Brazil is one of Latin America's strongest sources of EB-5 investor visa applicants. Brazilian high-net-worth families — particularly those based in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, and other major cities — have long recognized the United States as the premier destination for education, business, and long-term residency. This guide covers everything Brazilian nationals need to know about the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program in 2026.
Our firm has successfully obtained I-829 approval for a Brazilian national — securing unconditional U.S. permanent residency. The case was filed during a period of unprecedented USCIS backlogs and approved by the California Service Center in March 2025. The client — a derivative beneficiary included on an EB-5 investor petition — received their conditional Green Card with an admission date of July 2017 and successfully removed conditions after years of diligent case maintenance. Their U.S. permanent residency is now unconditional and permanent. Official USCIS approval notice available on our website.
Brazil's economic cycles, currency volatility, and security concerns have made many high-net-worth Brazilian families strategic about international diversification. The United States — with its stable legal system, world-class universities, and business opportunities — is the most sought-after destination for Brazilian families seeking a second country.
Key motivations for Brazilian EB-5 applicants include:
Brazilian nationals currently face no significant EB-5 visa backlog. This is a favorable position — it means that once USCIS approves an I-526E petition, the process of obtaining a U.S. immigrant visa or adjusting status can proceed without a long wait for visa number availability. This makes Brazil one of the most advantageous nationalities for EB-5 timing in 2026.
USCIS requires comprehensive documentation of the lawful origin of EB-5 investment capital. For Brazilian investors, this process involves particular attention to Brazilian tax compliance and currency transfer regulations. Common accepted sources include:
Transferring funds from Brazil to the U.S. requires compliance with Brazilian Central Bank (Banco Central do Brasil) regulations governing international capital transfers. We work with Brazilian tax advisors and accountants to ensure the funds transfer is fully documented and compliant with both Brazilian and U.S. requirements. This coordination is a key part of our service for Brazilian clients.
Brazil permits dual citizenship — Brazilian nationals who become U.S. citizens do not lose their Brazilian citizenship. This is a significant advantage over nationals of some other countries who must choose between citizenships. For Brazilian EB-5 investors, the five-year path to U.S. naturalization means they can ultimately hold both a Brazilian and a U.S. passport, providing maximum global mobility.
The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act (RIA) grandfathering deadline of September 30, 2026 applies to all investors regardless of nationality — including Brazilians. Petitions filed before this date are guaranteed adjudication under the current investor-protective rules. After this date, new petitions carry no such guarantee.
For Brazilian investors who have been considering EB-5, this deadline creates clear urgency. Preparing source of funds documentation from Brazil — including Brazilian tax returns, bank statements, and corporate records, often requiring certified Portuguese-to-English translation — takes time. Beginning the process now is essential.
Language: We provide full service in English and work with Portuguese-speaking professionals on our team and through our network to ensure Brazilian clients feel fully informed and comfortable throughout the process.
A significant number of Brazilian nationals are currently living in the United States — on B-1/B-2 visitor visas, F-1 student visas, or other temporary statuses. For Brazilians already in the U.S., EB-5 offers a path to permanent residency without leaving the country, through the adjustment of status process. Concurrent filing — submitting the I-526E and I-485 simultaneously — may be available depending on visa availability and individual circumstances.
For Brazilians currently in the U.S. on temporary status who want to remain permanently, EB-5 may be the most direct available solution. We regularly advise Brazilians in this situation and understand the unique legal considerations involved.
We have firsthand experience with Brazilian EB-5 cases — including an approved I-829. Schedule a free, confidential consultation with Owais Qazi to discuss your specific situation.
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