Volta às aulas!

Angelica Rice • November 3, 2022

Click here to read this article in English

      À medida que o verão chega ao fim e as restrições do COVID-19 diminuem, algumas famílias estrangeiras com vistos de não imigrantes, como B-1 e B-2, podem estar se perguntando se podem matricular seus filhos em escolas públicas.

 

    Os regulamentos especificam que um visitante a negócios visto B-1 ou um turista com um visto B-2 "viola as condições de seu status B-1 ou B-2 se o estrangeiro se matricular em um curso". 8 CFR § 214.2(b)(7).


     Os regulamentos especificam ainda que uma pessoa que deseja estudar deve primeiro obter um visto de estudante F-1 ou M-1, antes de iniciar seus estudos nos Estados Unidos. Os pais que matriculam seus filhos na escola, em violação a esta proibição, correm o risco de ter o visto de seu filho cancelado (revogado) e eles próprios se tornarem inelegíveis para um visto permanente.

      No entanto, em alguns casos, há uma exceção para crianças em idade escolar (ou seja, do ensino fundamental ao médio, K-12) que são dependentes dos pais em status de não imigrante. O ICE observa que, em casos limitados, uma criança B-1/B-2 pode ser autorizada a estudar se " o motivo da viagem dos pais para os Estados Unidos não for para esse fim" (ou seja, estudar não é o objetivo para obter o visto B).


      Como exemplo, o ICE explica que os filhos B2 de um missionário com status B2 podem frequentar a escola K-12 enquanto o pai estiver " em busca do objetivo principal da visita". No entanto, a duração da estadia B2 não será prorrogada para que a criança B2 complete um ano letivo.

     Mais especificamente, as crianças na escola primária e secundária podem ser elegíveis para frequentar a escola pública sob a regra acima. É importante observar que filhos dependentes NÃO PODEM frequentar a escola primária ou secundária com um visto de estudante F-1. Esses vistos não se aplicam a crianças tão jovens e não cobrem a educação nas séries mais baixas. A obtenção de um visto F-1 ou M-1 só permitirá que jovens mais velhos, exemplo: os jovens em idade de ingresso à faculdade, podem frequentar a escola nos Estados Unidos.

   Além disso, os alunos em idade de ensino médio estão limitados a frequentar a escola pública por doze meses e devem tomar providências com antecedência para reembolsar a escola pelo custo total da mensalidade (sem subsídio). Com relação aos filhos dependentes mais velhos no status B, eles NÃO PODEM frequentar cursos superiores (ou seja, faculdade ou universidade) sem primeiro ajustar seu status para F1 ou M1.


   Portanto, uma criança em idade escolar com status B1 ou B2 pode ser autorizada a frequentar escolas K-12, desde que o estudo seja eventual e não tenha sido o objetivo principal ao solicitar o visto B.

This blog is not intended to be legal advice and nothing here should be construed as establishing an attorney client relationship. Please schedule a consultation with an immigration attorney before acting on any information read here.



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Angelica Rice

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.
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