If you’re a high-income investor and you’re looking for an opportunity to obtain your dream green card, which guarantees permanent residence in the United States, you’ve probably heard of the EB-5 visa. But did you know that there is another interesting option for Brazilians, the EB2-NIW visa?
In this article, we’ll explain the differences between these two visas and show why the EB2-NIW can be an attractive option for those seeking immigration to the USA. In addition, we’ll talk about the advantages and disadvantages of each visa, to help you make the best decision for your specific case.
You’ll also find out how D4U, the best immigration consultancy in the United States and Latin America according to the Legal Awards 2021 and 2022, can help you achieve this dream.
EB-5 visa: what is it?
The EB-5 is a permanent immigration visa in the United States for foreigners who invest in businesses in the country. To qualify, you must invest at least US$800,000 in an existing company or in the creation of a new enterprise.
In both options, the investment must create or maintain at least ten jobs for US citizens, excluding the entrepreneur and his or her family.
The EB-5 visa is an opportunity for US investors who wish to obtain a green card, allowing them and their families to live and work in the United States permanently.
In addition, the investment must be made in an area designated as a “target employment region”, which is generally an area with a high unemployment rate.
EB2-NIW visa: what is it?
With EB2-NIW, professionals from areas in high demand, such as Information Technology, Engineering, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Aviation and Dentistry, can apply for US immigration independently and demonstrate that they are of national interest. And Brazilians are very well received through this process, since there are a high number of graduated and qualified professionals in the country.
Unlike EB-5, EB2-NIW does not require investment. Instead, applicants need to prove their skills and experience through an I-140 petition and qualify for the American national interest.
The EB2-NIW visa is an employment-based work visa that can be granted to people who have exceptional abilities in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics, or who can demonstrate a unique ability that benefits the United States. The main advantage of this visa is that it does not require an employer sponsor, which means that the applicant can self-sponsor and does not need a guaranteed job in the United States.
See also: how to work as an IT in the USA.
How the EB2-NIW value is formed
The EB2 NIW fee is made up of various fees and associated costs, including:
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- Government fees: includes fees charged by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) to process the visa application and, if applicable, the application for adjustment of status.
- Legal fees: may vary depending on the complexity of the case and the law firm or visa consultancy hired.
- Additional costs: include translations of documents for immigrationobtaining diplomas and certificates, and other expenses related to the preparation of the application.
At D4U, we offer reapplication at no extra cost and we have a specialist for every stage of the process. In addition, we have a retired USCIS director as a consultant, ensuring that your application is a success.
Differences between EB-5 and EB2-NIW
One of the main differences between the two visas is the investment requirement. While the EB-5 requires a minimum investment of US$800,000, the EB2-NIW does not require a minimum investment. In addition, EB-5 requires that the investment be made in an area designated as a “target employment region”, while EB2-NIW has no such requirement.
Another difference is the approval process. EB-5 has a longer and more complex approval process, which involves the creation of a new company or the purchase of an existing company and the creation of jobs for Americans. EB2-NIW, on the other hand, is a simpler process that doesn’t require the creation of new jobs and doesn’t have a designated “target employment area”. In addition, you should pay attention to the rate of return on investment and how long that amount will be unavailable for use.
Why is EB2-NIW an interesting option for Brazilians?
The EB2-NIW can be an interesting option for Brazilians wishing to immigrate to the United States because it offers a more accessible and less complicated alternative to the EB-5 visa. The EB2-NIW does not require a minimum investment, which makes it more accessible for those who do not have the capital needed for the EB-5. In addition, the EB2-NIW does not require job creation, which means that the applicant can work for themselves or in an existing company.
Another advantage of the EB2-NIW is that it does not have a designated “target employment region”, which means that the applicant can choose where to establish their residence in the United States, without geographical limitations.
Find out more about taking out international health insurance
Conclusion
Although the EB-5 program has been one of the most popular immigration visa programs among Brazilians, the EB2-NIW offers an interesting alternative option for those who meet the program’s specific criteria. With the advantage of not having to invest a large sum of money like EB-5, EB2-NIW is a viable option for highly qualified professionals looking to settle permanently in the United States.
However, it is important to remember that each case is unique and may require the help of a specialized immigration team to ensure that the entire process is completed successfully. If you are considering one of these visa options, it is highly recommended that you seek professional help to ensure that you understand all the specific details and requirements of the process.
We hope this post has been useful and informative in helping you better understand the differences between EB-5 and EB2-NIW and how the latter can be a viable option for Brazilians looking for a way to immigrate legally to the United States.
