Can I have a Microempreendedor Individual (MEI) registration in Brazil and still apply for the EB-3?

The EB-3 visa is a category aimed at foreign workers who have a job offer in the United States, and this applies to both skilled and unskilled workers. Many people wonder if, while running their businesses in Brazil as Microempreendedores Individuais (MEI), they can also pursue this type of visa for the US. The answer is that, in principle, having MEI registration in Brazil does not prevent you from applying for the EB-3 visa.

This is because the EB-3 is based on a job offer from a US employer, not on your business activities in Brazil. As long as you meet all the necessary requirements for the EB-3 – such as the formal job offer, proof of your qualifications (or, in the case of unskilled positions, the specific rules for that category) and the entire labor certification process – being an MEI does not conflict with your application.

It is important to be clear that each immigration process has its particularities and restrictions, and maintaining business activities in Brazil, such as being an MEI, should be managed according to local laws to avoid future complications. Furthermore, it is always worth emphasizing the importance of strictly complying with United States immigration laws and the rules related to your visa category.

Since the EB-3 process involves various documents, requirements, and steps, it may be advantageous to seek detailed information and, if necessary, guidance from recognized immigration specialists. This way, you avoid risks of falling for scams or campaigns that promise easy and quick results, since the real immigration process requires time, patience, and compliance with current legislation.

Remember: following American legislation and consulting reliable sources makes all the difference for a safe process in accordance with established rules. This way, you can balance your activities as an MEI in Brazil while pursuing new opportunities in the United States in an informed and cautious manner.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.