Can I use unemployment insurance money from Brazil in my EB-5?

In principle, yes. In the EB-5 program, what matters is not the specific source of the funds but their lawful origin and the ability to trace the path of the money to the investment. Unemployment insurance benefits received in Brazil can count toward this, as long as you can demonstrate that the funds belong to you and were credited through legitimate means.

The central requirement of the program is the so-called source of funds documentation: you must show, with supporting records, where each amount came from and how it made its way to the investment in the United States. Benefits paid by the Brazilian government are not automatically disqualified, but they do require a clear, well-documented explanation with no gaps in the chain.

• Show that the funds are yours and were received through lawful means.
• Keep bank statements, receipts, and records that connect the money to the investment.
• Document the full path of the funds, from origin through transfer to the U.S.

Since each case is reviewed individually by the relevant authority, it is advisable to verify the current requirements and prepare your documentation with the support of a specialist before filing.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.