If you are an economist in Brazil and want to immigrate to the United States, you should know that there is a possibility of achieving the American dream through your profession. The United States needs qualified professionals, which is why the American government has created special visa categories for those who can contribute to the progress and economic and financial success of the United States.

Economists, executives and other financial professionals have excellent salaries and opportunities in the United States. 

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for an economist in the US is 128 thousand dollars. And the states with the highest annual salaries are: New York(144 thousand dollars), Illinois(141 thousand dollars), California(137 thousand dollars) and Massachusetts(130 thousand dollars).

Also according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest average annual salaries for economists are in the following sectors: monetary authorities and central banks(220 thousand dollars), accounting and bookkeeping services(207 thousand dollars), securities and financial investments(197 thousand dollars), legal services(174 thousand dollars) and non-depository credit intermediation (174 thousand dollars).

Because of their financial skills, an economist is a valuable professional for many organizations, such as banks and securities brokers. 

Unlike in Brazil, where the title of economist can only be given to those who have a bachelor's degree in Economic Sciences and are registered with one of the Regional Councils of Economics, in the United States this title is more flexible. 

In the United States, according to the US Office of Personnel Management, anyone who has a degree in economics with at least 21 hours of coursework can call themselves an economist; or anyone who has a combination of education and experience in economics, such as a major, as well as work experience in the field.

Your career could be your passport to America

If you are an economist in Brazil and want to immigrate to the United States, you should know that your profession has a privileged position for you to be eligible for an American visa.

But how does it work? 

The Immigration Act, passed by the American government in 1990, created the EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-4 and EB-5 visa categories. These visas are "Employment Based", which means that their holders have gained access to green cards using their professional experience. 

This is how thousands of qualified professionals obtain permanent residence in the United States, causing the phenomenon known as the "brain drain". The visas that require the highest qualifications for eligibility, the EB-1 and EB-2 NIW categories, are the ones that grant permanent visas to their future holders and their families.

For those who are approved for EB-1 and EB-2 NIW visas, there is no need to submit a previous job offer in the USA to US immigration, which makes the immigration process much simpler.

For eligibility for EB-1 and EB-2 NIW visas, US immigration requires exceptional or extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts or business. In addition, professional areas that promote the progress of the United States are considered to be in the national interest for US immigration. As the EB-1 category is the most demanding for eligibility, most qualified professionals choose to attempt eligibility under the EB-2 NIW category.

And what are the requirements?

EB-2 NIW Visa: Requirements

If you are an economist or finance executive, have more than five years' professional experience and exceptional or extraordinary skills in your field, you may be eligible for a Green Card! 

Your exceptional or extraordinary skills are recognized through the quality of your CV, achievements and awards in your career, in Brazil and/or abroad. 

And, if you are approved for a Green Card under this visa category, your spouse and children under the age of 21 will also be granted their respective Green Cards.

All this without you needing a previous job offer in the United States. 

Am I eligible for a green card?

Want to know if you're eligible for a Green Card? Fill in our form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. 

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