With the 2026 World Cup approaching, the demand for North American visas has increased again among Brazilians, driven by the increase in international travel and the interest in following the event closely. The United States received 1.9 million Brazilians in 2024, keeping Brazil as one of the main markets sending tourists to the country, according to the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO).

Furthermore, the North American government itself announced measures to prioritize scheduling interviews for fans, given the expected increase in requests. In this scenario, the approval process remains surrounded by doubts and myths, which can compromise the chances of those who do not understand what is really evaluated.

In practice, the criteria adopted by consular authorities It’s more objective than it seems. The analysis revolves around travel intention and, mainly, the applicant’s ability to prove that they will return to Brazil after their stay.

For lawyer Dr. Ingrid Domingues-McConville, with more than 30 years of experience in the United States and experience in business and family immigration, consular analysis is more objective than many imagine. “The decision is not based on a single factor, but on the person’s entire life. The consular agent wants to understand whether that candidate has real ties with the country of origin”, he explains.

Below, the expert clarifies the main myths and truths about the process for obtaining a visa. Look!

1. There is an ideal profile to obtain a visa

Mito. Many people believe there is a perfect type of candidate, but this does not correspond to reality. “There is no perfect candidate model. The consulate is not looking for a specific type of person, but rather to understand whether they have concrete reasons to return to Brazil after the trip”, he states.

2. Having money in the account guarantees approval

Mito. It’s common to think that just having a good bank balance solves everything, but the process goes beyond that. “THE financial condition It helps to demonstrate that the person can afford the trip, but does not prove that they will return. Stability is more relevant than bank balance”, explains the expert.

3. Being employed makes a difference in the analysis

True. Having a solid professional relationship is, indeed, an important point in the assessment. “A stable job, seniority or own business show that the applicant has solid ties with Brazil. This weighs heavily on the decision”, he highlights.

4. Having family members in the United States can get in the wayr

True. This situation may raise doubts during the interview. “It can raise questions about the real intention of the trip. It does not prevent approval, but requires clear and coherent answers during the interview”, points out Dr. Ingrid Domingues-McConville.

5. Having already had a visa denied prevents further approvals

Mito. A previous denial is not the end of the road. “The denial is recorded, but does not prevent new approval. The important thing is that the status of the applicant has changed significantly since the previous request”, he explains.

6. Speaking English is essential to obtain a visa

Mito. Although important, it is not a decisive factor in all cases. “For tourist visas, the interview can be done in Portuguese and the language is not decisive. For work visas, English may be more relevant”, he explains.

7. Having a history of international travel increases your chances

True. This factor can contribute positively to the analysis. “It helps because it demonstrates a pattern of travel returning to the country of origin. But it is not mandatory, the main thing remains the links with Brazil”, says the expert.

8. Taking documents is essential for approval

Mito. Many people believe that a folder full of documents guarantees the visa, but it’s not quite like that. “In most cases, the documents are not even analyzed. The decision is usually made based on the interview, and they are only requested if there are any doubts”, he says.

9. Rehearsed answers help in the interview

Mito. This practice can actually get in the way. “Memorized, vague or incoherent answers can be harmful. The ideal is to be clear, objective and consistent when explaining your routine and the reason for the trip”, advises the lawyer.

10. What really matters is the story as a whole

True. In the end, what matters most is the overall coherence of the information. “The agent evaluates professional stability, compatible income, history and, above all, the coherence of the information. Furthermore, a clean migration history, without fraud or irregular stay, is essential”, he reinforces.

The expert highlights that, although the process is quick, the analysis is careful and based on the applicant’s perception of credibility. “In the end, the decision answers a central question: does this person seem like someone who will travel and come back?”, summarizes Dr. Ingrid Domingues-McConville.

More than fulfilling a list of requirements, visa approval depends on consistency, transparency and the ability to demonstrate real ties with the country of origin.

By Ana Karoline Moreira