Immigrating to the United States is an exciting step for families, full of challenges and opportunities. For families with children, one of the main concerns is ensuring a smooth transition from the Brazilian education system to the American education system.

Levels of the American education system

The education system in the United States is divided into three main levels: elementary school, middle school and junior high school. 

Documentation required

As in Brazil, the process of enrolling in an American school usually requires documentation, including a birth certificate, previous school transcripts, proof of residence and immunization records.

School calendar in the USA

The school calendar in the United States can vary greatly depending on the state and school district. But generally, the school year starts in August or September and ends in May or June. This is the biggest difference to the Brazilian school year, which always starts at the beginning of a new year. When choosing a school for your children, familiarize yourself with the school calendar of the school district and the institution itself. 

Confessional schools: their values respected

Educational freedom in the United States allows parents themselves to educate their children at home, or in religious schools that profess their faith. There is a huge variety of religious schools in the United States: there are more than 5,000 Catholic schools, 3,000 evangelical schools and 100 Jewish schools in the country.

In addition to religious schools, American private education has a variety of Montessori and Waldorf schools, as well as institutions for the special education of young people and adults.

Growing number of Brazilians studying in the United States

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), an arm of the US Department of Education, there are more than 14,000 Brazilian students in post-secondary education in the US, twice as many as there were in 2006.

Do I need to be American to enroll my child in a school in the United States?

To enroll your child in a school in the United States, you will need to be a US citizen or hold a permanent residence visa (Green Card) that allows you and your family to live and work in the US.

How do I get permanent residency in the United States?

There are two routes widely used by other foreigners and Brazilians to obtain permanent residence in the United States: the EB-2 and EB-5 visas.

EB-2 NIW Visa and EB-5 Investor Visa

The two visas(EB-2 NIW) and EB-5(also called Employment Fifth Preference (E5)) will get you a green card. What's the difference between them?

In the EB-2 NIW visa category, the professional uses their specialist career as an entry passport to the United States, proving that their expertise and skills are exceptional and necessary for American development and progress. This is the famous visa that allows the "brain drain" phenomenon to take place, and this is how qualified professionals from all over the world and from different fields of expertise obtain permanent residence in the United States.

With the EB-5 or E-5 visa, you need to make an investment in the United States in order to get a green card. In other words, it doesn't matter what your country of origin or area of activity is, but rather your ability to invest in a company or strategic area in the United States.

Which visa is best for my family?

Want to know if you're eligible for a Green Card and which visa category is best for you and your family?

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