Pinho Law Blog
Blog
Guides, comparisons, and practical decisions for Brazilians navigating the US legal system. Every article reviewed by Dra. Izi Pinho.
- Immigration·8 min01
September 2026 Visa Bulletin: sharp family advances, and F2A is current for filing
Some lines moved more than two years in a single month, and the bulletin itself warns the window may close before September 30. If your category became current, reaction time matters.
Read article - Immigration·5 min02
U.S. reportedly plans to revoke tourist and business visas of asylum seekers: what it means for you
Revocation is not deportation. Before reacting to headlines, understand what the reported measure would reach and what still protects those already in the U.S.
Read article - Immigration·5 min03
Proposed $103,000 fee per H-1B petition: what employers need to know
For most small and mid-sized employers, the proposed figure ends the sponsorship conversation entirely. But nothing is in effect, and your business has a voice.
Read article - USCIS Update·6 min04
Adjustment of Status in 2026: DHS Walked It Back — But There's a Catch for Brazilians
Not a moment to panic — or to assume you're in the clear. Adjustment of status is now discretionary, and anyone with an overstay or from a visa-paused country (yes, Brazil) needs to review strategy before the interview, not after the denial.
Read article - Strategy·9 min05
The American Dream in 2026: why structure beats hope
Aspiration doesn't get you a visa. Doesn't open a bank account. Doesn't protect assets. Structure does — built before you move, not after. Here's exactly how it works.
Read article - Immigration·8 min06
Can a Brazilian with Dual Citizenship Get an E-2 Visa? 2026 Guide
Brazil is not a treaty country. Without dual citizenship, E-2 is out of reach — but with an Italian, Portuguese, or other 80+ country passport, the door opens. Here's exactly how it works.
Read article - Immigration·7 min07
End of Automatic EAD Extension: What Changed and How It Impacts Brazilians in the US
The 540-day automatic extension during EAD renewal was reduced in 2025. Brazilians on H-4, L-2, asylum, TPS, and Adjustment of Status need to recalculate timing.
Read article - Immigration·8 min08
EB-2 NIW vs EB-1A in 2026: Which to Choose (and Why)
The only two self-petition green cards. Brazilians CURRENT in both. Picking wrong costs 12–24 months. Here's the decision framework.
Read article - Brazil-US Taxation·7 min09
FBAR and FATCA for Brazilians in the US: What to Report and How to Avoid Heavy Penalties
Over $10,000 in Brazilian accounts + any US tax status = you probably must file FBAR. Penalties start at $12,921 per undeclared year. Bittner v. US (2023) limited — but did not eliminate — the risk.
Read article - Immigration·8 min10
Green card through marriage: the complete 2026 guide for Brazilians
Marriage to a US citizen is the most emotional and most scrutinized path in the system. Done right: green card in 10–16 months. Done wrong: denial with a 10-year bar.
Read article - Immigration·7 min11
H-1B 2026: the $100K fee, wage-weighted lottery, and what it means for Brazilians
The H-1B you remember — random lottery, $780 fee, 85K cap — is gone. The 2026 H-1B is a high-wage product. And the alternative — EB-2 NIW — has never been more attractive for Brazilians.
Read article - Immigration·7 min12
L-1A for Brazilian executives: the definitive 2026 guide
Your Brazilian company has 1+ year of operations and needs an executive in the US? L-1A is the tool. With planning, it becomes a permanent green card via EB-1C in 18–24 months.
Read article - Immigration·7 min13
US naturalization: when and how to apply in 2026 (Brazilian's guide)
Green card is status. Citizenship is a right. After 5 years as LPR (or 3 married to USC), you close the loop — without losing Brazilian citizenship.
Read article - Immigration·8 min14
EB-5 for Brazilians in 2026: the fastest green card in the world — if done right
$800K capital + well-documented source of funds = conditional green card in 14–18 months. Brazilians have a rare edge: CURRENT set-aside in April 2026.
Read article - Business·7 min15
How Brazilians open a US company in 2026: the real step-by-step
Opening a FL LLC costs $125 in filing fees. What makes the company actually work is the 6 steps after that — where Brazilians get stuck.
Read article - Real Estate·7 min16
Buying US real estate through an LLC: a complete 2026 guide for Brazilians
Buying in your own name is simple. It's also expensive in estate tax, bad for privacy, and legally fragile. An LLC fixes it — if set up right.
Read article - Immigration·8 min17
Trump Gold Card vs EB-2 NIW in 2026: what actually changes for Brazilians
Two paths. One costs five million dollars. The other costs under $15K in attorney fees. Both deliver a green card — for the right profile.
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