A survey by AG Immigration – a Washington-based immigration law firm – shows that Brazilians ranked third among those who got the most US visas in 2022.
There were 815,842 issuances of 80 different types of permits, up 618.8% from the previous year (113,505).
Compared to 2018 (640,998), at levels before the covid-19 pandemic, the increase was 26.4%.
Brazil was second only to Mexico (1.9 million) and China (1 million), well ahead of fourth-placed Argentina, with 259,000 visas.
The survey was based on official data from the US State Department from January to December 2022.
Also, according to the AG Immigration report, the US Consulate in São Paulo was the third diplomatic post that issued the most visas worldwide, behind only the one in Monterrey and the Mexico City embassy.
The consulate in Rio de Janeiro was tenth.
The ranking of diplomatic posts refers to the American fiscal year, which comprises the period between October 1, 2021, and September 30, 2022.
Another study data that draws attention is related to B1/B2 visitor visas – used for business and tourism trips in the US- totaling more than 748,500 issued last year, representing 91.76% of the total.
This is a 944% increase over 2021, when consulates and embassies were closed or with limited services due to the pandemic.
This is the largest number of B1/B2 visas issued to Brazilians since 2015, when consular agencies issued more than 873,000 such entry permits.
“It is, without a doubt, the most sought-after visa by Brazilians, who have in the B1/B2 their most accessible gateway to the US, being able to stay up to six months in the country to visit tourist attractions and perform various activities,” said immigration attorney Felipe Alexandre, founding partner of AG Immigration.
STUDY AND EXCHANGE
In the list of American visas most granted to Brazilians, the second and third positions are occupied by two visas for study and exchange: the J-1 (13,100 issues) and the F-1 (8,800), respectively.
While the former registered an increase of 96% over the previous year, the latter, in turn, fell 10% in the same period.
According to the CEO of AG Immigration, Rodrigo Costa, Brazilians who go to the US to study or do exchange programs are, in general, recent high school or graduation graduates.
He pointed out that the exchange visa is very broad, with categories including doctors and university professors who will teach in the United States.
Brazil is the eighth foreign country with more students enrolled in American universities.
According to Costa, the growing popularity of student visas is due to two significant reasons.
“On the one hand, there is a global shortage of skilled labor. With that, the US has been opening up more to international students, especially those in science, technology, engineering, and math.”
“They study in the US and, eventually, stay in the country to contribute to local development.”
Rodrigo Costa recalled that there had been a robust expansion in access to higher education in Brazil over the last 20 years.
“With this, more undergraduates and graduates sought to complete or complement their studies abroad.”
“Due to the cultural similarities, the ease with the language, and the quality of the schools, the US is the main destination for these Brazilians.
IMMIGRATION VISAS
The AG Immigration research also revealed that the most authorized visas for Brazilians in 2022 grant the bearer the green card – a document that guarantees the right to live, work and travel freely in the US.
The visa in this category most granted to Brazilians was the EB-2, with 1,499 issuances – a 284% increase over the 390 authorizations in 2021.
The EB-2 is intended for outstanding professionals, usually with a master’s degree, doctorate, or unique specialization.
“We are talking about engineers, IT professionals, programmers, HR managers, marketing and other corporate areas, airline pilots, journalists, nurses, physical therapists, hairdressers, etc.”
“The list is quite extensive. If the person has an above-average career, they might be eligible for the EB-2,” said Felipe Alexandre.
For the lawyer, the increase in the demand for EB-2 by Brazilians indicates a brain drain movement from Brazil.
“It is a record number. Let’s see how the issues will behave this year.”
With information from Agência Brasil