How Do I Get a Tourist Visa for the USA?
A step-by-step guide for Brazilians and immigrants living in Canada — from DS-160 to visa interview.
To get a tourist visa for the USA, complete the DS-160 online form, pay the application fee, schedule an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate, prepare your supporting documents and attend the interview. For most Brazilians and immigrants in Canada, the correct category is the combined B1/B2 visitor visa — which is what the U.S. government issues in practice for tourism and personal travel.
For Brazilians and most immigrants living in Canada, the Visa Waiver Program does not apply — therefore, a formal visa application is required before traveling to the United States for tourism.
In person in Toronto and by phone across Canada — Portuguese and English.
How to Get a Tourist Visa for the USA
Confirm the Correct Visa Type
For tourism, vacation or family visits: B1/B2 combined visitor visa — this is what the U.S. government issues in practice for tourism. If the trip is purely for business activities: B-1 visa. Choosing a category that does not match your real purpose creates inconsistencies that affect the application.
Complete the DS-160 Form
The DS-160 is the official online nonimmigrant visa application. It must be completed accurately in English — all information must be consistent with your supporting documents.
Pay the Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee)
The MRV fee for a B1/B2 visa is USD 185 — the current amount as of 2026. The fee is non-refundable, even if your visa is denied, and the payment receipt is valid for 1 year to schedule your interview. In Brazil: payment can be made via Pix, credit card or cash, as announced by the U.S. Embassy in Brazil. In Canada: check accepted payment methods on the consulate website where you are applying. Note: an additional USD 250 Visa Integrity Fee was signed into law in July 2025 but had not yet been collected in practice as of 2026 — verify current State Department instructions before paying.
Schedule Your Visa Interview
Start as early as possible — wait times vary significantly between Canada and Brazil:
🇨🇦 In Canada — wait times are among the longest in the world for B1/B2 visas. As of February 2026 (U.S. Department of State data): Toronto: ~18 months · Calgary: ~15–22 months · Vancouver: ~13–15 months. Do not make fixed travel commitments before your visa is approved.
🇧🇷 In Brazil — wait times vary by consulate. São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro: 6 to 12 months. Smaller consulates such as Brasília, Recife and Porto Alegre tend to have shorter waits — compare before booking. Note: since October 2025, the interview waiver (dropbox) is limited to renewals of visas expired within the past 12 months. Applicants who do not qualify must attend an in-person interview.
Always check the U.S. Department of State’s official wait time tool before scheduling: travel.state.gov/visa-wait-times
Prepare Your Supporting Documents
Organize documents that show who you are, why you are traveling, how you will pay for the trip and why you will return to Canada. See the checklist below.
Attend the Visa Interview
Answer the consular officer’s questions clearly and honestly. The officer may ask about your travel purpose, employment, finances, immigration status and previous travel history.
Wait for the Decision
If approved, your passport is returned with the visa. If refused, the officer provides the refusal category. No service provider can guarantee approval.
What Documents Do You Need?
- Valid passport — at least 6 months validity beyond your stay
- DS-160 confirmation page — printed for the interview
- Proof of legal status in Canada — work permit, study permit, PR card
- Proof of employment or income — bank statements, pay stubs
- Travel plans — purpose of visit, itinerary or accommodation
- Ties to Canada — evidence you will return after your trip
Documents tell a story. The officer reviews your full profile — employment, income, immigration status, travel history and reason to return — as one consistent picture.
The Most Common Mistakes
Filling Out the DS-160 Too Quickly
Incomplete or inconsistent answers create problems during review. Verify all details match your documents before submitting.
Misrepresenting the Purpose of the Trip
Declaring a business trip as tourism — or a personal visit as a business trip — creates inconsistencies the consular officer will catch. The stated purpose on your DS-160 and in the interview must honestly reflect why you are actually traveling.
Submitting Disorganized Documents
A bank statement alone is not enough. Disorganized or mismatched documents create doubt even when the applicant has a strong profile.
Applying Too Close to the Travel Date
Appointment availability varies. Plan ahead — do not make fixed travel commitments before your visa is approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a tourist visa for the USA from Canada?
Complete the DS-160 form, pay the fee, schedule an interview at a U.S. consulate, prepare your documents and attend the interview. For Brazilians and immigrants in Canada, the standard category is the B-2 or B1/B2 visitor visa.
Do Brazilians living in Canada need a U.S. tourist visa?
Yes. Brazilian citizens must apply for a B-2 or B1/B2 visitor visa even if they live in Canada with a valid work permit or permanent residence. Living in Canada does not exempt Brazilian nationals from the visa requirement.
What is the DS-160 form?
The DS-160 is the official online nonimmigrant visa application required for the B-2 tourist visa. It must be completed in English, submitted online and the confirmation page brought to the interview. All information must be accurate and consistent with your supporting documents.
How long does it take to get a U.S. tourist visa from Canada?
Wait times in Canada are among the longest in the world for B1/B2 visitor visas. As of 2025–2026, Toronto and Vancouver report average wait times of 12 to 18 months or more for interview appointments. Do not make fixed travel commitments before your visa is approved. Start the process as early as possible and check the U.S. Department of State’s official wait time tool regularly for current availability.
Can Brazilians in Brazil also apply for a U.S. tourist visa?
Yes. Brazilian citizens applying from Brazil follow the same standard process: complete the DS-160 form, pay the MRV fee, and schedule an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Brazil — in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Recife or Porto Alegre. Wait times in Brazil are significantly shorter than in Canada, currently averaging 1 to 3 months depending on the city. BRS Solutions assists Brazilian clients applying from both Canada and Brazil.
Can BRS Solutions help me apply?
Yes. BRS Solutions provides DS-160 guidance, document organization and application review — in Portuguese and English. We serve clients in person in Toronto, by phone across Canada, and also assist Brazilians applying from Brazil.
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Apply for Your U.S. Tourist Visa With Confidence
BRS Solutions helps Brazilians and immigrants in Canada organize their U.S. visa application — so you submit with confidence, not guesswork.
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Information Sources
The information in this article is based on official U.S. government sources. We prioritize primary government documentation to ensure accuracy and reliability.
U.S. Department of State — Visitor Visa (B-1/B-2)
Primary official reference for B-1/B-2 visitor visa categories, permitted activities, employment restrictions and application requirements.
travel.state.gov/visitor-visa →U.S. Department of State — DS-160 Online Application (CEAC)
Official portal for completing and submitting the DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application form, required for all B-1/B-2 applicants.
ceac.state.gov →U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Canada — Visa Appointments
Official guidance and appointment scheduling for visa applicants based in Canada, including B-1/B-2 interview requirements for non-exempt nationalities.
ca.usembassy.gov/visas →U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Brazil — Nonimmigrant Visas
Official reference for Brazilian citizens applying from Brazil. Covers the DS-160 process, interview requirements, consulate locations and renewal eligibility without interview.
br.usembassy.gov/visas →U.S. Department of State — Global Visa Wait Times Tool
Official tool for checking current B-1/B-2 interview appointment wait times at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide, including Canada and Brazil.
travel.state.gov/visa-wait-times →Foreign Affairs Manual (9 FAM 402.2) — B Visa Classifications
Official U.S. State Department policy manual defining B-1, B-2 and combined B-1/B-2 classification symbols, permitted activities and consular officer guidance.
fam.state.gov/09fam040202 →This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules can change. Always verify current requirements directly with official U.S. government sources before applying.
