"Hora de Imigrar Project: Free U.S. Immigration Consultations for Brazilians Looking to Move to Florida"

A new initiative, Hora de Imigrar (Time to Immigrate), is gaining attention among Brazilians planning to relocate to the United States. This project brings together U.S.-licensed professionals to offer free consultations through its website, horadeimigrar.com.br. Founded by Brazilian entrepreneurs under the EBEU institution, the project provides comprehensive support for those looking to make the move. Services include immigration law, real estate investment, finance, education planning, and even assistance with obtaining driver’s licenses and health insurance.

The project aims to simplify the immigration process by connecting clients with a network of specialists. According to Maqueli Florida, a prominent real estate expert and one of the project’s key figures, “We created Hora de Imigrar to cover all potential needs of those planning to immigrate. It involves only licensed professionals, ensuring reliable guidance and free initial consultations.”

The realtor Maqueli Florida welcomes new clients: over 70 million reais in sales in just the first half of this year. ( Photo by Lester Banks )

Florida is not only attractive for its warm weather and close-knit Brazilian communities but also because it offers affordable real estate options. A comfortable middle-class home in a top-rated school district can range from $300,000 to $500,000. Financing these properties is accessible,

with Brazilians often using income from Brazil to secure a mortgage. As Maqueli explains, “In many cases, the monthly mortgage payment is similar to what parents pay for private school tuition in Brazil.”

This affordability, coupled with the appeal of a more secure lifestyle, is driving a wave of Brazilian families to make the move. Florida’s growing economy, fueled by a lack of state income tax and capital gains tax, makes it especially attractive for entrepreneurs. The state has also seen a rise in property values, making it an ideal spot for real estate investment.

Maqueli Florida, who has sold over 70 million reais in property this year alone, notes that the pandemic accelerated Florida’s popularity, as remote work allowed more people to consider moving. This migration has extended beyond regular families, as Brazilian celebrities like Ivete Sangalo and Anitta have made headlines with their Orlando real estate purchases.

The U.S. visa landscape is another key factor attracting Brazilian immigrants. Visas like the EB-2 and EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) have become particularly popular. These visas are designed for skilled professionals, with the NIW allowing some applicants to bypass traditional job offer requirements if they can prove their skills are in the national interest of the

U.S. Other popular visas include the EB-3 for skilled workers and the EB-1 for professionals of extraordinary ability, which targets individuals in the top 1% of their fields.

André Linhares, the founder of Linhares Law, emphasizes the importance of understanding the variety of visa options. “There are so many visas that people don’t know about. It’s essential to analyze each case carefully to find the right path for applicants,” says Linhares. His law firm has seen more than 300% growth over the past five years, underscoring the increasing demand for immigration services.

Student visas like the F1 remain a popular choice for those wanting to experience life abroad temporarily, while the EB-5 visa, which offers residency through investment, and the "L" visa for multinational executives are gaining traction.

Supporting this growth, the Hora de Imigrar project includes not only immigration services but also professionals in finance, accounting, and even home furnishing companies, ensuring that immigrants have access to every resource they might need. The initiative is endorsed by LIDE ORLANDO, a key networking group for Brazilian entrepreneurs. Gustavo Prezia, president of LIDE Orlando, believes the project is vital for entrepreneurs looking to establish a life in the U.S., saying, “Providing accurate, qualified information is essential for those planning their move.”

For those seeking further insight, the project also hosts a weekly podcast. Broadcast live from a shopping mall in Orlando, the podcast allows listeners to ask immigration-related questions, which are answered in real-time by licensed experts.

With more than 200,000 Brazilians emigrating between 2021 and 2022 alone, and over 4.6 million Brazilians now living abroad, the demand for immigration services shows no signs of slowing. The United States remains the top destination for these emigrants, with about 2 million Brazilians calling it home. The ease of cultural adaptation, affordable real estate, and strong Brazilian communities continue to make Florida an attractive destination for those seeking a fresh start.