Here are a few excerpts from the NY consulate's web page:

In reciprocity for a similar fee charged of Brazilian citizens by the U.S. consulates in Brazil, the Consulate General of Brazil in New York announces that, effective on June 4th, 2010, the consular fee for tourist visas (VITUR), business visas (VITEM II), student visas (VITEM IV), VITEM VI visas and permanent visas will be USD 140.00 for citizens of the United States.

All visa applications must be filled out online. Fill it out, print the receipt, sign it and glue a 2x2 inch picture (frontal, with white background) in the appropriate box.

The visa fee must be paid with U.S. Post Office Money Order only, to the order of the Brazilian Consulate (bring the money order to the Consulate with your other documents). Cash, cards and non-USPS money orders are not accepted.

Visas are not issued on the same day the application is received.

Plan your visa application in advance, as it may take the Consulate up to a week (or more) to issue your visa.

No visa will be processed by any kind of mail including USPS, Federal Express, DHL, etc. The Consulate cannot be held responsible for mailed visa applications and will not mail applications or visas back.

Visa applications are received at the Consulate every business day from 10 a.m. to noon, on a first-come, first-served basis. The Consulate reserves the right to limit the number of visa applications received daily. The consular agent will tell you when your passport will be returned.

A visa shall be denied to any foreign citizen who, when submitting his/her application, behaves in an aggressive, insulting or disrespectful way.

On the whole, the procedures sound onerous for anyone who does not live in one of the cities - or maybe they are designed to support the visa agencies.

http://novayork.itamaraty.gov.br/en-...conditions.xml