---
title: United States to Ecuador Move Guide (2026)
description: Free complete guide to moving from United States to Ecuador. Laws, costs, banking, healthcare, culture, jobs, visa, and scam protection. Updated 2026.
image: https://migrantiq.com/og/default.png
---

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MOVE FROM UNITED STATES TO ECUADOR

Starter · 0%

Moving from the United States to Ecuador requires careful planning and understanding of various processes. Ecuador offers several visa options, including the Business/Investor Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, and Pensioner/Retirement Visa, among others. Each visa has specific requirements, so you should verify details with official government sources or licensed immigration professionals. It's also important to consider the cost of living, which is significantly lower in Ecuador compared to the U.S., with a delta of -37.9 in the cost of living index. However, you may experience a decrease in typical net salary by about $5,661.

Before making the move, learn about local laws, such as Work Authorization Rules and Tax Residency and Income Reporting. Understanding these laws will help you adjust to life in Ecuador more smoothly. Scams are prevalent, so be cautious about services that request payment for document translation, notary services, or fast-track assistance. Plan your first 30 days carefully, including securing housing, understanding local transportation, and registering your address with local authorities.

To move from the United States to Ecuador, explore visa options like the Digital Nomad Visa or Business/Investor Visa. Verify requirements and costs through official government channels. Be aware of potential scams, especially regarding document services and rental agreements. In your first month, focus on securing housing, registering your address, and understanding local laws. Adjusting to the lower cost of living can be beneficial, but prepare for a potential decrease in net salary.

Immigration rules and fees change frequently. Confirm current requirements on official government or embassy websites.

AI-assisted. Parts of this page may be drafted with AI and editor-reviewed. Always confirm rules, fees, and hours on official government sources before you act. How we use AI [/about/ai/] · Editorial standards [/about/editorial-standards/]

Publisher: MigrantIQ EditorialUpdated regularly5 min readVerify official sources

Corridor hub

UNITED STATES → ECUADOR AT A GLANCE

16

Visas

[/move/united-states-to-ecuador/visas/]

6

Laws

[/laws/ecuador/]

6

Scam alerts

[/scam-alerts/ecuador/]

0

Stories

[/stories/?corridor=united-states-to-ecuador]

0

Experts

[/experts/ecuador/]

PLANNING TOOLS

 * Interactive plan [/plan/united-states-to-ecuador/]
   
   Milestones, checklists, and saved corridor steps.

 * Cost calculator [/calculator/united-states-to-ecuador/]
   
   Compare living costs and salary signals.

 * Eligibility quiz [/tools/eligibility/]
   
   Screen visa pathways before deep research.

 * Scam check [/tools/scam-check/]
   
   Paste an offer or URL to match known fraud patterns.

 * Arrival checklist [/checklist/ecuador/]
   
   First-month tasks after landing.

 * Community hub [/community/united-states-to-ecuador/]
   
   Articles, tools, and corridor resources in one place.

CORRIDOR ARTICLES

Browse blog → [/blog/?q=Ecuador]
 * US Makes End of Automatic EAD Extensions Final From 14 October 2026 [/blog/us-makes-end-of-automatic-ead-extensions-final-from-14-october-2026/]
   
   DHS has finalized the end of automatic work permit extensions, effective 14 October 2026. If you file an EAD renewal now, your card stops on its printed end date unless USCIS approves the renewal first. Here is who is affected and how to plan.

 * US Proposes Ending Deference for H-1B and L-1 Visa Extensions [/blog/us-proposes-ending-deference-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visa-extensions/]
   
   DHS published a proposed rule on 14 October 2026 to end deference to prior approvals for Form I-129 extensions. Here is what the change means for H-1B, L-1, O-1 and TN workers, and how to comment by 13 November.

 * US Suspends Microsoft, Adobe and Six Outsourcing Firms From PERM Green Card Program [/blog/us-suspends-microsoft-adobe-and-six-outsourcing-firms-from-perm-green-card/]
   
   The US Labor Department froze new and pending PERM green card filings for Microsoft, Adobe and six outsourcing firms on 8 October 2026. Here is what the suspension covers, what 20 CFR 656.31 says, and the steps sponsored workers should take now.

 * US Extends Social Media Screening to TN, TD and I Visas From 1 October 2026 [/blog/us-extends-social-media-screening-to-tn-td-and-i-visas-from-1-october-2026/]
   
   From 1 October 2026, the US State Department reviews the online presence of TN, TD and I visa applicants. You must set every social media profile to public before your consular interview. Here is who is covered and how to prepare.

Stay updated

Rules change often. Subscribe to free policy alerts for the countries you care about — no account required.

Set up policy alerts [/tools/policy-alerts/]

Pathway ranking

TOP VISAS BY YOUR GOAL

Ranked from published visa records — always confirm eligibility on the official immigration portal.

WorkStudyFamilyPermanent residence
 1. Rank 1
    
    Business / Investor Visa
    
    business · 3-9 months (business approval + visa)
    
    Score 86
    
    Matches work pathway signals (employment, business)
    
    Open visa guide →
    
    [/visas/ecuador/business-investor/]
 2. Rank 2
    
    Work / Employment Visa
    
    work · 4-16 weeks (employer + government processing)
    
    Score 86
    
    Matches work pathway signals (work, employment)
    
    Open visa guide →
    
    [/visas/ecuador/work-employment/]
 3. Rank 3
    
    Work Visa (12-VI)
    
    migration · 8-8 weeks
    
    Score 78
    
    Matches work pathway signals (work)
    
    Open visa guide →
    
    [/visas/ecuador/work-visa-12-vi/]

Route comparison

TOP PATHWAYS FOR WORK

Compare published visa routes on this corridor — not a eligibility guarantee.

 * Work / Employment Visa
   
   Best match
   
   work · 4-16 weeks (employer + government processing)
   
   Fees: Government Fee: Confirm on official portal · Biometrics Fee: Usually included (+2 more)
   
   Open visa guide →
   
   [/visas/ecuador/work-employment/]

 * Business / Investor Visa
   
   Strong alternative
   
   business · 3-9 months (business approval + visa)
   
   Fees: Government Fee: Confirm on official portal · Business Registration: Local company registration and tax fees (+1 more)
   
   Open visa guide →
   
   [/visas/ecuador/business-investor/]

 * Work Visa (12-VI)
   
   Consider
   
   migration · 8-8 weeks
   
   Fees: Min Income Points: , · Min Savings: , (+2 more)
   
   Open visa guide →
   
   [/visas/ecuador/work-visa-12-vi/]

VisaCategoryProcessingFees (published)FitWork / Employment Visa [/visas/ecuador/work-employment/]work4-16 weeks (employer + government processing)Government Fee: Confirm on official portal · Biometrics Fee: Usually included (+2 more)Best matchBusiness / Investor Visa [/visas/ecuador/business-investor/]business3-9 months (business approval + visa)Government Fee: Confirm on official portal · Business Registration: Local company registration and tax fees (+1 more)Strong alternativeWork Visa (12-VI) [/visas/ecuador/work-visa-12-vi/]migration8-8 weeksMin Income Points: , · Min Savings: , (+2 more)Consider

Timeline tracker

IF YOU APPLY TODAY

Estimates from published processing times for Ecuador. Always confirm on the official portal.

VisaProcessing (published)Est. weeksApply by (estimate)Business / Investor Visa [/visas/ecuador/business-investor/]3-9 months (business approval + visa)39—Digital Nomad Visa [/visas/ecuador/digital-nomad-visa/]17-17 weeks17—Family / Spouse Visa [/visas/ecuador/family-spouse/]6-24 weeks (varies by relationship and country)24—Family Amparo Visa [/visas/ecuador/family-amparo/]30-60 days9—Investor Visa [/visas/ecuador/investor-visa/]4-12 weeks12—

Open visa timeline tool → [/tools/timeline/?country=ecuador]

Printable decision brief → [/move/united-states-to-ecuador/brief/]

Risk awareness

SCAMS, LAWS & MISTAKES — ECUADOR

Review before paying fees or sharing documents. Report suspicious offers via our scam check tool.

 * Scam alertmedium
   Document Translation, Notary, or Apostille Overcharge [/scam-alerts/ecuador/document-translation-notary-overcharge/]
   
   In Ecuador, newcomers sometimes hit scams related to document services such as translation, notarisation, and apostille processes. Some…

 * Scam alertmedium
   Fake Border, Airport, or Fast-Track Assistance Fee [/scam-alerts/ecuador/fake-border-airport-assistance-fee/]
   
   In Ecuador, tourists, first-time travelers, workers, and students may encounter a scam involving fake fees for border, airport, or…

 * Scam alertmedium
   Fake University or Scholarship Letter [/scam-alerts/ecuador/fake-university-or-scholarship-letter/]
   
   In Ecuador, aspiring students and their families must be cautious of scams involving fake university or scholarship letters. These scams…

 * Scam alertmedium
   Rental Deposit Before Viewing or Contract [/scam-alerts/ecuador/rental-deposit-before-viewing/]
   
   In Ecuador, a common housing fraud involves scammers advertising fake rental listings, particularly targeting newcomers, students,…

 * Lawcritical
   Work Authorisation Rules [/laws/ecuador/work-authorisation-rules/]
   
   In Ecuador, understanding the work authorization rules is important for anyone looking to engage in employment. A visa that allows entry…

 * Lawhigh
   Tax Residency and Income Reporting [/laws/ecuador/tax-residency-and-income-reporting/]
   
   In Ecuador, tax residency is determined by the duration of your stay in the country. If you live in Ecuador for more than 183 days in a…

 * Lawcritical
   Immigration Status and Overstay Rules [/laws/ecuador/immigration-status-and-overstay-rules/]
   
   In Ecuador, your right to remain in the country is tied directly to your visa type, residency permit, or entry stamp. It's important to be…

 * Common mistakeadvisory
   
   Paying unlicensed consultants who promise guaranteed visa approval
   
   Common corridor planning mistake — verify with official sources.

 * Common mistakeadvisory
   
   Using unofficial payment links instead of government portals
   
   Common corridor planning mistake — verify with official sources.

 * Common mistakeadvisory
   
   Submitting incomplete proof-of-funds or outdated bank statements
   
   Common corridor planning mistake — verify with official sources.

Run scam check → [/tools/scam-check/]

Corridor feed

GUIDES, ANSWERS & PEOPLE

Community hub → [/community/united-states-to-ecuador/]
 * Article
   US Makes End of Automatic EAD Extensions Final From 14 October 2026 [/blog/us-makes-end-of-automatic-ead-extensions-final-from-14-october-2026/]
   
   DHS has finalized the end of automatic work permit extensions, effective 14 October 2026. If you file an EAD renewal now, your card stops on its printed end date unless USCIS approves the renewal first. Here is who is affected and how to plan.

 * Article
   US Proposes Ending Deference for H-1B and L-1 Visa Extensions [/blog/us-proposes-ending-deference-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visa-extensions/]
   
   DHS published a proposed rule on 14 October 2026 to end deference to prior approvals for Form I-129 extensions. Here is what the change means for H-1B, L-1, O-1 and TN workers, and how to comment by 13 November.

 * Article
   US Suspends Microsoft, Adobe and Six Outsourcing Firms From PERM Green Card Program [/blog/us-suspends-microsoft-adobe-and-six-outsourcing-firms-from-perm-green-card/]
   
   The US Labor Department froze new and pending PERM green card filings for Microsoft, Adobe and six outsourcing firms on 8 October 2026. Here is what the suspension covers, what 20 CFR 656.31 says, and the steps sponsored workers should take now.

 * Article
   US Extends Social Media Screening to TN, TD and I Visas From 1 October 2026 [/blog/us-extends-social-media-screening-to-tn-td-and-i-visas-from-1-october-2026/]
   
   From 1 October 2026, the US State Department reviews the online presence of TN, TD and I visa applicants. You must set every social media profile to public before your consular interview. Here is who is covered and how to prepare.

 * Article
   US Raises ESTA, Parole and TPS Fees From 16 October 2026 [/blog/us-raises-esta-parole-and-tps-fees-from-16-october-2026/]
   
   DHS has raised H.R. 1 immigration fees for fiscal year 2027. From 16 October 2026, ESTA costs $40.62, the parole fee hits $1,050, and several TPS, asylum, and parole EAD fees rise by $10. USCIS rejects filings postmarked from 16 October with the old fee.

 * Article
   State Department Restricts Visas for Child Abduction Obstruction From 28 September 2026 [/blog/state-department-restricts-visas-for-child-abduction-obstruction-from-28-se/]
   
   On 28 September 2026 Secretary Rubio announced U.S. visa restrictions for people who obstruct international parental child abduction returns, plus immediate family members. The policy cites INA 212(a)(3)(C) and follows the 2026 Hague noncompliance report.

 * Q&A
   What should I know about the Ecuador visa for Indians? [/qa/what-should-i-know-about-the-ecuador-visa-for-indians-global-a54140cd/]
   
   Indians traveling to Ecuador typically need a visa, which can be applied for online or at an Ecuadorian consulate.…

 * Q&A
   What should I know about Ecuador visa for Indian citizens? [/qa/what-should-i-know-about-ecuador-visa-for-indian-citizens-global-5470b345/]
   
   Indian citizens need a visa to enter Ecuador. It's important to check the latest visa requirements and application…

 * Q&A
   Do US citizens need a visa to travel to Ecuador? [/qa/do-us-citizens-need-a-visa-to-travel-to-ecuador-global-dff6aaf0/]
   
   US citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days in Ecuador for tourism or business. However, you should check…

Grounded advisor

ASK ABOUT THIS PAGE

Answers cite MigrantIQ pages first — not legal advice.

Open advisor
 * Corridor hub [/move/united-states-to-ecuador/]
 * Ecuador visas [/visas/ecuador/]
 * Corridor visas [/move/united-states-to-ecuador/visas/]
 * Interactive plan [/plan/united-states-to-ecuador/]
 * Cost calculator [/calculator/united-states-to-ecuador/]
 * Wage calculator [/tools/wage-calculator/ecuador/]
 * Funds calculator [/tools/funds-requirement-calculator/ecuador/]
 * Scam check [/tools/scam-check/]

Save corridor to My Plan
Open interactive plan → [/plan/united-states-to-ecuador/]

UNITED STATES

🇺🇸

Country migration profile

united-states

View country guide →

[/countries/united-states/]

ECUADOR

🇪🇨

Capital: Quito · Americas

ecuador

View country guide →

[/countries/ecuador/]

CORRIDOR SNAPSHOT

 * Cost of living delta: -37.9 index points
 * Net salary delta: -5661 per month
 * Destination capital: Quito

MOVE TIMELINE

 * - 6-12 months: choose visa pathway, budget, and document plan
 * - 3-6 months: gather proof of funds, translations, employment or study evidence
 * - 1-3 months: confirm housing, insurance, travel, and arrival documents
 * - First 30 days: complete local registration, banking, healthcare, phone, and safety setup

OFFICIAL CORRIDOR LINKS

 * United States official immigration source [https://www.uscis.gov/]
   
   Use for departure, passport, and local exit obligations where relevant.

 * Ecuador official immigration source [https://www.cancilleria.gob.ec/]
   
   Use for visa eligibility, forms, fees, appointments, and entry rules.

TOP VISA OPTIONS

 * Business / Investor Visa
   
   business · 3-9 months (business approval + visa)
   
   Open visa guide →
   
   [/visas/ecuador/business-investor/]

 * Digital Nomad Visa
   
   migration · 17-17 weeks
   
   Open visa guide →
   
   [/visas/ecuador/digital-nomad-visa/]

 * Family / Spouse Visa
   
   family · 6-24 weeks (varies by relationship and country)
   
   Open visa guide →
   
   [/visas/ecuador/family-spouse/]

ASSUMPTIONS & LIMITS

 * - Corridor guidance combines structured country, visa, law, cost, and scam-alert data.
 * - Official government portals override MigrantIQ summaries for eligibility, fees, forms, and appointments.
 * - Cost and salary deltas are directional signals, not personal budget guarantees.
 * - Use licensed advice for case-specific immigration or legal decisions.

SOURCES & OFFICIAL LINKS

 * MigrantIQ country and corridor data
   
   Structured data from country, visa, law, and scam alert records.

 * Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana [https://www.cancilleria.gob.ec/]
   
   Official destination source for current visa and entry rules.

CONTINUE WITH OFFICIAL PLANNING

Ecuador arrival checklist [/checklist/ecuador/]Ecuador visa hub [/visas/ecuador/]People Stories for this corridor [/stories/?corridor=united-states-to-ecuador]Ask Q&A about Ecuador [/qa/?destination=ecuador]Compare United States and Ecuador [/compare/united-states-vs-ecuador/]

Feedback

Was this guide helpful?

Your answer helps us improve guides and update priority.

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PLAN UNITED STATES → ECUADOR

Quick links from MigrantIQ for this corridor — visas, tools, Q&A, and stories.

TOOLS

 * Cost calculator [/calculator/united-states-to-ecuador/]
 * Ecuador visa hub [/visas/ecuador/]
 * Eligibility quiz [/tools/eligibility/]
 * Arrival checklist [/checklist/ecuador/]
 * Compare countries [/compare/united-states-vs-ecuador/]
 * Ecuador embassies in United States [/embassies/ecuador-in-united-states/]

VISAS IN ECUADOR

 * Business / Investor Visa [/visas/ecuador/business-investor/]business
 * Digital Nomad Visa [/visas/ecuador/digital-nomad-visa/]migration
 * Family / Spouse Visa [/visas/ecuador/family-spouse/]family
 * Family Amparo Visa [/visas/ecuador/family-amparo/]family
 * Investor Visa [/visas/ecuador/investor-visa/]migration
 * Pensioner/Retirement Visa [/visas/ecuador/pensioner-retirement-visa/]migration
 * Permanent Residence [/visas/ecuador/permanent-residence/]residency
 * Permanent Residency / Settlement [/visas/ecuador/permanent-residency/]residency

All Ecuador visas → [/visas/ecuador/]

POPULAR Q&A

 * What should I know about the Ecuador visa for Indians? [/qa/what-should-i-know-about-the-ecuador-visa-for-indians-global-a54140cd/]
 * What should I know about Ecuador visa for Indian citizens? [/qa/what-should-i-know-about-ecuador-visa-for-indian-citizens-global-5470b345/]
 * Do US citizens need a visa to travel to Ecuador? [/qa/do-us-citizens-need-a-visa-to-travel-to-ecuador-global-dff6aaf0/]

ECUADOR EMBASSIES & CONSULATES IN UNITED STATES

Where to apply from United States for visas and consular services to Ecuador. 13 active missions listed. Always confirm with the mission before you apply.

 * Consulate of Ecuador in Atlanta, Unitedstates [/embassies/mission/ecuador-in-united-states-atlanta-consulate/] — Consulate, Atlanta
 * Consulate of Ecuador in Boston, Unitedstates [/embassies/mission/ecuador-in-united-states-boston-consulate/] — Consulate, Boston
 * Consulate of Ecuador in Chicago, Unitedstates [/embassies/mission/ecuador-in-united-states-chicago-consulate/] — Consulate, Chicago
 * Consulate of Ecuador in Dallas, Unitedstates [/embassies/mission/ecuador-in-united-states-dallas-consulate/] — Consulate, Dallas
 * Consulate of Ecuador in Houston, Unitedstates [/embassies/mission/ecuador-in-united-states-houston-consulate/] — Consulate, Houston

View all Ecuador missions in United States → [/embassies/ecuador-in-united-states/]

Important — not legal or government advice

MigrantIQ lists diplomatic missions for planning reference only. We are not a government service. Contact details may be incomplete or outdated — always confirm appointments, fees, and requirements on the official mission website or your destination government portal before you travel or apply.

Terms [/terms/]Privacy [/privacy/]Report inaccurate data [/contact/]

Summarize this page with AI

Opens your assistant with a pre-filled prompt (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude). Gemini uses Google AI Mode.

Ask AI ↗

Not affiliated with any AI platform. Always verify immigration rules on official government sites.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT VISA OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR MOVING TO ECUADOR FROM THE UNITED STATES?

Ecuador offers several visa options for U.S. citizens, including the Business/Investor Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, and Pensioner/Retirement Visa. Each visa has specific eligibility criteria and documentation requirements. Check official government sites for the most accurate and updated information.

WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE NEEDED TO APPLY FOR A VISA TO ECUADOR?

Required documents vary by visa type but generally include a valid passport, proof of income or funds, background checks, and health insurance. It's essential to verify specific requirements for your chosen visa category through official sources.

WHAT SHOULD I PREPARE FINANCIALLY BEFORE MOVING TO ECUADOR?

Prepare for the lower cost of living in Ecuador, which is about 37.9% less than in the U.S. However, be aware that your typical net salary might decrease by approximately $5,661. Have enough funds to cover initial expenses, including housing and transportation.

WHAT ARE COMMON SCAMS TO WATCH FOR WHEN MOVING TO ECUADOR?

Be cautious of scams involving document translation, notary services, and fake rental agreements. Avoid paying rental deposits before viewing properties or signing contracts. Always verify service providers against official sources to avoid fraud.

WHAT SHOULD I FOCUS ON DURING MY FIRST 30 DAYS IN ECUADOR?

In your first month, prioritize securing housing and registering your address with local authorities. Learn about local transportation options and learn about the laws that may affect your stay, such as Work Authorization Rules and Tax Residency requirements.

HOW DO I REGISTER MY ADDRESS IN ECUADOR?

To register your address, visit the local municipality office in your area. You will need to provide proof of residence, such as a lease agreement. This registration is important for legal residency and compliance with local laws.

More corridor answers in Q&A for Ecuador [/qa/?destination=ecuador].

Advertisement300 × 250AdSense zone

RELEVANT LAWS

 * Work Authorisation Rules [/laws/ecuador/work-authorisation-rules/]critical
 * Tax Residency and Income Reporting [/laws/ecuador/tax-residency-and-income-reporting/]high
 * Immigration Status and Overstay Rules [/laws/ecuador/immigration-status-and-overstay-rules/]critical

ACTIVE SCAM ALERTS

 * Document Translation, Notary, or Apostille Overcharge [/scam-alerts/ecuador/document-translation-notary-overcharge/]medium
 * Fake Border, Airport, or Fast-Track Assistance Fee [/scam-alerts/ecuador/fake-border-airport-assistance-fee/]medium

Plan smarter

Save countries, compare destinations, track visa checklists, and sync your migration plan across devices.

Open My Plan [/plan/]Account Dashboard [/account/]

Free resources

TOOLS & GUIDES

Full sitemap → [/sitemap/]

PLAN YOUR MOVE

 * Eligibility quiz [/tools/eligibility/]
 * Tax calculator [/tools/tax-calculator/]
 * Tax compare [/tools/tax-compare/]
 * Tax guides [/tools/tax-guides/]
 * Points calculator [/tools/points-calculator/]
 * Cost calculator [/calculator/]
 * Move planner [/tools/planner/]
 * Best country [/tools/best-country/]
 * Pathway finder [/tools/pathway-finder/]
 * Corridor fit [/tools/corridor-fit/]
 * Compare 3 countries [/tools/compare-three/]
 * Job → visa matcher [/tools/job-visa-match/]
 * Scam checker [/tools/scam-check/]
 * All tools [/tools/]

GUIDES & SAFETY

 * Visa guides [/visas/]
 * Scholarships [/scholarships/]
 * Government jobs [/government-jobs/]
 * Immigration updates [/countries/canada/immigration-updates/]
 * Embassies [/embassies/]
 * Laws [/laws/]
 * Scam alerts [/scam-alerts/]
 * Checklists [/checklist/]
 * Country profiles [/countries/]

ARRIVAL HUBS

 * Settle [/settle/]
 * Driving [/driving/]
 * Sponsors [/sponsors/]
 * Ancestry [/ancestry/]
 * Housing [/housing/]
 * Money [/money/]
 * Family [/family/]
 * Pets [/pets/]
 * Shipping [/shipping/]
 * Investment [/investment/]
 * Retire [/retire/]
 * Return [/return/]
 * Safe migration [/safe-migration/]

COMMUNITY

 * Q&A [/qa/]
 * People stories [/stories/]
 * Blog [/blog/]
 * Android app (Google Play) [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.migrantiq.app&hl=en]
 * Write for us [/write-for-us/]
 * Experts [/experts/]
 * Apply for expert listing [/experts/apply/]
 * Documentation [/documentation/]
 * Employers (HR) [/employers/]

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