Brazilian Immigration to Ontario

Immigration to Canada from non‐traditional donor nations has increased in recent years and is likely to continue to increase in the long‐term. This article examines one flow of “new” immigrants: from Brazil to Toronto, Ontario. Their adaptation experiences are analysed from primary data collected from 205 Brazilians interviewed during 1991. A large proportion of the immigrants who arrived after 1987, the year a visa requirement was initiated for Brazilians, gained entry by claiming to be “refugees”. Because of numerous court system delays, this strategy permitted them to work, study and collect social benefits until all their appeals, no matter how spurious, were exhausted. Meantime, many acquired English skills and on‐the‐job training which enabled them to score high enough on the Canadian immigrant point scale to become legal permanent residents. Results also demonstrate that immigrants from Brazil are relatively well educated and highly motivated to succeed. Although the group included some target earners who will return to Brazil, many have become well integrated into Canadian society and desire to remain permanently.