I’m currently in the United States for work, and like many people in long-distance relationships, I want my Brazilian significant other to come visit me. However, navigating the U.S. visitor visa process can be challenging, especially when it involves a romantic partner. The U.S. government is highly skeptical of approving visas for people they suspect may overstay their visit or try to immigrate permanently.
If you’re in a similar situation—whether you’re in the U.S. for work and want your Brazilian girlfriend to visit, or you live in Brazil and want to bring your Brazilian girlfriend with you to visit family in the U.S.—this guide will help you understand what to do and what NOT to do to maximize the chances of visa approval.
Understanding the U.S. Visitor Visa (B1/B2 Visa)
For a temporary visit, your girlfriend will need a B1/B2 visa, which is used for tourism, visiting family, or business travel. This visa does not allow for permanent stays, work, or extended residency.
The Visa Application Process Includes:
1. Completing Form DS-160 – The online non-immigrant visa application.
2. Paying the Visa Fee – Currently $185 USD for a B1/B2 visa.
3. Scheduling an Interview – She must attend an interview at the U.S. Consulate in Brazil.
4. Proving Strong Ties to Brazil – She must show she has reasons to return to Brazil after her trip.
5. Attending the Interview – A consular officer will decide if she qualifies for the visa.
While this process seems straightforward, many people are denied, especially young, single Brazilian women with American boyfriends. Here’s what NOT to do when applying for the visa.
What NOT to Do When Applying for a U.S. Tourist Visa
1. DO NOT Say She Is Visiting a Boyfriend in the U.S.
This is the biggest mistake people make. If your girlfriend mentions you in her interview, the officer will assume she intends to overstay or move to the U.S. permanently.
The U.S. government views romantic relationships as a major red flag because many people have abused visitor visas to stay in the country illegally. Even if her intentions are completely honest, the consular officer may assume she plans to get married and never return.
What to do instead:
• She should say she is visiting for tourism, which is true.
• She should focus on places she wants to visit in the U.S., such as New York, Miami, or Los Angeles.
• If applicable, she can say she is visiting family members or close friends (but not a romantic partner).
If you are both in Brazil and plan to travel together to visit family in the U.S., she should still avoid emphasizing the relationship too much and focus on the trip’s purpose, such as meeting extended family, attending a special event, or sightseeing.
2. DO NOT Apply Without Proof of Strong Ties to Brazil
The visa process requires proving that she will return to Brazil after her trip. If she is unemployed, single, and has no property or obligations in Brazil, her chances of getting denied are very high.
Examples of Strong Ties to Brazil:
✔ A stable job with proof of employment
✔ Property ownership or a long-term rental lease
✔ University enrollment
✔ Family responsibilities (children, parents, etc.)
✔ Bank accounts or investments
If she cannot prove these connections, her visa application is likely to be rejected.
3. DO NOT Say That You Will Pay for Everything
If she tells the consular officer that you are financing her entire trip, this could raise suspicion. The officer may wonder why an American is paying for everything and assume she doesn’t have enough financial resources, making her a higher risk for overstaying.
What to do instead:
• She should show some financial independence by demonstrating personal savings or employment income.
• If you are paying for part of the trip, she should still show that she can afford some expenses on her own.
4. DO NOT Give a Weak or Vague Travel Plan
If she cannot clearly explain where she is going, how long she will stay, and what she will do, her visa request is more likely to be denied.
What to do instead:
• Have a detailed travel itinerary that includes:
✔ Cities she plans to visit
✔ Hotel or Airbnb reservations
✔ Specific tourist attractions she wants to see
✔ Round-trip flight booking
The more realistic and specific her plans are, the better.
5. DO NOT Overstay the Visa or Violate Any Rules
Even if her visa is approved, overstaying or breaking any visa conditions can result in serious consequences, including being banned from the U.S. in the future.
What to do instead:
• Stick to the approved travel period (usually up to 6 months).
• Leave before the visa expires to maintain a good immigration record.
• Follow all U.S. immigration laws.
What to Do If She Gets Denied
If her visa is denied, she can apply again, but she must fix the issues that led to the denial before reapplying.
Common Reasons for Denial:
• Lack of strong ties to Brazil
• Vague or suspicious interview answers
• Unconvincing travel plans
• Financial concerns
Applying again too soon without addressing the problems will most likely lead to another denial.
Final Thoughts: Be Smart, Be Honest, and Plan Wisely
If you are in the U.S. for work and want your Brazilian girlfriend to visit or you both live in Brazil and want to travel to the U.S. together, following these guidelines will increase her chances of getting approved.
Summary of What to Do:
✅ Say she is coming for tourism, not to visit a boyfriend
✅ Show proof of strong ties to Brazil
✅ Provide a detailed travel itinerary
✅ Demonstrate financial independence
✅ Follow visa rules and do not overstay
What NOT to Do:
❌ Do not mention a significant other in the U.S.
❌ Do not apply without proof of ties to Brazil
❌ Do not say you will pay for everything
❌ Do not provide vague or weak answers
❌ Do not break visa rules
By following these steps, you can help her get approved and ensure a smooth and stress-free visit to the United States.
Plan wisely, and good luck!
