To better facilitate travel for students renewing visas at four year U.S. universities and colleges, the Consulate is offering the Student Program Plus (SPP). Under this program, qualifying students will not need to make an appointment or be interviewed* to renew their student visas.
SPP applicants need to apply at least one week before travel when using this program. There will be NO emergency issuances before the necessary five working-day processing period.
Who qualifies?
Students currently enrolled in four year or graduate programs who are renewing visas to complete their studies at the same educational institution are eligible for the SPP. As such, applicants should have already had a student visa (F-1) to the same school. The visa should either be valid or should have expired within the last 12 months. Applicants should be normally resident in Sao Paulo’s consular district.
Students whose visa expired more than 12 months ago and who are renewing their visa to study at the same educational institution can also use the SPP, but will be interviewed.
The program is also open to renewals of J Visas for applicants enrolled in Post-Graduate degrees or Academics Programs of greater than one year duration.
This includes application for renewal of J-2 visas for dependent spouses and children.
*The Consulate reserves the right to call in applicants for interview if deemed necessary
How do I apply?
All students renewing their visa through SPP will need to:
- Pay the visa application fee at Citibank before application submission
- Fill out completely, and submit Electronic Forms DS-160 to Consulate *
- Bring their passport containing their current, or recently expired, student visa to the Consulate with completed Electronic Forms*, valid I-20 for their university
- Passports should have at least 6 months validity before travel
- Have fingerprints scanned at the time of application submission
- Pay visa issuance fee(s) at consulate cashier
* Incomplete and non-Electronic forms will not be accepted. Applicants without passports with qualifying visa and valid I-20s will not be allowed into Consulate.
Applications will be accepted Monday to Friday, between 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I send in my application?
No. All applicants must appear at the Consulate to be fingerprinted, therefore, we are not accepting applications by mail.
- What if I lost my passport with the qualifying visa?
You will need to schedule an appointment to be interviewed. You will also need to fill out a Lost/Stolen Report while at the Consulate. For more information on how to schedule an appointment, visit http://www.visto-eua.com.br/.
- I live outside the Sao Paulo Consulate district but will be in Sao Paulo for a visit. Can I also use SPP?
No. Only residents in the Sao Paulo district, which includes the states of São Paulo, Paraná, Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul, and Mato Grosso do Sul can use SPP.
- I am switching schools, but will be working toward the same degree. Am I eligible for the SPP?
No. Only students enrolling in the same institution who are working toward the same degree are eligible.
