Plano B: Caminhos alternativos para o emprego nos EUA para estudantes internacionais F-1 se a seleção do limite H-1B for perdida

Flavia Santos • October 19, 2023

Click here to read this article in English

      Estudantes internacionais com visto F-1 que não foram selecionados na loteria do limite H-1B enfrentam uma situação desafiadora, mas ainda existem opções alternativas de imigração disponíveis. Essas opções podem exigir mais esforço e planejamento, mas podem, em última instância, alcançar o mesmo objetivo de obter um visto de trabalho nos Estados Unidos.

Avalie o Tempo Restante

É imperativo que os indivíduos que atualmente estão participando do programa de Treinamento Prático Opcional (OPT) avaliem o tempo restante antes de sua expiração. A data de expiração do OPT pode afetar significativamente a elegibilidade para continuar residindo nos Estados Unidos, especialmente se eles pretendem se inscrever na loteria do visto H-1B em 2024. Por exemplo, no caso de serem selecionados na loteria e o OPT expirar em ou após 1º de abril de 2024, o indivíduo teria direito à extensão H-1B Cap-Gap, permitindo assim a continuação do status OPT até que o visto H-1B entre em vigor. No entanto, se o período de validade do OPT expirar antes de 1º de abril de 2024, o indivíduo precisaria deixar os EUA dentro de 60 dias após a data de expiração do OPT. A tabela abaixo ilustra esse cenário.

Preparando-se para a Temporada de Volta às Aulas


Para estudantes em busca de oportunidades de emprego nos Estados Unidos, matricular-se em um programa acadêmico que oferece o Treinamento Prático Curricular (CPT) no Dia 1 é outra opção viável. Isso permitiria aos estudantes começar a trabalhar imediatamente, mesmo enquanto continuam seus estudos. Além disso, estudantes que já tenham garantido uma oferta de emprego podem ser capazes de trabalhar com o CPT enquanto aguardam o resultado de sua petição H-1B no limite anual. Para aproveitar ao máximo esse período estendido, seria prudente se inscrever para a loteria do limite H-1B antes do término do período de OPT.


Considere o Visto L-1 se você Trabalha para uma Empresa Multinacional


Como uma opção viável para profissionais em busca de emprego de longo prazo nos Estados Unidos, trabalhar por um ano em uma empresa multinacional no exterior, seguido de uma transferência intra-empresa por meio de um visto L-1, pode oferecer inúmeros benefícios estratégicos. O visto L-1, projetado especificamente para essas transferências, permite que funcionários de corporações multinacionais se mudem para uma subsidiária, afiliada ou matriz nos Estados Unidos. O visto L-1 é caracterizado como um visto de intenção dupla, que permite a flexibilidade de buscar tanto oportunidades temporárias de trabalho e estudo no país quanto residência de longo prazo. Ele também possui um período de validade de 5 a 7 anos. Embora esse caminho exija que o indivíduo trabalhe no exterior por um ano, pode se revelar uma solução valiosa a longo prazo para trabalhar nos Estados Unidos.


Visto TN para Cidadãos Canadenses e Mexicanos


O visto TN é uma categoria de visto não imigrante que permite que cidadãos canadenses e mexicanos trabalhem temporariamente nos Estados Unidos em certas ocupações profissionais, conforme listadas no Acordo Estados Unidos-México-Canadá (USMCA). Os requisitos para um visto TN incluem uma oferta de emprego de um empregador dos EUA, um emprego em tempo integral ou parcial pré-acordado em uma das profissões elegíveis, um diploma de bacharel ou seu equivalente e comprovação de qualificações profissionais. O período de validade de um visto TN varia dependendo do tempo da oferta de emprego, mas pode ser emitido por até três anos e pode ser renovado indefinidamente.


Empreendedores e Investidores


Para aqueles que têm um perfil empreendedor, os vistos E-1 e E-2, por outro lado, são projetados para pessoas envolvidas no comércio internacional com os EUA. Esses vistos permitem que o titular trabalhe nos EUA enquanto realiza comércio substancial entre os EUA e seu país de origem. Cada um desses vistos oferece oportunidades e requisitos únicos, sendo importante consultar um advogado de imigração para determinar qual se adapta melhor às suas circunstâncias individuais.


Solicite uma Permissão de Trabalho Dependente


Para pessoas casadas, as opções de visto para cônjuges também podem ser uma alternativa viável. O Documento de Autorização de Emprego (EAD) H-4 permite que cônjuges elegíveis de titulares de visto H-1B obtenham permissão para trabalhar nos EUA, desde que o cônjuge principal tenha um I-140 aprovado. Enquanto isso, os vistos dependentes L-2 e E-2 são opções para cônjuges de titulares de vistos L-1 e E-2, respectivamente. Ao contrário do H-4, que requer que o cônjuge principal do H-1B tenha um I-140 aprovado, os cônjuges L-2 e E-2 são considerados autorizados a trabalhar por conta da situação e não precisam solicitar um documento de autorização de emprego. Esses vistos de cônjuges podem fornecer uma fonte significativa de renda e apoio para a família enquanto o titular principal do visto se estabelece nos EUA.


Conclusão


É importante para os estudantes considerarem todas as suas opções e trabalharem com um advogado de imigração experiente para determinar o melhor curso de ação. Embora o limite do H-1B possa ser um processo frustrante e desafiador, ainda existem caminhos para o sucesso para estudantes internacionais. Com um planejamento cuidadoso e perseverança, os estudantes podem alcançar seus objetivos e construir uma carreira bem-sucedida nos Estados Unidos.


Este blog não se destina a fornecer aconselhamento jurídico e nada aqui deve ser interpretado como estabelecimento de um relacionamento advogado-cliente. Por favor, agende uma consulta com um advogado de imigração antes de agir com base em qualquer informação lida aqui.

This Facebook widget is no longer supported.

Flavia Lloyd

Similar Posts

USCIS Changes H-1B Lottery to Wage-Based Selection

By Kris Quadros-Ragar • January 15, 2026
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a major change to the H-1B cap selection process. Under a final rule issued on December 29, 2025, USCIS will replace the long-standing random H-1B lottery with a wage-weighted selection system that favors higher-paid and more complex positions. The rule is scheduled to take effect on February 27, 2026 , just ahead of the fiscal year 2027 H-1B cap registration season, unless delayed by legal challenges. If implemented, USCIS is expected to release additional guidance explaining how employers must submit registrations under the revised process. This change marks one of the most significant reforms to the H-1B program in recent years. Up until 2025, all registrations were treated equally once the annual cap was reached. Under the new system, selection odds will be tied to wage levels based on the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. All H-1B registrations will still be placed into a single selection pool, but registrations tied to higher wage levels will receive multiple entries into that pool, increasing their likelihood of selection. Lower wage levels will receive fewer entries, making selection less likely but not impossible. H-1B wage levels are not determined solely by salary. Each wage level reflects the complexity of the job, the level of responsibility involved, and the education and experience required . Entry-level positions involving routine duties and close supervision are generally classified at the lowest wage level, while positions requiring independent judgment, advanced skills, and significant responsibility fall into higher wage levels. The highest wage level is reserved for roles that involve expert knowledge, strategic decision-making, and substantial leadership or technical authority. USCIS is expected to closely scrutinize selected petitions to ensure that the wage level claimed during registration is supported by the job duties and salary offered in the petition. Any discrepancies between the registration and the petition may result in requests for evidence, denials, or enforcement action. With the elimination of the purely random lottery, employers should begin preparing early by carefully evaluating job descriptions, wage levels, and overall H-1B strategy. Accurate classification and thoughtful planning will be essential under this new wage-based selection system. If you are an employer considering H-1B sponsorship, or a foreign professional wondering whether your position may qualify under the new wage-based system, consulting with experienced immigration counsel is more important than ever. Santos Lloyd Law is actively advising clients on H-1B cap registrations and strategy under the new rules. To discuss your options or determine whether you may qualify, contact our office to schedule a consultation.

Streamlining Visa Extensions: The Deference Policy Codified in the H-1B Modernization Rule

By Kris Quadros-Ragar • January 16, 2025
A key development occurred in December 2024, when the deference policy was officially written into regulation (the “H-1B modernization rule”), set to take effect on January 17, 2025. Once it takes effect, USCIS adjudicators must apply the deference policy to extension requests involving the same employer, the same employee, and the same job details. USCIS can still decide not to defer to the previous approval if: There was a material error in the earlier approval. There has been a material change in circumstances or eligibility. New information raises doubts about eligibility. Even in these situations, officers must explain why they are not deferring. Importantly, USCIS does not have to defer to decisions made by other agencies, such as the U.S. Department of State or Customs and Border Protection. By turning the deference policy into a regulation, it becomes more difficult for future administrations to eliminate it quickly. Any attempt to rescind or change the policy now requires a lengthy rulemaking process that includes a public notice-and-comment period. Key Takeaways for Employers Greater Predictability: The deference policy, now a regulation, gives employers more certainty that extension petitions will be approved if there are no major changes in the employee’s role or the employer’s situation. Potential Changes Ahead: A future administration could still try to rescind this rule, but they must follow a formal regulatory process, which takes time and offers employers some warning. File Extensions Early: Employers can submit extension petitions up to six months before a visa expires. Filing early can help avoid unexpected policy shifts and minimize risks of RFEs or denials. Overall, the codification of the deference policy is a significant step that offers much-needed stability and efficiency in the U.S. immigration process. By planning ahead and staying informed, employers can take advantage of this improved predictability. As always, working closely with an immigration attorney ensures that extension applications are accurate, well-prepared, and filed promptly—especially during times when policy may evolve.
Show More

USCIS Changes H-1B Lottery to Wage-Based Selection

By Kris Quadros-Ragar • January 15, 2026
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a major change to the H-1B cap selection process. Under a final rule issued on December 29, 2025, USCIS will replace the long-standing random H-1B lottery with a wage-weighted selection system that favors higher-paid and more complex positions. The rule is scheduled to take effect on February 27, 2026 , just ahead of the fiscal year 2027 H-1B cap registration season, unless delayed by legal challenges. If implemented, USCIS is expected to release additional guidance explaining how employers must submit registrations under the revised process. This change marks one of the most significant reforms to the H-1B program in recent years. Up until 2025, all registrations were treated equally once the annual cap was reached. Under the new system, selection odds will be tied to wage levels based on the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. All H-1B registrations will still be placed into a single selection pool, but registrations tied to higher wage levels will receive multiple entries into that pool, increasing their likelihood of selection. Lower wage levels will receive fewer entries, making selection less likely but not impossible. H-1B wage levels are not determined solely by salary. Each wage level reflects the complexity of the job, the level of responsibility involved, and the education and experience required . Entry-level positions involving routine duties and close supervision are generally classified at the lowest wage level, while positions requiring independent judgment, advanced skills, and significant responsibility fall into higher wage levels. The highest wage level is reserved for roles that involve expert knowledge, strategic decision-making, and substantial leadership or technical authority. USCIS is expected to closely scrutinize selected petitions to ensure that the wage level claimed during registration is supported by the job duties and salary offered in the petition. Any discrepancies between the registration and the petition may result in requests for evidence, denials, or enforcement action. With the elimination of the purely random lottery, employers should begin preparing early by carefully evaluating job descriptions, wage levels, and overall H-1B strategy. Accurate classification and thoughtful planning will be essential under this new wage-based selection system. If you are an employer considering H-1B sponsorship, or a foreign professional wondering whether your position may qualify under the new wage-based system, consulting with experienced immigration counsel is more important than ever. Santos Lloyd Law is actively advising clients on H-1B cap registrations and strategy under the new rules. To discuss your options or determine whether you may qualify, contact our office to schedule a consultation.

Increase in issuance of EB-1A RFEs

By April Perez • January 9, 2026
During the recent administration there has been an increase in issuance of Requests for Evidence for EB-1A petitions for those of Extraordinary Ability. A Request for Evidence is a request that is made by USCIS that should explain how the evidence is deficient in proving the criteria argued and what additional evidence needs to be provided by the applicant to meet the criteria. EB-1A petitions are already normally subject to higher scrutiny because their approval is the first step needed to apply for Lawful Permanent Residence or a green card. USCIS normally requires not just evidence but that the evidence be provided with context and information to show why it matters in a particular field. For example, if you were providing evidence of your membership in an organization that requires outstanding achievements of its members, just providing evidence of the membership is not enough. You must explain what that membership is and provide background information on the organization granting the membership. You also need to provide evidence on the criteria that is used to select the members, information on those who select the members to show that they are recognized experts, other documentation such as articles about the membership organization to show its importance, and any other relevant evidence and background information to show that the criteria is met. A request for evidence being issued prior to the current administration was not uncommon, but in the current climate it is more surprising to not receive a request for evidence for this type of case. It is important to remember that a request for evidence is not a denial. Depending on the validity of the information in the request and the substance some Requests for Evidence can be overcome, and the case be approved. It is important to carefully review the request and note if there are any errors in the content and application of the regulations by USCIS. If you have an attorney, you should work with them and make sure that you provide any evidence you think may be helpful. Although there is a deadline by which a response must be submitted, attention to detail and patience will go a long way when dealing with having to respond to a request for evidence.  If you believe you may qualify for this type of visa, please feel free to contact our office.
Show More