Bruno Losio, partner at Premium Global Mobility Partners, offers advice to Brazilians who want to immigrate to the United States without giving up their career as a lawyer.
The possibility of studying, working and living in the United States has attracted a growing number of Brazilian professionals in search of the American dream. At the moment, over two million Brazilians According to a survey by Itamaraty, Americans live on the soil.
One of the areas of most interest to immigrants is law. However, the recognition of the diploma and the bar exam equivalent to the national exam of the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB) are obstacles. However, there are some options for Brazilian lawyers who want to practice in the United States without having their diploma validated and passing the bar.
Bruno Lossio, founding partner of Premium Global Mobility Partner, explains: “Brazilian lawyers have other ways to work in this field on American soil. In other words, it is possible to immigrate to the United States without even giving up your career as a lawyer. Without the obligation to validate a degree or pass the bar exam.”
Approximately time it takes for an American to become a lawyer in the United States 8 years old degree of study, which includes a bachelor’s degree, a 3-year postgraduate degree in law (Juris Doctor – JD) and passing the bar exam from a US jurisdiction. “But this does not mean that Brazilian lawyers who intend to practice law in the United States will have to spend more time studying”, Bruno reassures.
According to the professional, who is a licensed attorney in Brazil, there are other possibilities for Brazilian lawyers who want to live and work in the United States without giving up their legal career. One of the options is the profession of “paralegal”, or lawyer’s assistant. In Brazil, there is no legally equivalent profession, but it is a person who performs many of the same legal functions as a lawyer, except for those prohibited by law. “For example, a paralegal can help prepare petitions and cases, perform research, and have direct contact with clients. However, it is important to mention that this professional must always be under the supervision of a licensed attorney.”
Immigration Visa for Lawyers
According to Bruno, there are more than 180 types of visas for the United States and the EB-1 is the most suitable for Brazilian lawyers. EB-1, from “Employment-based” category (employment-based), based on the professional achievements and accomplishments of the candidate. In addition, EB-1 offers permanent residence in the United States to professionals who excel in their field.
The EB-1 is for professionals with extraordinary abilities, suitable for those working in the fields of science, arts, education, business and athletics. “To be eligible for the EB-1, it is enough to prove recognition and prominence in the professional field through documentation. Generally, Brazilian lawyers meet the eligibility requirements for this visa”, explains Bruno, referring to the publication of articles in specialized journals, awards and affiliation with professional associations.
Bruno warns about misinformation about the EB-1 visa. “Many professionals and immigration offices focus on the EB-2 NIW visa as their first option for immigration. However, most of the time, law professionals fit perfectly into the EB-1 category”, he said: “It is definitely a more efficient and faster way for those who want to immigrate to the United States.”
Premium Global Mobility Partners is a global mobility and immigration planning office for the United States. Founded by Brazilian lawyers Bruno Losio and Henrique Scliar, the company is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, and has offices in Texas, Florida, and Rio de Janeiro.
The company provides legal services for career-based immigration processes, employment and investment as well as business immigration and naturalization. Visa assistance such as EB-2 NIW, EB-1 and O-1 is among the main services of Premium.
Website: https://premiumgmp.com/
