Brazilian creates 'immigrant Netflix' to make life easier for those moving to the US

US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) data reveals that in 2023, 28,050 Brazilians obtained green cards – the American document for permanent residency. This is the largest volume ever recorded, and the fourth consecutive record set in the past five years. Additionally, there were 12,570 Brazilian naturalizations in the same year, placing Brazil as the 16th country to receive this benefit.

Facing this scenario of increasing immigration to the Americas, a Brazilian entrepreneur created a Viva Academy A digital platform aiming to be the "Netflix for immigrants," with numerous videos and interactive content to address the main questions and challenges faced by those seeking a new life in the US.

The platform offers content pathways that explain, for example, how immigrants can buy or rent a house, obtain insurance, enroll their children in school, get a scholarship, secure financing, create an English-language resume, obtain a driver's license, and validate their diploma, among other possibilities. 

Viva Academy's mission is to simplify the immigrant journey, offering a unique methodology based on real-case studies and expert-taught content. For a subscription of R$1,197 per year, users gain access to a library of hundreds of videos covering a wide range of topics, totaling approximately 200 hours of content by the end of the year. 

"Our goal is to ease the lives of these immigrants by providing information, knowledge, and security, eliminating the uncertainties surrounding the immigration process. Viva Academy is more than a platform; it's a community that supports and inspires," says Angelo Whosoever, founder of Viva Academy.

The platform, available on the web and in Android and iOS apps, is 100% digital, ensuring easy and practical access from anywhere. New trails are released monthly, keeping users updated. Subscribers also have access to exclusive discounts on services from partner specialists, such as visa advisors, educational consultants, and psychologists.

Weekly, Viva Academy hosts live sessions with experts to keep users updated on immigration news, allowing immigrants to ask questions in real time. 

From theory to practice

The Viva Academy idea arose from Whosoever's experience with their immigration process, which took approximately two years and resulted, in 2024, in the approval of their Form I-140 – the first step before the final issuance of the green card. 

Through my research and conversations with others, I've recognized a range of bureaucratic and cultural obstacles that need to be overcome, beyond just obtaining a green card. That's why I decided to create a platform that not only guides immigrants through the process, but also helps them integrate and thrive in the US *before* they even leave Brazil.

With plans to expand its collection to over 500 videos and reach 10,000 registered users by the end of 2025, the Viva Academy We aim to be the leading resource for immigrants seeking not only a green card, but also a fulfilling and successful life in the United States.