, available on the U.S. Department of State’s official website (ceac.state.gov). The form, which must be filled out in English, includes personal information, travel details, and the applicant’s history. Errors in the form can lead to visa refusal or the need for a new appointment, increasing costs and wait times.

After completing the form, applicants must pay the $185 consular fee (before the potential implementation of the Visa Integrity Fee) and schedule two appointments: one at the CASV for biometrics and another at the consulate for the interview. Documents proving ties to Brazil, such as work contracts, tax returns, marriage or birth certificates, and proof of assets, are recommended to demonstrate intent to return. The consular interview is a critical moment, where applicants must show clarity and objectivity.

• Main steps: Complete the DS-160, pay the consular fee, and schedule appointments.
• Recommended documents: Valid passport, proof of income, and ties to Brazil.
• Interview tips: Be honest, objective, and avoid vague or hesitant answers.
• Wait times: Can range from 3 to 28 days, depending on the city and demand.

For those seeking renewal, interview waivers are still possible if the previous B1/B2 visa is valid or expired within the last 12 months, provided it was issued after the applicant turned 18 and has no history of refusal. However, the consulate may still require an interview, especially if there are doubts about eligibility.

Exceptions and special categories

Some applicant categories may still be exempt from in-person interviews, but conditions are strict. Diplomatic and official visas, such as A-1, A-2, G-1 to G-4, NATO-1 to NATO-6, and TECRO E-1, are exempt from the requirement. These categories are typically for representatives of international organizations, governments, or military personnel. Additionally, B1/B2 visa renewers meeting the criteria mentioned earlier may avoid interviews but must be prepared to attend if requested.

The interview waiver policy, expanded during the pandemic, has been gradually reduced. In February 2025, the renewal waiver period dropped from 48 months to 12 months, reflecting stricter protocols. The new interview requirement for those under 14 and over 79 eliminates benefits that facilitated the process for these age groups, increasing the administrative burden for families and seniors.

• Exempt categories: Diplomatic and official visas (A, G, NATO, TECRO E-1).
• Renewal without interview: Valid for B1/B2 with expiration under 12 months.
• Risk of summons: Even exempt applicants may be called for an interview.
• Impact on families: Children under 14 now require in-person appointments.

Planning to avoid setbacks

With the new rules, early planning is essential to avoid delays and additional costs. Appointment wait times vary by city, with Porto Alegre reporting around nine days and other locations, like São Paulo, potentially exceeding 28 days during peak demand. The recommendation is to start the process at least three months in advance, especially for trips scheduled during busy periods like school vacations or holidays.

Another point of attention is the requirement for social media accounts to be public for F, J, or M visa applicants (study and exchange). This measure, already in effect, allows consulates to verify information to establish identity and admissibility. Applicants with expired passports but valid visas must travel with both documents to avoid entry issues in the U.S.

• Early planning: Start the process three months in advance.
• Social media: Public accounts for F, J, and M visas, as required by consulates.
• Passports: Carry an expired passport with a valid visa along with the new one.
• Scheduling: Check available dates on the consulate’s official website.

The increased bureaucracy and costs require applicants to pay closer attention to deadlines, documents, and consular requirements. Regular consultation of the U.S. Embassy in Brazil and Department of State websites is recommended for updates on procedures and fees.