Can the spouse on an O-3 visa have an active Brazilian CNPJ?

The O-3 visa is intended for family members of O visa holders, allowing the spouse to legally reside in the United States during the validity period of the principal visa. However, it is important to remember that this status does not authorize the spouse to engage in paid activities within the U.S. territory.

Maintaining an active CNPJ in Brazil, by itself, does not constitute a violation of the terms of the O-3 visa, provided that these business activities occur outside of the United States and do not involve the provision of paid work or services within the country.

In other words, having an active Brazilian business registration while on O-3 status does not interfere with the immigration status, as long as commercial operations are managed and executed in Brazil or remotely, without constituting employment or service provision for a U.S. company.

It is essential to strictly follow U.S. immigration rules, keeping foreign business activities separate from professional activities within U.S. territory, as residence permission with the O-3 visa does not include work authorization.

To avoid legal complications, it is always recommended to seek guidance from immigration specialists and obtain information from reliable sources to prevent misunderstandings or risks of violating existing regulations. Also, keep in mind that each situation has its particularities, and even though this general guidance is valid in most cases, it is always prudent to consult a specialist to assess all individual details.

This way, we ensure that all measures are aligned with the United States immigration requirements and that you avoid problems with the law.

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.