The United States, with its robust economy, state-of-the-art education system and diverse job market, offers a range of possibilities that are attracting more and more immigrants, including Brazilians. Security, political stability and a strong currency are just some of the attractions that make the country a coveted destination.
The possibility of building a more prosperous life, with access to higher education and a wide range of leisure options, drives many Brazilians to seek immigration. However, to make this dream come true, you need to understand the different types of visas available and the requirements for each one.
In this article, we will explore in detail some work visas in the USAis one of the main routes for Brazilians wishing to live and work in the country. Follow along and find out!
EB-1, EB-2 and B1/B2: how important is it to choose the right visa?
Choosing the right visa for the United States is an important precaution that must be carefully observed by anyone wishing to immigrate or visit the country. Each type of visa has specific requirements and allows for different activities in North American territory.
Choosing the wrong visa can result in legal complications, delays in the immigration process and, in some cases, even deportation. It is essential to understand that each visa is intended for a specific purpose, whether to work, study, visit family or invest.
By choosing the right visa, the immigrant guarantees not only the legality of their stay, but also the possibility of making the most of the opportunities that the United States offer.
For who will liveIf you’re applying for a visa, you need to be extra careful, because choosing the right one has a direct impact on how you plan your life in the United States. Some visas allow you to bring family members, while others restrict this possibility.
Permission to work also varies according to the type of visa, as does the length of stay in the country. For this reason, it is recommended that you enlist the help of a professional who specializes in immigration to analyse each case individually and indicate the most suitable visa for each profile.
What are the main work visas in the USA?
Each type of work visa in the USA offers different benefits and possibilities for the immigrant. Below, we explain some of the types, eligibility criteria, advantages and disadvantages of each option. Check them out!
H-1 B
The H-1B visa is one of the most popular and sought-after visas for foreign professionals wishing to work in the United States. It is intended for workers in specialized occupations that require a high level of education and training.
Applied to specific areas, such as technology, engineering and science, to be eligible, the candidate must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in a field related to the occupation, as well as a job offer from an American employer.
One of the main advantages of the H-1B visa is the opportunity to work in one of the world’s largest economies, with temporary access to a dynamic and well-paid job market. In addition, the H-1B visa can be a pathway to obtaining a Green Card, through financial applications in the USA. However, it is important to know that the H-1B has some disadvantages:
- the number of visas available is limited each year, which makes competition fierce;
- the application process is complex and bureaucratic; and
- the initial duration of the visa is three years, and it can be renewed for a further three, but with limitations.
Another important point to consider is that the H-1B visa is subject to changes in US immigration laws.
L-1
The L-1 visa is a type of temporary work visa designed to facilitate the transfer of employees from foreign companies to their branches, subsidiaries or offices in the USA. It therefore allows multinational companies transfer key talent to their operations in the United States.
To be eligible for the L-1 visa, the applicant must have been employed by the foreign company for a minimum period and hold a managerial, executive or specialized knowledge role.
One of the main advantages of the L-1 visa is the possibility of transferring key employees to the country, allowing the company to continue operating with the same team and expertise.
However, it is important to know that the L-1 visa also has a few caveats: the U.S. company and the foreign company must have a bona fide relationship, the transferred employee must continue to perform a role similar to the one he or she had in the foreign company, the initial duration of the initial duration of the L-1 visa is limited, and renewal may be more restricted compared to other types of visas.
EB-3
The EB-3 visa is divided into two categoriesskilled workerswho have at least two years’ experience or training in a specific field; professionalsprofessionals , who have a bachelor’s degree and work in jobs that require this level of training; and unskilled workerswho fill positions for which there are no qualified American workers.
To obtain an EB-3 visa, an American employer must submit a labor certification application showing that it has not found any qualified American workers for the position and that the foreign worker has the necessary qualifications.
Once the certification has been approved, the employer can apply for the EB-3 visa on behalf of the foreign worker. The main advantages of the EB-3 visa include the possibility of obtaining a Green Card, allowing permanent residence in the United States, and the opportunity to bring family members to the country.
The process of obtaining an EB-3 visa can be long and bureaucratic, and the waiting list for a green card can be long, depending on the applicant’s nationality.
EB-2 NIW
Visa that falls into a special category of immigrant visa in the United Statesdesigned for foreign professionals with exceptional skills in areas such as science, the arts, business or those who will make significant contributions to the national interest of the United States.
Unlike other work visas, the EB-2 NIW waives the need for a job offer from an American employer. It is suitable for foreign professionals who have:
- specialization at master’s, doctoral or equivalent level in their field, and a bachelor’s degree + 5 years’ experience in their field;
- demonstration of outstanding skills and achievements in their field;
- proof that their skills and knowledge will significantly benefit the United States, whether through research, innovation, or contributions to the American economy.
How do you choose the right visa for your situation?
Each situation needs to be assessed individually, as factors such as professional qualifications, experience and area of work need to be considered.
As you’ve seen, the H-1B for specialized professionals, the L-1 for intra-company transfers, EB-2 NIW for professionals with exceptional skills. To make sure you choose the right visa for your needs, consult a professional. immigration professionalwho will help you understand the specific requirements of each visa and choose the one that best suits your profile and plans.
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Also, evaluate the costs, processing times and chances of approval. Remember, choosing the right visa makes all the difference in ensuring a positive experience in the immigration process to the United States.
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As you can see, there are several types of visasH-1B (for specialized professionals), L-1 (for intra-company transfers), EB-3 (for skilled and unskilled workers) and EB-2 NIW (for professionals with exceptional skills). For each of these, there are different requirements, advantages and disadvantages. The support of a specialized company can make all the difference in choosing the most suitable visa.
Did you like learning more about work visas in the USA? Take the opportunity to find out more about the requirements for the EB-2 NIW visa.
