Brazilian Professionals in America: EB-2, E-2 & Green Card Guide
The Brazilian Advantage
Brazilian nationals have strong immigration options in the United States. As a "Rest of World" chargeability country, Brazilians face zero employment-based green card backlog — EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 are all current as of April 2026. Combined with E-2 treaty eligibility and a large, established Brazilian community in the U.S., the pathways are numerous and relatively fast compared to applicants from India or China.
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa
Brazil has maintained a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States, making Brazilian citizens eligible for the E-2 Treaty Investor visa. Brazilian entrepreneurs use the E-2 to establish U.S. businesses — from restaurants and construction companies to tech startups and professional services firms. The investment threshold is flexible (practically $100,000+), and the visa is renewable indefinitely. E-2 spouses receive work authorization.
The Brazilian community in Florida (particularly South Florida), Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Connecticut is large and economically active. Many Brazilian business owners start with E-2 and later transition to employer-sponsored green cards or EB-2 NIW.
Employment-Based Green Card: Zero Backlog
The biggest advantage for Brazilian professionals is the zero green card backlog. While Indian nationals wait 10-12 years for an EB-2 green card, Brazilians can complete the entire process in approximately 2-3 years (PERM + I-140 + I-485). With premium processing and concurrent filing, the timeline can be as short as 12-18 months from I-140 filing to green card.
Self-petition options are particularly attractive for Brazilians. EB-2 NIW allows you to petition without an employer sponsor — ideal for entrepreneurs, researchers, and professionals who want independence from employer-tied immigration. With current dates, NIW approval + I-485 = green card in approximately 12-18 months. Check current dates with our Green Card Calculator.
L-1 Visa for Multinational Companies
Brazil has many companies with U.S. operations — Embraer, Vale, Petrobras, Gerdau, WEG, and hundreds of mid-size firms. Brazilian managers and executives can use the L-1A visa to transfer to U.S. offices, then pursue EB-1C green cards without PERM. Total L-1A to green card timeline: approximately 1-2 years. L-1B specialized knowledge employees can also transfer, though the green card path is through EB-2/EB-3 with PERM.
H-1B for Brazilian Professionals
Brazilian engineers, IT professionals, accountants, and other specialists commonly use the H-1B visa. While subject to the annual lottery, the H-1B lottery odds are the same for all nationalities. Brazilians selected in the lottery benefit from the fast green card timeline once PERM and I-140 are filed — no multi-year wait like Indian and Chinese colleagues.
Key Considerations for Brazilians
Tax implications: Brazil taxes worldwide income of its citizens. When you become a U.S. tax resident (which happens with a green card), you may face double taxation on certain income. The U.S.-Brazil tax treaty provides some relief, but consult a cross-border tax professional. Dual citizenship: Brazil permits dual citizenship — you can become a U.S. citizen through naturalization without losing Brazilian citizenship. Consular processing: The U.S. consulate in São Paulo is one of the busiest in the world. Schedule visa appointments well in advance. Brasília and Recife consulates may have shorter wait times.