US Embassy Brazil - Green Card Process (2026 Guide)

Bringing your spouse from Brazil to the United States is an exciting journey, but it often starts with a mountain of paperwork. Between the Portuguese translations, the specific requirements of the US Embassy Brazil, and the waiting game, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

You likely have questions: Which consulate handles Green Cards? How long will we be apart? What documents does the Policia Federal need to provide?

You are not alone. Thousands of couples navigate this path every year. This US Embassy Brazil guide covers everything you need to know about the 2026 Consular Processing timeline, costs, and interview requirements. We will break down the complex bureaucracy into simple steps so you can focus on what matters most: starting your life together in the U.S.

What is Consular Processing?

If your spouse is currently living in Brazil, you will likely go through a process called “Consular Processing.” This is different from “Adjustment of Status,” which is for couples already living inside the United States.

In Consular Processing, the U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse files the initial petition in the U.S., but the final steps—including the big interview—happen at a U.S. government location in Brazil.

Important: Rio vs. The Rest of Brazil

This is the most common point of confusion. The United States has an Embassy in Brasília and Consulates in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Recife, and Porto Alegre.

However, for Green Cards (Immigrant Visas), the U.S. Consulate General in Rio de Janeiro handles nearly all cases.

Even if you live in São Paulo or the Amazon, you should expect to travel to Rio de Janeiro for your final interview. The US Embassy Brazil in Brasília generally focuses on diplomatic missions and some non-immigrant visas, not marriage-based Green Cards.

Step-by-Step Guide to the US Embassy Brazil Process (2026)

Navigating the US Embassy Brazil 2026 requirements requires organization. Here is the roadmap.

Step 1: Filing Form I-130

The process begins in the United States. The U.S. sponsor (citizen or green card holder) files Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with USCIS. This form tells the government, “I am a U.S. person, and this is my valid marriage.”

You will need to prove your relationship is real (bona fide). This includes:

• Marriage certificate (Certidão de Casamento)
• Photos together
• Proof of shared finances or trips

Bona Fide Marriage Evidence - What USCIS Wants to See

Step 2: NVC Processing

Once USCIS approves your I-130 (which can take 10-14 months), they send your case to the National Visa Center (NVC).

At this stage, you will:

1. Pay the immigrant visa fees.
2. Complete the DS-260 online application (a long, detailed form about the Brazilian spouse’s history).
3. Upload civil documents (Birth certificates, police records, etc.).

Step 3: Getting Your Civil Documents in Brazil

The US Embassy Brazil is strict about documents. You must provide:

• Birth Certificate: The long-form version (Inteiro Teor is often preferred).
• Police Certificates: Brazil has a complex system. You typically need:
  • State Police certificate (Secretaria de Segurança Pública) from every state you’ve lived in for the last 5 years.
  • Federal Police certificate (Polícia Federal).
• Military Records: If the Brazilian spouse served in the military.
• Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended date of entry.

Note: Any document in Portuguese must be translated into English. The translation must be certified (meaning the translator signs a statement saying they are competent to translate).

Step 4: The Medical Exam

Before your interview in Rio, the Brazilian beneficiary must undergo a medical exam. You cannot go to your family doctor.

You must choose a physician authorized by the US Embassy Brazil. These doctors are located primarily in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Brasília, and Belo Horizonte.

What to expect at the exam:

• Review of vaccination history (Yellow Fever, COVID-19, MMR, etc.).
• Chest X-ray (to check for Tuberculosis).
• Blood test (for Syphilis and Gonorrhea).
• Physical examination.

Cost: You will pay the doctor directly. In 2026, prices average between R$1,800 and R$2,500 depending on the doctor and required vaccines.

The US Embassy Brazil Interview Experience

Once the NVC approves your documents, they will schedule your interview at the Consulate General in Rio de Janeiro.

Before the Interview: The CASV

Before the interview day, you usually need to visit the Applicant Service Center (CASV) in Rio. Here, they will take your biometric data (fingerprints and photo). This is separate from the interview itself.

The Interview Day

On the big day, arrive at the Consulate in Rio about 15-30 minutes early. Do not bring electronics, smartwatches, or large bags—security is very strict.

Who attends: usually only the Brazilian spouse (beneficiary) is required to attend, though the U.S. petitioner is allowed to accompany them if they wish (check current 2026 pandemic/security policies on the Consulate website before flying down).

The Questions: The consular officer will review your file and ask questions to confirm the marriage is real.

• How did you meet?
• When did you get married?
• What does your spouse do for a living?
• Have you ever visited the U.S. before?

Be honest, calm, and brief. If you don’t understand a question, ask the officer to repeat it.

The Ultimate Guide to Marriage Green Card Interview Questions (2026 Edition)

Costs and Fees (2026 Update)

Budgeting is a huge part of the process. Here is what you can expect to pay for a marriage-based Green Card via the US Embassy Brazil in 2026.

• Form I-130 Filing Fee: $675 (paper filing) / $625 (online filing)
• NVC Support Fee: ~$120
• DS-260 Visa Fee: ~$325
• USCIS Immigrant Fee: $235 (Paid after visa approval, before moving to the US)
• Medical Exam: ~$350 - $500 USD (paid in Reais)
• Translations/Police Certs: Variable (~$100-$300)
• Travel Costs: Flights/Hotels for the trip to Rio de Janeiro.

Note: Government fees are subject to change. Always check the official USCIS and State Department sites for the exact current amounts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid at the US Embassy Brazil

We see couples make small mistakes that cause delays of 3 to 6 months. Watch out for these:

1. Missing Police Certificates: Brazil has both State and Federal police. You need both. If you lived in São Paulo and Bahia, you need state certificates from both states plus the Federal one.
2. Bad Translations: Google Translate is not enough. You need a certified translation format.
3. Financial Support Errors: The U.S. spouse must sign Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support). If the U.S. spouse doesn’t earn enough income, you need a joint sponsor. This is the #1 reason for delays at the NVC stage.
4. Passport Expiry: Ensure the Brazilian passport is valid for at least 6 months after the date you plan to enter the U.S.

Processing Times: How Long in 2026?

As of early 2026, the backlog from previous years has cleared significantly, but demand remains high.

• I-130 Processing (USCIS): 10–14 months.
• NVC Processing: 2–3 months.
• Wait for Interview in Rio: 2–4 months.

Total Estimated Time: 14 to 21 months.

Scenario: Maria (Brazilian) and John (American) filed in January 2025. They were approved by USCIS in December 2025. They completed NVC steps by February 2026. Their interview in Rio was scheduled for May 2026.

Conclusion

Navigating the US Embassy Brazil requirements can feel like learning a new language. But remember: this paperwork is temporary, but your marriage is permanent. By following the 2026 guidelines, organizing your translations, and preparing for the Rio interview, you are taking the final steps toward building your life together in America.

For more official details, you can always visit the US Department of State’s page for the US Consulate in Rio de Janeiro.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the immigration process and is not legal advice. Greenbroad is not a law firm and is not a substitute for the advice of an attorney. If you have a complex case (criminal history, previous deportations, etc.), please consult with a qualified immigration attorney.