Filing an immigrant visa petition for your relative in Brazil is the first step in the immigration process.  If you are resident in the United States or if you are filing a fiancé petition, you must submit your petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in the U.S.  Please visit the USCIS website for more information (Click on “Services & Benefits” on the main tool bar). 

The following document explains all of the immigrant visa categories for which petitions may be filed: General Immigrant Visa Categories.

If you are a U.S. citizen who has been a resident in Brazil for at least the last six months (continuously), you may make an appointment to file your petition in person at the U.S. Embassy in Brasilia or at one of the U.S. Consulates in Brazil.  In cases of medical emergencies, an American who does not reside in Brazil may file a petition at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  Proof of the emergency involved will be required when you file. 

Where to file the I-130 petition

The following are the only locations in Brazil in where you can file the I-130:

• U.S. Embassy Brasilia
  
• U.S. Consulate Rio de Janeiro
  
• U.S. Consulate São Paulo
  
• U.S. Consulate Recife
  

1. “Petitioner” refers to the U.S. citizen filing the petition.  “Beneficiary” refers to the Brazilian relative for whom the petition is filed.
   
2. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, in-laws and cousins cannot sponsor a relative for immigration.

• PETITION FOR SPOUSE
  
  
• PETITION FOR CHILDREN
  
  
• PETITION FOR A PARENT
  
  
• PETITION FOR SIBLINGS
  
  
• PETITION FOR RETURNING RESIDENTS  (under construction)
  
  
• PETITION FOR WIDOWS  (under construction)
  
  
• PETITION BATTERED SPOUSES  (under construction)

What happens after the petition approval - Click here  (under construction)

Additional notes about filing your petition:

• Non-Brazilian citizens:  If the beneficiary is not a Brazilian citizen, he/she will have to provide proof of residency in Brazil (a tourist visa is not acceptable).
  
  
• Translations: All documents neither in English nor in Portuguese must be accompanied by certified English translations done by a certified translator.
  
  The translation must include a statement signed by the translator that states that: the translation is accurate, provided by a competent translator, and has the translator's signature notarized.
  
  
• The I-130 petition will be valid for two years.
   
• We are unable to process petitions for beneficiaries in the following situations:
  Who are not currently citizens of Brazil;
  Who are not  currently residents of Brazil;
  Who are not former residents of  Brazil. 
  
• We are unable to transfer petitions to USCIS or any U.S. Embassy or Consulate without a formal request from that office.