Pinho Law Blog
Newsletter
Guides, comparisons, and practical decisions for Brazilians navigating the US legal system. Every article reviewed by Dra. Izi Pinho.
- Immigration·8 min01
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 min02
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 min03
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 min04
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 min05
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 min06
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 min07
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 min08
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 min09
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 min10
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 min11
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 min12
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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