Brazillian Investors for EB-5 visaThe EB-5 Visa for Brazil investors is an immigrant visa that permits Brazil investors and their dependents to apply for a green card (permanent residence). A green card (permanent residence) grants an indefinite stay in the United States. The EB5 Visa for Brazil investors needs an “at risk” minimum investment that generates 10 full-time jobs for U.S. citizens. The application for EB-5 Visa for Brazil investors is on “current” status.  

Brazil is 29th in the top countries with the most EB-5 Visa issuances in fiscal year 2024 (0.11% of the total) based on the January 2024 data from the U.S. Department of State. Relocation to the US is a primary driving force for Brazilian investors to apply for EB-5 Visa because of economic and political issues in their country. The EB5 Visa for Brazil investors enables them to expand their businesses and gain a U.S. education for their children.

What is EB-5 Visa for Brazil Investors?

The EB-5 Visa for Brazil investors is an immigrant visa for eligible Brazil investors to gain a green card (permanent residence) in the United States. Having a green card (permanent residence) allows Brazil investors and their qualified dependents to stay and live in the U.S. permanently. The EB5 Visa for Brazil investors requires a minimum capital investment in a U.S. business. The investment should create a minimum of 10 full-time jobs for U.S. citizens.

What are the Benefits of EB-5 Visa for Brazil Investors?

The EB-5 Visa benefits Brazil investors through the following. 

  • US permanent residence and citizenship. Wealthy Brazilian investors are looking for ways to relocate abroad because of their country’s political unrest, economic instability, and high crime rates. Permanent residence allows Brazil investors to stay in the US indefinitely with their dependents. Acquiring US citizenship gives the Brazilian investor the right to vote and to gain a US passport. 
  • US business investment. Brazil investors are familiar with the US economy. Brazil investors have strong ties in the state of Florida both in the business and tourist sectors. Brazil has exported products in the aircraft and technological industries to cities in Florida. The close trading partnership makes Miami, Florida a specific top choice for Brazil investors. A Brazillian Investor can get jobs in the US, including government jobs, or set up one or multiple businesses, or simply lead a retired life without any employment or sponsorship-related restrictions.
  • US education for children. Brazil investors are concerned about their country’s troubled education system. The Brazilian educational system experiences inefficient spending, inadequate support for teachers, and low-quality curricula. Brazil investors place US education in high regard. Brazil students make up the 10th largest international student population in the US with over 13,000 Brazilian students.
    • As a permanent resident, your unmarried children can:
      • Study in some of the best institutions in the world without facing restrictions imposed on foreign students.
      • Pay 150% to 300% lower tuition fees as compared to foreign students.
      • Enjoy more funding and scholarship options as compared to foreign students.
      • Study as a day scholar and avoid long separation from family just to obtain a quality education.
      • Explore job opportunities without worrying about issues like work permits, sponsorship, processing delays, expiry of visa, or restrictions on job mobility. 
  • Brazil Investors enjoy greater international mobility through the visa-free travel privileges available to US green cardholders.  They have complete freedom to travel and reside anywhere within the US.

What are the Risks of EB-5 Visa for Brazil Investors?

The EB-5 Visa for Brazil investors poses the following risks and challenges.

  • Investment capital. Moving capital out of their country is a challenge for Brazil investors. Moving money out of Brazil is costly and inefficient. Monthly transfers out of Brazil are only limited to R$10,000 ($1,934.98).
  • Tax regulations. Brazil investors presently have lower taxes in their country compared to the US.
  • EB5 program awareness. The EB-5 market for Brazilian investors is highly fragmented. The EB5 community continues to spread awareness both for Brazil investors within and outside of the US.
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How Long Does it Take to Process an EB 5 Visa for Brazil Investors?

The Visa Bulletin from the U.S. Department of State (DOS) shows the current status of EB-5 Visa for Brazil investors. A current status means that there is no backlog in the EB5 Visa for Brazil investors.

The Immigrant Petition by Standalone Investor (Form I-526) is the initial step in applying for an EB5 Visa for Brazil investors. The processing time for the Immigrant Petition by Standalone Investor (Form I-526) for an EB5 Visa for Brazil investors is between 29.5 to 61 months.

Below is a step-by-step process for an EB-5 Visa application for Brazillian Investors.

  1. Pick an Investment advisor & Immigration attorney.
  2. Find an EB-5 Project that meets the EB-5 program requirements.
  3. Investment of Capital & Filing of I-526 petition. (Prior to filing for an EB-5 visa at a US Embassy or Consulate outside the United States, the Form I-526 petition should first be approved by the USCIS.)
  4. Apply for Adjustment of status (I-485 application) and DS 260 form.
  5. 2-Year conditional Green card.
  6. Permanent residency & I-829 petition.

See Processing Times for Brazil

The EB-5 U.S. Immigrant Investor Visa Program is available to residents of Brazil.

What are the Requirements for an EB-5 Visa for Brazil Investors?

Brazil investors applying for EB5 Visa need to meet the following to qualify for the program.

  • Investment amount. The investment for an EB-5 Visa for Brazil investors should be “at risk” according to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 
    • The minimum investment amount for EB-5 Visa for Brazillian investors is $800,000 (R$4,131,360 Brazillian Reals) for a Targeted Employment Area (region of high unemployment rates). 
    • Investment is $1,050,000 (R$5,422,410 Brazillian Reals) for a non-Targeted Employment Area. 
  • Source of funds. The EB5 investment can come in any of the following.
    • Inheritance 
    • Business profits
    • Salaries/wages
    • Loans from a financial institution or from an individual
    • Gifts from an individual
  • Job creation. The US business investment should create a minimum of 10 full-time jobs for Americans.

These are the financial criteria required for the EB-5 Visa for Brazil investors.

  • Net worth of $1,050,000 (R$5,422,410 Brazillian Reals) for an individual or married couple; or
  • Minimum of $200,000 (R$1,032,840 Brazillian Reals) in individual income in each of the 2 previous years; or
  • Minimum of $300,000 (R$1,549,260 Brazillian Reals) in joint income in each of the 2 previous years; and
  • Comparable level of future income and assets

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) allows 10,000 EB-5 visas a year.

Central Bank of Brazil is the regulatory body that has framework and monetary policy for moving assets and money outside of Brazil.

We have a complete guide on EB-5 Visa Requirements for full information on the necessities for your EB5 application.

What is the age requirement for a Brazilian Investor to get EB-5 Visa?

There’s no age limit. The meaning of this simply is any Brazillian investor qualifies to be an EB-5 investor. However, since a minor probably does not have the assets or income to be eligible as an EB-5 investor on his own, the parents or some other guardian giving him/her the investment amount requires showing the necessary documents to prove the source of funds. Occasionally, an investor pursuing an EB-5 visa will be unable to get specific documentation. In such instances, the applicant may file a declaration giving an explanation as to why they are unable to supply the needed documentation.

The only time age matters is if the parent is applying and children are also part of the application as derivatives. They must be under the age of 21 to be included in a parent’s application.

How Much Does an EB-5 Visa Cost for Brazil Investors?

The costs of an EB-5 Visa for Brazil investors are as follows.

  • EB5 minimum investment
    • $800,000 (R$4,131,360 Brazilian Reals)  for a Targeted Employment Area 
    • $1,050,000 (R$5,422,410 Brazilian Reals) for a non-Targeted Employment Area
  • Form I-526- $3,675 (R$18,979.17 Brazilian Reals)
  • Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (Form I-485)- $1,140 (R$5,887.42 Brazilian Reals)
  • Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status (Form I-829)- $3,750 (R$19,366.50 Brazilian Reals)

Our Investor Visa USA Cost page gives you the full breakdown of fees for your EB-5 application. 

What is the Priority Date for an EB5 Visa for Brazil investors?

The Visa Bulletin from the U.S. Department of State (DOS) is “current” for EB-5 Visa for Brazil investors. There is no backlog in the EB5 Visa for Brazil investors.

What is the EB-5 Visa Statistics for Brazil Investors?

Brazil ranks 29th in the top 10 countries with the most EB5 Visa issuances in fiscal year (FY) 2024 according to the U.S. Department of State (DOS). Brazilian investors received 2 EB 5 Visas (0.11% of the total) through consular processing in FY 2024.

What is the Best Project to Invest in with an EB-5 Visa for Brazil Investors?

The top EB-5 projects for Brazil investors include hotel construction and real estate. An EB5 hotel construction project enables Brazil investors to meet the minimum 10 full-time jobs for Americans. An EB-5 project in real estate has an easily understandable exit strategy for novice Brazil investors. EB-5 Projects are the US businesses created for the EB-5 Visa application of Brazil investors. 

What Does the Future Hold for EB-5 Investors from Brazil?

Brazil continues to be a viable market for EB-5 investments. Brazil ranks 7th in the top 10 countries for EB-5 Visa with a total of 76 visas issued in fiscal year 2023. The lack of economic perspective and judicial security drives Brazilian investors to choose EB5 Visa.

What Other Countries can Invest in the EB-5 Visa Program?

About 80% of EB5 investors come from Brazil, Taiwan, China, South Korea, and the United Kingdom according to Investment Migration Insider. Below are the top countries that apply for the EB-5 Visa.

Is USA a Good Foreign Market to Invest in for Brazil Citizens?

Yes, Brazil investors continue to expand their presence in the US market by buying US companies or creating their own. The bilateral trade between the U.S. and Brazil peaked at $70.5 billion in 2021 according to the U.S. DOS. A 40% increase was seen in the first quarter of 2022 with $19 billion reached at the end of March.

Is EB-5 Visa Popular to Brazil Investors?

Yes, the political, economic, and educational situation in Brazil makes the EB5 Visa popular with Brazil investors. The EB-5 Visa for Brazil investors allows them to apply for a green card along with their dependents. 

Can EB-5 Visa Attorney Speed Up the Process of EB-5 Visa?

Yes, an EB-5 Visa attorney (lawyer) can help speed up the processing of EB5 Visa for Brazil investors. The EB5 Visa attorney (lawyer) assists the Brazil investor throughout the EB-5 process. Delays due to incomplete documents and errors in the application can be avoided by working with an EB5 Visa Lawyer.

Is Obtaining an EB-5 Easy for Brazil Investors?

There is no backlog in the priority dates for EB5 Visa for Brazil investors. The current status of the EB-5 Visa for Brazil investors makes the process more manageable for them and their families.

Can a Brazil National Apply for EB 5 while on H1B?

Yes, a Brazil citizen with a valid H-1B Visa can apply for an EB-5 Visa. The H1B Visa is for foreign workers hired by US employers for specialty occupations such as engineering and information technology (IT). A Brazil citizen on H-1B status can submit multiple petitions including the EB5 Visa without canceling their H1B Visa. 

Can a Brazilian Investor Borrow Money for EB-5 Visa?

Yes, Brazil investors can use loans as their source of funds for EB5 application. The borrowed money should be secured by assets and the collateral cannot be the same EB5 business. Check our guide on EB5 Source of Funds Requirements for everything you need to know on fund requirements for EB-5 Visa.

Latest EB-5 Visa News for Brazil Investors

As per United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Visa Bulletin from June 2023, there is no backlog and no extra wait-time in the timeline for EB-5 applications from Brazil.

Earlier this year the Wall Street Journal published an article observing that the post-Brazil election results were motivating wealthy Brazilians to permanent leave Brazil and move to the US.

Source: http://www.wsj.com/articles/rich-brazilians-wary-of-government-look-abroad-1423182280

Political scandals that have shaken Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and unsettled the country’s economy and Brazil’s high crime rates are spurring demand in Brazil for EB-5 applicants who are seeking to migrate to the United States for educational, business and career opportunities for themselves, their families and their children. Read what is EB 5 visa?

EB 5 Visa Consultant for Brazil

EB5 BRICS can help you navigate EB-5 U.S. Immigrant Investor Green Card Program through our presence in Brazil in conjunction with our U.S. Legal Partner. Our team speaks Portuguese and English.

Schedule an Appointment with Vivek Tandon Esq., US Lawyer and Investment banker to go through your specific situation.

See more facts and information about other countries in South America.

EB5 BRICS
Av. das Nações Unidas, 12551, 9th and 17th floor
Sao Paulo, 04578-000, Brazil

Phone:+55 (11) 3443-7767
E-mail: info@eb5brics.com

Brazil Investors for EB-5 Visa Program FAQ

How many EB 5 visas does the US government issue for Brazil each year?

Currently, there is an annual limit of 10,000 such visas with a per country limit of about 700 visas; thus, there is a limit of 700 EB5 visas per year issued to Brazilians. These types of visas are increasingly becoming popular with wealthy foreign citizens who want to move to the US.

Can an international student from Brazil with an F-1 visa apply for EB5 visa?

An EB-5 is certainly available for F-1 visa students from Brazil who are in the US. In fact, EB 5 is the preferred path for students and professionals in the US to gain permanent residency allowing them to work and live anywhere in the US without requiring any employer sponsorship.

Can someone from Brazil still apply for EB 5 in 2023?

Yes, Brazilians can apply for an eb 5 visa this year. EB 5 continues to be available despite attempts to limit immigration into the US. EB 5 has been specifically excluded from any immigration bans and changes.

Can a Brazilian apply for EB 5 while on H1b?

Yes, H1-B visa is a dual intent visa which means Brazilians can apply for permanent immigration to the US through EB-5 while they are in the USA on a non immigrant visa such as H-1B.