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Does the USCIS recognize Brazilian law firms?

In EB-5 cases, the USCIS does not recognize a firm by its country of origin, but requires that whoever represents the applicant be licensed to practice law in the U.S. A Brazilian firm may only act through professionals licensed in the country.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on July 21, 2026
1 min read
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What the USCIS requires is not recognition of a specific firm, but rather that whoever represents the applicant is authorized to practice law in the United States. In immigration cases such as EB-5, this point is decisive.

In practice, a Brazilian law firm may have an excellent track record and provide consulting in many areas, but it can only represent a client before the USCIS if it includes licensed professionals authorized to practice law on U.S. soil. This requirement exists to ensure that legal guidance aligns with U.S. immigration laws and regulations.

  • Representing someone before the USCIS requires a license to practice law in the U.S.
  • A Brazilian firm may advise, but cannot replace that license.
  • The ideal approach is to work with professionals qualified under the U.S. legal system.

To avoid inadequate guidance and fraud, it is worth confirming representation rules directly with the USCIS and choosing professionals who strictly meet these requirements before signing any agreement.

Learn more about EB-5

Type
Investment Green Card
Min. investment
US$ 800,000
Jobs created
Minimum 10 (full-time)
Processing
24-48 months
All about EB-5

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.

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Does the USCIS recognize Brazilian law firms?

In EB-5 cases, the USCIS does not recognize a firm by its country of origin, but requires that whoever represents the applicant be licensed to practice law in the U.S. A Brazilian firm may only act through professionals licensed in the country.

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