Canadian pension as new immigrant?

All workers in Canada are required to pay into the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) through payroll deductions. Once you turn 65 you may start receiving benefits (in some circumstances you can apply as early as age 60). The amount you will receive will depend on how much and for how long you contributed.

There is another government pension in Canada called Old Age Security (OAS). To qualify for this pension you must have lived in Canada for at least 20 years after you turned 18. OAS benefits start at age 65 so if you qualify you should apply six months before you turn 65.

In addition, Canada has social service agreements with many countries. If you have lived in one of these countries or contributed to its social security system, you may qualify for a pension from that country, from Canada or from both countries.