Immigrant Visa
EB-5 — Investor Green Card
Brazilians are among the best-positioned EB-5 investors globally in 2026 — no backlog, 1.4-year average. Invest, create 10 US jobs, receive a green card.
EB-5 numbers in 2026
| Item | TEA / Rural / Infrastructure | Non-TEA |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum investment | $800,000 | $1,050,000 |
| Jobs required (US full-time) | 10 | 10 |
| Reserved visa allocation | Rural 20% / TEA 10% / Infra 2% | Standard 68% |
| I-526E processing (rural priority) | ~5 months | 24–36 months |
Brazil: visa CURRENT, no backlog. Average Brazilian processing: 1.4 years (I-526E to conditional green card).
The three steps
- 1I-526E — Investor Petition (5–36 months): documented investment, lawful source of funds, 10-job plan, qualifying project.
- 2Conditional Green Card (2 years) — adjustment of status or consular after I-526E approval.
- 3I-829 — Removal of Conditions: 90 days before expiry, prove investment maintained + 10 jobs created. Result: permanent green card (10 years, renewable).
Direct EB-5 vs Regional Center
| Item | Direct EB-5 | Regional Center |
|---|---|---|
| Control of business | You | Passive investor |
| Job counting | Direct only | Direct + indirect + induced |
| I-526 approval rate (sector) | ~25% | Significantly higher |
| Operational risk | You assume | Distributed |
| Best for | Operating entrepreneur | Financial investor |
For most Brazilian investors, Regional Center (especially Rural TEA projects) is the most efficient route — lower risk, priority processing, higher approval rate.
Source of funds — the critical point
USCIS requires full documentation of the lawful origin of the $800K. For Brazilians, sensitive points:
- FX + remittance under Brazilian BACEN rules
- Proof of tax paid on the funds in Brazil
- Documented origin: business sale (contract, audited statements), real estate sale, salary, inheritance
- Complete bank trace from Brazil to US escrow account
- This is where most Brazilian EB-5 petitions are denied. We work with integrated accountants from day 1.
Estimated total cost
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Investment (TEA) | $800,000 |
| Regional Center admin fee | $50,000–80,000 typical |
| USCIS I-526E fee | varies |
| USCIS I-485 fee | $1,440/person |
| Pinho Law firm fees (full EB-5) | $25,000–45,000 |
Frequently asked questions
How long does EB-5 take for a Brazilian?
In 2026, Brazilians average ~1.4 years from I-526E to conditional green card (CURRENT queue). Rural TEA I-526E runs ~5 months.
Can I recover my investment later?
Yes, typically 5–7 years depending on the project. After I-829 approval and sustainment period, capital can be returned per project structure.
Do I need to live near the investment?
No. You can live anywhere in the US. Most investors pick Florida, California, or New York regardless of project location.
What is a TEA?
Targeted Employment Area — high-unemployment or rural area designated by federal criteria. Allows reduced $800K minimum vs $1.05M standard.
I-526E vs I-526?
Post-RIA (Reform and Integrity Act, 2022), Regional Center investors use I-526E. Direct investors continue with I-526. Fees and timelines differ.
Does my spouse need a separate visa?
No. Spouse and unmarried children under 21 get green card as derivatives on the same petition.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Schedule a consultation today. We will listen, assess your situation, and give you a clear path forward — in the language you are most comfortable with.