With the reopening of the borders of the United States and the announcement by the American Embassy in Brazil of the return of visa issuing schedules for the USA, many Brazilians have started to put or think about putting into practice their dream of visiting or living in North American soil.

According to the Correio Braziliense, the United States Embassy in Brazil, released, from 8 November, the entry of Brazilians in the country and estimates open new vacancies for issuing visas still in 2021, due to high demand.

As it is not known how long it will take for the situation to normalise, it is advisable to start the process immediately if you intend to visit or live in the country. 

The process to issue your American visa may seem complicated and, during the steps, several doubts arise, as well as the propagation of some myths about the process.

In this article, you will learn some myths and truths about how to apply for your US visa. We will give you an overview of what it is, how it works and some common myths that may interfere with the issuing of your US visa.

Good reading. 

American visa: what is it?

People who intend to enter the United States of America need to obtain a U.S. Visa, which is marked in the foreigner's passport, either a non-immigrant visa, for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa, for permanent residence. 

Visa applicants generally need to apply in their home country at the US Embassy or Consulate.

Thus, the type of visa you need is defined by the immigration law and is related to the purpose of your trip. For example, if you intend to live and work in the country, the visa may be temporary or not and, according to your profession, career and professional experience, the type of visa will be specified.

Read more at: https://tsimmigration.com/green-card-eua/

A visa allows a foreign national to travel to a US port of entry and request permission from the immigration inspector to enter the country. Thus, the issuance of a visa does not guarantee entry into the US. 

The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry determines whether you can be admitted and decides how long you can stay on each visit. 

How to get an American visa: myths and truths.

Once we understand what an American visa is, it is time to clear up some doubts that arise on the way and clarify some myths that are often propagated on the internet and are in the common sense of many people.

We have brought the most common ones here:

Does putting on the form that you have relatives and friends in the United States increase the chance that they will deny your visa?

Myth: It is OK to say that you have relatives and friends living, working or studying legally in the United States. However, there could be a problem if you do not report this information and the US authorities find out later. 

Can't the visa application of an adult person be made on the basis of his/her parents?

Truth. From the age of 18 on, the applicant him/herself must prove that he/she has the necessary requirements to have the visa approved, irrespective of the financial or professional situation of his/her parents, family members or legal representatives. 

It is worth remembering that, as people between 18 and 21 years of age generally do not have financial stability in Brazil yet, they are more likely to have their visa denied. The solution, in this case, is to try to demonstrate to the consular agent that there are elements that make the person return to Brazil - and the ties cannot only be the parents, it is important to show that the person has his/her own life here.

Most visas are denied?

Myth. The vast majority of American visas in Brazil are approved. According to Flávio Braga, Director of TS Immigration, the United States' doors are open to legal migrants, for example. "There is, today, a myth that immigrants are not welcome in the country, which is not true. In the US, there are specific policies for the legalization of professionals and students who want to live permanently in the country".

If the applicant has travelled to Europe, do the chances of visa approval increase?

True. It is important to remember that this does not guarantee visa approval per se, but prior travel to Europe and other developed countries on any continents helps to demonstrate to US consular officials that the applicant has not taken advantage of this travel to remain on foreign soil.

Does the consul refuse the visa without looking or asking for documents?

It depends. Although a hasty assessment from a consular officer may cause him/her to deny a visa without much basis, in the vast majority of cases, it is true that it is not necessary to ask for additional documents from the applicant.

This is because the information on the DS-160 form and in the US government's online system may already be enough to determine whether a visa is approved or denied. 

If a US Green Card holder does not live in the United States is it possible to have the resident status revoked?

Truth. U.S. green card holders must actually live in the United States to maintain their permanent resident status. If a person stays outside the United States for more than 12 months, their green card is automatically revoked. 

Furthermore, US Customs officials may cancel the document if they feel that the Green Card holder is spending more time outside than inside the country. 

Can only relatives and spouses of US citizens qualify for a green card?

Myth: Although most Green Cards are issued to parents, children or spouses of American citizens, there are several immigration visa programs that grant a Green Card to foreign professionals based on their careers, academic background or investment in the United States. These are the so-called EB vis as - Employment Based -, which have become increasingly requested by qualified people in Brazil.

Can't Brazilians participate in the US Visa Lottery?

Truth. Currently, Brazil is not part of the list of countries eligible to apply for a Diversity Visit - Visa Lottery.

In order to bring as much cultural diversity as possible into the country, the program holds an annual lottery that awards green cards to citizens of nations that do not have as many immigrants in the United States. 

Since Brazil is responsible for many new immigrants, it has not participated in the draw for many years.

It is important toemphasize: It is always important to provide true information, without omitting or lying about information. Declaring in the application form, for example, that you have a higher salary, saying that you are attending college when, in fact, the enrolment is locked, not informing that you have already had a visa denial in the past, etc... This information may be easily discovered in case the consular officer verifies with the responsible institutions.

Moreover, if the consulate interviewer has the feeling that the applicant is lying or covering up information, the person may not only be denied a visa, but also receive a punishment that will prevent him/her from entering US soil for the next ten years.

How can TS Immigration help you apply for your US visa?

With safety and experience, we conduct your immigration and residence visa process. You will have access to important guidance on the criteria required by the US Immigration Service to grant your US visa, either to visit or immigrate to the country. 

With knowledge of American legislation, all the steps involved from filling out the form and the adaptations of what you need to issue your visa, our professionals work according to American legislation. 

Avoiding financial and legal charges for non-conformities.

With us, you will have all the guidance for the best progress of your process and issuance of your American visa. Come and find out how it is possible.

In addition to providing visa and legal services, we have qualified tax lawyers (qualified in the United States).

Conclusion

To issue the American visa, whether to visit, to work temporarily or to live and work in the USA, it is necessary to know some of the Immigration Service's criteria. 

However, some myths are spread and are in the common sense of many people and can hinder the process of granting your visa, therefore, it is important to have an advisor who will guide you carefully to avoid any errors that may cost the application for your American Visa.

With TS Immigration, you will be backed by someone with solid experience and knowledge on the subject to make your dream of visiting or living in North American soil come true.

Count on us.