I'm happy to report a successful trip to the NYC consulate today for anyone who's looking for a last-minute visa to Brazil! Once again, today is the first day that they're processing walk-ins, so things were understandably pretty hectic. We got there at 8:50AM today, and apparently there were already over 100 people ahead of us. We still got into the building though, which is luckier than anyone who came after 9:30AM or so. While we were waiting in line, we were assured that anyone currently in the building would be seen today and issued a visa within 5 business days. I imagine that they prioritize based on date of travel, since when they saw our 2/4 flight, they gave us a date 7 business days from now, which is more than fine. They said a few times that they would only be able to process ~150 visas, but I think that might have just been scare tactics to create some space in the building. We were given #119 and waited almost 2 hours. If you have time to spare, you will definitely get a visa in NYC within 5-10 business days. You just need to get there by 8:30AM or so, and you'll be fine.
It was a breeze applying for our VISA. We went on Friday, 22 Jan 16. We arrived at 8:00 AM and there were 116 people ahead of us already. One thing to add is that the security guards comes around periodically to ask if there are any Brazilians in line. If so, they would take them to the front of the line. Can't complain...The process was orderly so long as you have the following if you hold a US passport: (1) valid passport (2) completed (signed) VISA application online (3) one passport photo glued to your application (4) flight itinerary (5) hotel reservation, and (5) filled out money order. Once our number was called, the process took less than five minutes. Don't give them anything else. You are expected to hand all the above documents once your number is called. Don't keep it in an envelope. Just hand those items as you sit down. Keep your proof as you will need this document to pick-up your passport. "The original receipt must be presented by the applicant or someone on his/her behalf to pick-up. If the original receipt is not shown, it will take at least two additional business days for the Consulate to return the passport." We will be able to pick-up our passport/visa on or about 3 Feb anytime between 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM, so it will take about eight business days to process our VISA application. I was told that we will be issued a multiple entry VISA that will be valid for 10 years.
IMPORTANT CHANGE: NEW VISA HOURS!
20/01/2016 -
NEW VISA HOURS (STARTING JAN/25TH/16)
IN ORDER TO MAKE OUR SERVICES FASTER AND MORE COMFORTABLE FOR EVERYONE, ALL VISA APPLICANTS WILL BE ASSISTED IN THE AFTERNOON (1:30-4:00 PM, STARTING JAN/25TH/16).
ALL VISA SUBMISSIONS AND PICK-UPS WILL TAKE PLACE BETWEEN 1:30-4:00 PM.
THERE WILL NO LONGER BE VISA SERVICES IN THE MORNING. THE AFTERNOONS WILL BE EXCLUSIVE FOR VISA APPLICANTS.