As the United States increases scrutiny on merit-based visa categories, more Brazilian families and qualified professionals are exploring alternative pathways to secure permanent residency in the country. Economic instability in Brazil, including the projected rise of public debt and the continued depreciation of the Brazilian real against the US dollar, has intensified the search for financial security, strong currency assets, and long-term stability abroad.
Marcelo Gorenstein, Senior Director, Latin America, explains that Brazilian investors are increasingly focused not only on immigration, but also on protecting their family legacy against currency devaluation and fiscal uncertainty. He notes that with growing backlogs and stricter requirements in categories such as the EB-2 NIW, the EB-5 program has reemerged as one of the most direct and reliable pathways to permanent residency for qualified investors. Gorenstein also highlights a current window of opportunity for Brazilian applicants, as investors who file their I-526E petitions before September 30, 2026, may still benefit from the program’s existing rules under the grandfathering provision.