Phone Number: |
U.S. Consulate General in Rio de Janeiro
Phone: +55 (21) 3823-2000 during Consulate's working hours (8am to 5pm)
Phone: +55 (21) 3823-2029 only call this number after working hours
Fax: +55 (21) 3823-2003
Please note that these phone numbers are NOT for immigrant visas and you will not be able to talk to anyone about your immigrant visa by calling them
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E-Mail: |
E-mail: acsrio@state.gov
For questions regarding immigrant visa issues, e-mail: immigrationrio@state.gov
TIP: You may have better luck if you put your emails in Portuguese as sometimes the people checking the email seem to not be fluent in English.
E-mails tend to be answered in a timely manner with very short concise responses |
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Address: |
U.S. Consulate General Rio de Janeiro
Av. Presidente Wilson, 147 - Castelo
20030-020 - Rio de Janeiro, RJ
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Working Hours: |
Immigrant Visa Services
Hours: 08:00 am to 05:00 pm
Open to the public: 1:00 - 3:00 pm (Mondays and Fridays)
Phone calls: 2:00 - 3:00 pm (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays)
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Best Contact Method: |
For a comprehensive list of numbers and emails, go to: http://brazil.usembassy.gov/contact.html
For immigrant visas, please send an e-mail to: immigrationrio@state.gov. If e-mail is written in English, they may reply in Portuguese.
There is no phone number for Immigrant Visas. |
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Approx Waiting Time for Interview After Consulate Recieves
NVC Package: |
After they receive it and send you an email with the instructions, the interview can usually be schedule for 3-4 weeks later, always on a Tuesday. |
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Issues Packet 3? |
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Packet 3 Contains: |
Rio does NOT send packet 3 anymore.
First, they will send you an email with the following steps to be completed for you to schedule the interview. Fill out your DS-160 carefully (https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/) and then access the CASV website (https://ais.usvisa-info.com/pt-br/niv) to schedule your interview.
The email should contain the documents you need for the interview. The list of documents on the letter MAY NOT BE COMPLETE double check that you have everything listed on the embassy website including current police certificates and updated tax information.
After that, they will send you a letter with fewer informations.
WAIT for the email to schedule the interview, Only after scheduling the interview, contact the doctors in order to schedule the medical exam.
If you do not receive a letter after one month of your NOA2 approval, send an e-mail to the consulate inquiring about your interview date.
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Issues Packet 4? |
Yes |
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Packet 4 Contents (if known): |
You should bring your packet 4 of documents to the Consulate in Rio on the day of the interview.
You can find all of the forms and instructions for every type of visa in this page:
http://brazil.usembassy.gov/ins-forms.html (english)
http://portuguese.brazil.usembassy.gov/pt/package.html (portuguese)
Instructions for Immigrant visas (including CR-1 / IR-1):
http://brazil.usembassy.gov/immigrant-visas.html (English)
Full set of instructions for NVC and Consulate:
http://photos.state.gov/libraries/brazil/571285/iv/NEW%20Instr%20Aplic%20IV-Ing.pdf (English)
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Instructions for Immigrant Visa (IV):
Applicants must bring all original documents to the interview, even where those documents were already sent to USCIS with the petition. There are no exceptions.
1. Valid passport (at least eight months validity remaining);
2. Birth certificate (even for married, divorced or widowed applicants) with a simple copy. For applicants born in Korea or Taiwan, a "Family Register" followed with an official translation into English is requested with a simple copy;
3. Marriage Certificate (if applicable) with a simple copy;
4. Divorce Decree (if applicable) with a simple copy;
5. Death Certificate from previous spouses (if applicable) with a simple copy;
6. Military Certificate with a simple copy;
7. Police Certificate(s) - In Brazil you need two: from the Federal Police and the State Police (Secretaria de Segurança Pública) with a simple copy;
8. Affidavit of Support (Form I‐864 or I‐134) or Job letter (whichever is applicable) including supporting documents. (If the Affidavit has not been previously sent to NVC along with the petitioner's last federal tax forms);
9. Sealed envelope of Medical Examination Report;
10. Two frontal photographs showing both ears (5 X 5cm or 5 X 7cm);
11. The barcode page of the online DS-260 Immigrant Visa Application. You should fill out the form completely and carefully at CEAC and print out only the barcode page. Before starting filling out the DS-260, enter the Invoice ID Number provided to you by the NVC. The information is located in the NVC instructions you received. If, for any reason you don’t have your Invoice ID Number, you should contact NVC (National Visa Center) at nvcinquiry@state.gov.
If your case was not handled by the NVC (because the petition was filed at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate overseas), you will not have an NVC Invoice ID number. Enter the principal applicant’s date of birth in YYYYMMDD format instead.
12. Complete Court Records, judicial situation, including processes in Brazil and in the U.S. (if applicable) with a simple copy;
13. USCIS/DHS processes/records (e.g. deportation proceedings, voluntarily removal, change of visa category processes, petitions or hearings before immigration judges, etc.) with a simple copy;
14. Proof of scholarship (DV visas only) with a simple copy.
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Instructions for the K-1 visa:
http://brazil.usembassy.gov/interview/forms-for-fiancee-visas.html (english)
http://portuguese.brazil.usembassy.gov/pt/fiancee2.html (portuguese)
PDF document with detailed information for the K-1 visa:
http://photos.state.gov/libraries/brazil/571295/pdfs/Inst%20_amp_%20Interv%20letter%20Fiancee%20K1K2-%20Eng%20Oct13.pdf (english)
http://photos.state.gov/libraries/brazil/571295/pdfs/Instr%20_amp_%20Carta%20Entrev%20Noiva%20K1K2-%20Port%20Oct13.pdf (portuguese)
List of documents for the K-1 Fiance(e) Visa:
1. Two frontal photograph showing both ears (5 X 5cm or 5 X 7cm);
2. Valid passport (at least eight months validity remaining);
3. Visa fee previously paid at Citibank;
4. Application for Immigrant Visa‐form DS 230‐I (duly completed and signed);
5. Sworn statement (for fiancées only) - http://photos.state.gov/libraries/brazil/1287081/PDFs/Declaracao-de-solteiro-marriageble-age-statement-application.pdf (printed but not signed);
6. Birth Certificate (even if previously married);
7. Termination of previous marriages (if applicable) with a simple copy;
8. Police Certificate(s) - In Brazil you need two: from the Federal Police and the State Police (Secretaria de Segurança Pública) with a simple copy;
9. Financial Support - E.g.: Affidavit of Support (I‐134 Form) including supporting documents. (see form instructions for attachments);
10. Sealed envelope of Medical Examination Report;
11. Complete Court Records, judicial situation, including processes in Brazil and in the U.S. (if applicable) with a simple copy;
12. USCIS/DHS processes/records (e.g. deportation proceedings, voluntarily removal, change of visa category processes, petitions or hearings before immigration judges, asylum papers, etc.) with a simple copy.
Updated 12/15/15 |
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Forms to Consulate? |
NONE |
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Other Forms (if any)? |
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Direct Consular Filing Offered? |
No |
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If DCF Allowed: For all or only US citizen lawfully resident in country?
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Residents_Only |
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Can fiance(e)/spouse attend interview? |
Yes |
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Visa fee payment "same day" or "in advance"? |
Same_Day |
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Did embassy schedule interview or could you walk-in? |
Embassy Scheduled |
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Visa issued same day? |
No |
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If not what's the waiting period? |
5-10 days. The beneficiary can choose between picking it up or having it sent through mail. The service used is DHL, which is included in the fee that is payed at the Centro de Atendimento ao Solicitante de Visto (CASV) website.
Up to 7 business days. Pay SEDEX at post office near consulate.
***Note on Interview***
The Embassy does not schedule it. The Beneficiary/Petitioner schedule it through the CASV website, after paying for the U$ 265.00 fee. |
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Is the Medical exam same day as interview? |
Prior to Interview |
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Cost of Medical Exam? |
December 2015 update:
Dr. Aurelio Garrido (Rio de Janeiro)
Appointment: R$700,00
Sedex: R$58,00
AR: R$12,00
Motoboy: R$12,00
TOTAL: R$ 780,00
Chest X-Ray: R$ 170,00
Blood Test: R$ 58,00
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US$180 - this is an estimate that includes JUST the medical appointment itself.
There is an additional cost for blood tests and x-rays. These vary a great deal according to the city/state the beneficiary attends the appointment.
Check with your doctor if you can use your health insurance plan for the the exams.
Prices for Dr. Joao Jorge Leite (Sao Paulo) AUG 2013:
Appointment: USD 150 (it can be payed in Brazilian currency money with the exchanged currency for the day), R$ 30,00 for X-ray and Blood test, and R$ 30,00 for the mail (SEDEX 10) for to US Consulate at Rio.
Prices for Dr. Joaquim Durate Silva as of July 2011:
Appointment: R$220.00
X-Ray: R$20.00
Vaccines:
- MMR: R$70.00
- Varicella: R$150.00
Gynecological exam (at other office): R$60.00
Blood Test: R$27,83 - Laboratório Lâmina
Price of Dr. Celso Rodrigues Fava, Sao Paulo (April 2011): 350 reais total for entire exam. The testing takes place right across the street from the main office and then the exam/questions in his office. Exams are scheduled for the afternoon only. |
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List of doctors? |
MEDICAL EXAMINATION INSTRUCTIONS:
This list of doctors may be out-dated, for up-to-date list of doctors, visit the Rio Consulate website and go click on List of Doctors or try to copy and paste the following link in your address bar:
http://brazil.usembassy.gov/interview/forms-for-immediate-relatives-and/or-employment-based-petitions/medical-examination-instructions2.html
In order to be eligible for an immigrant visa, you and your accompanying relatives included in the process must undergo a medical examination. It is necessary to conduct blood tests, a chest x-ray, vaccinations and a physical exam (including basic gynecological and breast examination).
The applicants must present their passport to the doctor and to the lab as proof of identity. If the passport is not available, the Brazilian ID or the equivalent for non-Brazilian citizens can be used.
Applicants should present 10 (ten) 3x4cm pictures to the doctor at the moment of the clinical examination and inform the case number. Please bring your appointment letter to the medical examination, if available.
The doctor's fee is paid directly by the applicant. It cannot exceed the amount listed in our schedule of fees. Laboratory fees are also paid by the applicant.
The medical examination is generally valid for 6 (six) months. In some cases the validity is only 3 (three) months. This generally occurs when the applicant has some specific medical issue.
Note: Medical Examination Confidentiality Statement
See below the certified doctors' addresses, listed by city:
Belo Horizonte:
Dra. Juliana Barbosa Cançado
Rua dos Otoni, 927/ 602 – Bairro Sta Efigênia
Tel: (31)3292-3938/ 3224-2335
Brasília:
Dr. Carlos Eduardo Santa Ritta Barreira
SCHSW/ CSW Blocos 3/4/ 5
Centro Clinico Sudoeste Sala 107
Zip code: 70673-416
Tel: (61) 3233-7970
Rio de Janeiro
Dr. Aurélio Garrido
Av. Ataúlfo de Paiva, 135/904 - Leblon
Cep: 22440-010
Tel: (21) 2274-8641
E-mail: garrido@pobox.com
São Paulo
Dr. João Jorge Leite
R. Sergipe, 441 / 111A - Higienópolis
Cep: 01243-001
Tel: (11) 3663-0404/ (11) 3661-9522
http://joaojl.sites.uol.com.br/ |
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How many Passport Photo's Required for the medical? |
1 |
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How many Passport Photo's Required at the interview? |
2 |
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Estimated waiting time at the consulate on the day of interview? |
1-4 hours |
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Vaccination requirements? |
The doctor will instruct the beneficiary as to which vaccines to take based on their medical history and age.
HELPFUL TIP: Gather all your vaccination records in advance and take it with you to the medical interview, so it'll save you time and money, it's faster for the doctor to figure out which one you need or not.
Go to a "Posto de Saúde" near you and ask them to update your vaccination book. Most of the vaccines required are offered for free by SUS.
USUALLY, the vaccines required are the ones as follows - DO NOT rely only on this! Always ask your doctor for a complete and updated list:
DTP, or DTaP, or DT - children between 2-6 years old
Td or dTap - starting at the age of 7.
OPV ou IPV - between 2 months and 17 years of age.
MMR - between 1-64 years old.
Rotavirus - between 6 weeks and 8 months.
Hib (Haemophilus Influenza B) - between 2-59 months old.
Hepatitis A - between 12-23 months old.
Hepatitis B - between 1 day and 18 years old.
Meningitis C - between 11 months and 18 years old.
Varicella (chickenpox) - starting at 12 months. If you've already had it, there is no need to take the vacine.
Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV) - between 2-59 months old.
Pneumococica Polysaccharide (PPSV) - over 65 years old.
Influenza (flu-shot) of the current years - 6 months and over.
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Cheap and good hotels near the Consulate? |
Dec. 2015 - Hotel Vitoria around R$100/night (USD$28/night) for single room through booking.com. Located right beside the Catete Subway station (about 8 minutes Metro ride to Cinelandia, then a couple of minute walk to the Consulate). Historic building, with clean freshly renovated rooms.
Novotel Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont - within 9 minutes (700m) from both the Embassy and the SDU Airport. Around U$ 68.00/night.
They will hold your bags in a secure room for you if you want to check out before your interview.
Ibis Budget Centro (former Fórmula 1) - within 17 minutes (1,2km) from the Embassy, and 2km from the SDU Airport. Around US 65.00/night.
Hotel Ok - within 3 minutes (280m) from the Embassy, and 15 minutes (1km) from the SDU Airport. Around U$ 54.00/night.
Aeroporto Othon Hotel - within 7 minutes (550m) from the Embassy, and 11 minutes (800m) from the SDU Airport). Around U$ 60.00/night
Hotel Atlântico Business Centro - within 5 minutes (300m) from the Embassy, and 15 minutes (1,1km) from the SDU Airport.
You can also stay at any hostel throughout the city. Always visit websites like booking.com, once it tells you a lot about hotels and distances.
Updated in 09/22/15 - some posts were removed because the hotels changed names or don't accept bookings at the time (may be closed or something). Others were edited because it didn't correspond to the reality anymore concerning prices.
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Additional Info? |
The US Petitioner may join the Beneficiary for the interview. The questions are usually directed to the Beneficiary, not the Petitioner.
Laptops, cell phones and cameras are not allowed at the US General Consulate. There are some companies that specialize in keeping electronics just outside the building, but the preferable thing to do is not to take it at all.
GENERAL INFORMATION - According to information gotten from the consulate:
- Copy of the USC's birth certificate or passport is enough. There's no need to have the original;
- Even though the form used is the I-864 for CR-1 / IR-1 or I-134 for K-1, the petitioner has to be *125%* above the poverty guidelines, and not 100%;
- AOS and supporting documents discussed here: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=31660 ;
- Copies of e-filed tax returns are okay (if you have them, you don't need to get transcripts);
- The medical and the I-864/I-134 (and supporting documents) are good for 1 year;
- The police certificates are also good for year (even if the certificates bring another expiration date);
- There's no need to bring copies of I-129F, G-325As; also no need to bring NOA1, NOA2 or any RFE received - although some people take it just to be safe.;
- Federal Police website: http://www.dpf.gov.br/servicos/antecedentes-criminais
- List of all Brazilian Civil Police's websites: http://portuguese.brazil.usembassy.gov/pt/ssplist.html
For the medical exam: The Beneficiary needs to have already scheduled the interview in order to attend the medical appointment.
Useful info also to be found here (in Portuguese): http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=27856
The Beneficiary can get some of the vaccine shots required for free at "Postos de Saúde". Most of the information on where they are located can be found at the Beneficiary's "Secretaria de Saúde" website.
The interview fee is U$ 265.00, and it is payed at the CASV website directly. (*NOTE Dec. 2015 - interview is USD$325 and paid at Consulate.)
****Note about DCF on Visto Temporario V****
Consul replied: it is possible DCF on that visa. In this case, the petitioner and the beneficiary are on a visto temporario V since the non-us fiance is from Argentina. |
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