Stricter Questions in U.S. Tourist Visa Interviews Raise Concerns Among Brazilian Applicants

Recent reports from Brazilian travelers suggest that interviews for the U.S. B1/B2 tourist and business visa may be becoming more detailed, prompting questions about whether consular officers are adopting a stricter approach.

There has been no official announcement of policy changes from the U.S. government. Still, immigration attorneys say they have noticed a shift in tone during interviews at U.S. consulates in Brazil.

According to the U.S. Department of State, each visa application continues to be evaluated individually, with the primary focus on whether the applicant can demonstrate strong ties to their home country and clear intent to return after travel.

In practice, lawyers say consular officers have begun asking more strategic questions — including topics that could affect future immigration processes. Statements made during a visa interview are recorded in the U.S. government system and may be referenced later if an applicant seeks another immigration benefit.

Even with this more cautious environment, the numbers remain favorable for Brazilians. In 2025, more than 85% of B1/B2 visa applications from Brazil were approved, according to official State Department data. The refusal rate dropped to about 14.8%, a slight improvement from the previous year.

Experts emphasize that Brazil continues to rank among the countries with high approval rates, but approval is never guaranteed. As immigration attorney Izi Pinho explains, “Every interview is unique, and applicants should be prepared to clearly demonstrate their ties and their travel purpose.”

As travel demand grows and global mobility evolves, applicants are encouraged to stay informed and approach the visa process with transparency and consistency.

Image: Immigration Visa