FutureCan Immigration Services

👴 One of the most common questions among Brazilians living in Canada is whether they lose their Brazilian social security contributions after immigrating.

The answer is: not necessarily 👀

Your contribution history in Brazil does not automatically disappear when you move abroad.

In fact, Brazil and Canada have an International Social Security Agreement that may help with matters related to retirement, contributions, and access to certain social security benefits.

Depending on your situation, contribution periods in Brazil and Canada may be considered together to help meet minimum eligibility requirements.

However, this does not mean you will receive a single pension combining both systems.

Each country evaluates applications according to its own rules and calculates any benefits separately.

Some people choose to continue contributing to Brazil’s social security system while living in Canada, while others contribute only to the Canadian system.

This decision depends on your goals, time spent outside Brazil, contribution history, social security category, and long-term financial planning.

That’s why anyone planning to live in Canada should also think about retirement planning, international social security, and financial organization 🇧🇷🇨🇦

Every situation is unique, especially for those who have contribution histories in both countries.

Before deciding whether to stop or continue contributing, it is recommended to seek professional guidance.

💬 Do you plan to retire in Brazil or in Canada?

Ontario will need more than 1 million university-educated workers by 2035.

But it’s not just about the number.

For anyone thinking about studying in Canada, this kind of data helps clarify which fields may have more market strength, stronger connections to employers, and greater relevance within an immigration strategy.

This does not mean that an in-demand field guarantees permanent residence.

But it does mean that your program, institution, PGWP eligibility, Canadian work experience, occupation, and PR strategy must all align.

Studying in Canada can be a major part of your plan. But studying without a strategy can leave you with a degree, debt, and little clarity on your next step.

💰 Are you financially prepared to come to Canada?

When planning to study, work or immigrate to Canada, many people focus only on the most obvious costs: visa fees, flight tickets, tuition and proof of funds.

But the real cost of arrival can go far beyond the minimum amount required by immigration.

Rent, groceries, transportation, health insurance, phone, internet, winter clothing, housing deposits, furniture, documents and the time it may take to start earning income can completely change your budget.

For international students, the Government of Canada requires proof of financial support for a study permit. For applications submitted on or after September 1, 2025, outside Quebec, the minimum living expense amount for 1 person is CAD 22,895 per year — and this does not include tuition or transportation.

For work permit holders, it is also important to remember that even with authorization to work, it may take time to find a job and receive your first paycheque.

For permanent residence applicants, some programs may require proof of funds. However, this amount should not be confused with a comfortable settlement reserve.

The biggest mistake is treating the minimum amount required by immigration as the real budget for moving to Canada.

Proof of funds is not financial planning.
It is only one part of it.

A realistic financial plan should consider your city, visa type, family size, lifestyle, tuition, housing and the time it may take to start earning income in Canada.

Financial planning is also part of your immigration journey. 🇨🇦

Do you think people underestimate the cost of living in Canada?