Specialist visa news portal ViaggiVistos published an explanatory article on 14 October 2026 outlining recent changes to U.S. non-immigrant visa processing that specifically affect Brazilian applicants. According to the piece, the U.S. State Department terminated its pandemic-era interview-waiver expansion on 1 October 2025, but Brazilian consulates only began enforcing the stricter criteria this month. Practically, most B1/B2 renewals must now be completed within 12 months of expiry to qualify for drop-box processing; otherwise, applicants of all ages must attend an in-person interview. ViaggiVistos also clarifies two other modifications confirmed by the U.S. Mission in Brazil on 14 October: (1) applicants can cancel or reschedule an appointment only three times before the system blocks further changes, and (2) the DS-160 confirmation number must match the scheduling profile’s “AA” code, or the booking will be automatically voided. The article dispels social-media rumours that a new US$ 250 “Visa Integrity Fee” would be charged, noting that the fee does not appear in the official Federal Register table inspected on 14 October. For global-mobility teams, the stricter rescheduling limits raise the risk of missed assignment start-dates if candidates lack complete documentation. Companies should instruct travellers to double-check passport validity (minimum six months) and gather Brazilian tax-return receipts, as consular officers increasingly request proof of economic ties. Wait times remain volatile: as of 11 October, the next interview slots ranged from two weeks in Recife to ten weeks in Porto Alegre. Organisations with urgent travel needs may consider the pilot priority-appointment program, but the article notes that Brazilian posts have not yet joined the scheme. Overall, the update underscores the importance of early planning for 2027 assignments and of budgeting extra lead-time for dependents whose prior visas expired more than a year ago.
Source: ViaggiVistos
