RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – More priority and highly qualified workers, such as scientists, engineers, economists or athletes, have tried to leave Brazil in search of a work visa in the United States. This trend has intensified in the first 2 years of President Bolsonaro’s administration.
According to data from the U.S. Immigration Department, compiled by specialized consulting firms in the sector, the number of requests reached 3,387 in 2020. That is, a 10.5% increase over 2019 and the highest level in at least 10 years.
Between 2019 and 2020, the search for EB1 and EB2 type permanent visas increased by 40% compared to 2017 and 2018, and 135% when compared to 2015 and 2016, when Brazil was in recession.
There was a drop in visa approvals in 2020 because of the pandemic, with 1/3 of applications pending in that fiscal year, which ended in September.
In addition to the United States, countries such as Portugal, Canada and England stand out as the preferred destinations for qualified professionals.