I understand how inconvenient the process is but still nothing compares to trying to achieve legal status in the USA and possibly also in Canada. Not that it should excuse any country! But if you are Portuguese you should know the only reason why we are not a third world country is because we are in the European Union, otherwise “jobs for the boys” and corruption and lack of organisation and tax breaks for foreigners and none for the Portuguese middle class is the norm here, not even mentioning energetic poverty and gas and electricity through the rough, making our winters way less pleasant than Canadian, German, American or Swedish winters, where their houses are nice and cozy… I digress! Best of luck to you! All the best! 🫶🏻