Entry into the U.S. of Brazilian students enrolled in North American educational institutions

The Brazilian government welcomed the decision by the government of the United States of America to grant Brazilian students enrolled in American educational institutions the status of “national interest exception”.

The decision, the result of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ efforts in Brasilia and Washington, partially addresses the request of Brazilian students who were unable to study in the U.S., including due to the suspension of routine visa services at U.S. Consulates in Brazil, in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

With this decision, Brazilian students who possess a valid F-1 or M-1 visa and who will begin their academic programs on or after August 1, 2021, may enter the United States up to 30 days prior to the beginning of classes. Brazilian students seeking to apply for a new F-1 or M-1 visa should request the consular service at the U.S. Consulate with jurisdiction over their place of residence.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs encourages students to visit the website of the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulates in Brazil (https://br.usembassy.gov/pt/) for more information and updates, to check deadlines, book appointments, and other arrangements. It is expected that the difficulties in scheduling visa interviews will be resolved in time, so that admitted students, including scholarship holders, can begin the next academic year.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will maintain a permanent dialogue with U.S. authorities in order, as far as possible and in compliance with health requirements, to seek solutions for other special cases of Brazilian nationals unable to travel to the U.S., in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.