Express Entry from Vietnam

Overview for Vietnamese Applicants

Vietnam is a growing source country for Canadian immigration, with the Vietnamese Canadian community numbering over 240,000 people — one of the largest Southeast Asian communities in Canada. This well-established diaspora dates back to the 1970s and 1980s and provides a strong support network for new immigrants.

Vietnamese Express Entry applicants are increasingly young professionals from Vietnam's rapidly growing economy, with backgrounds in technology, engineering, manufacturing, and finance. Canada's quality of life, education system, and immigrant-friendly policies make it a top destination.

Eligibility Requirements

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)

• Work experience: One year of continuous full-time skilled work in the past 10 years
• Language ability: Minimum CLB 7 in English or French
• Education: Post-secondary credential with an ECA
• Selection grid: Minimum 67 out of 100

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Many Vietnamese nationals come to Canada as international students, then apply through CEC after gaining work experience through PGWPs. Vietnamese student enrollment in Canadian institutions has grown significantly.

Sector Strengths

• Technology: Software development, IT outsourcing (Vietnam's tech sector is booming)
• Engineering: Manufacturing, electronics, mechanical engineering
• Accounting and finance: Banking, auditing
• Healthcare: Nursing, pharmacy
• Education: Teaching, academic research

Language Tests Available in Vietnam

IELTS (General Training)

IELTS is widely available in Vietnam:

• Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC): Multiple centres
• Hanoi: Several testing locations
• Da Nang: Test centres available
• Can Tho, Hai Phong, Nha Trang: Periodic sessions

English education has grown substantially in Vietnam, but many applicants still need focused IELTS preparation, particularly for writing and speaking.

PTE Core

PTE Core centres are available in HCMC and Hanoi.

French Language Tests

Vietnam has historical ties to the French language through its colonial past. Alliance Francaise centres in HCMC, Hanoi, and other cities offer TEF and TCF. Some older Vietnamese applicants may already have French ability, and the Francophonie connection means French resources are more accessible than in many Asian countries.

Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

Vietnamese Education System

• Four-year bachelor's degrees (Cu nhan) from recognized universities: Generally assessed as equivalent to Canadian bachelor's degrees
• Master's degrees (Thac si): Assessed at Canadian master's level
• Three-year college diplomas: Assessed below bachelor's level

ECA Process

• WES: Requires transcripts and degree certificates sent from your Vietnamese institution. Documents in Vietnamese need certified English translation.
• IQAS: Also accepts Vietnamese credentials

Degrees from institutions recognized by Vietnam's Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) are generally accepted.

Documents Specific to Vietnam

Police Clearance Certificate

Vietnamese applicants need a Judicial Record Certificate (Phieu ly lich tu phap):

1. Apply at the Department of Justice in the province where you are registered
2. Submit: National ID, household registration book, passport, and application
3. Processing: Typically 10 to 15 working days
4. For Vietnamese abroad: Apply through the Vietnamese embassy or consulate

Medical Examination

IRCC panel physicians in Vietnam:

• Ho Chi Minh City: Several designated clinics
• Hanoi: Panel physicians available

Additional Documents

• Birth certificate: Certified copy from the local People's Committee
• Marriage certificate: If applicable
• Household registration book (So ho khau): May be needed for other document retrieval
• Employment reference letters: Translated into English with duties and dates
• Military service documents: If applicable for male applicants

CRS Score Tips for Vietnamese Applicants

Typical CRS Profile

• Age: 26-33 years
• Education: Bachelor's degree
• Work experience: 3-5 years in tech or engineering
• IELTS: 6.0-7.0 overall
• CRS score: 410-450 (single applicant)

How to Improve Your CRS Score

1. Invest heavily in English preparation: Language scores are usually the most impactful area for improvement for Vietnamese applicants.

2. Leverage French connection: Vietnam's francophone heritage means French learning resources are accessible. French proficiency adds CRS points and eligibility for francophone draws.

3. Provincial Nominee Program: Atlantic provinces, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan offer PNP pathways welcoming Vietnamese applicants.

4. Canadian education: The study-to-PR pathway (Canadian degree followed by PGWP and CEC) is popular and effective.

5. Master's degree: Upgrading education level adds meaningful CRS points.

Settlement in Canada

Vietnamese Communities Across Canada

• Toronto and GTA (Ontario): Established Vietnamese community, particularly in the Jane and Finch area and along Spadina Avenue
• Vancouver (BC): Large Vietnamese community in East Vancouver and surrounding suburbs
• Montreal (Quebec): Historic Vietnamese community, one of the oldest in Canada
• Calgary and Edmonton (Alberta): Growing communities with Vietnamese restaurants and cultural centres
• Ottawa (Ontario): Vietnamese community with cultural organizations

Cultural Organizations

• Vietnamese Canadian Federation: National organization
• Vietnamese community associations: In every major Canadian city
• Buddhist temples and Catholic churches: Community gathering points
• Vietnamese language schools: For children of immigrants
• Tet (Lunar New Year) celebrations: Major community events across Canada
• Settlement agencies: With Vietnamese-language services in Toronto and Vancouver

Key Resources

• Express Entry overview — IRCC
• Police certificates — Vietnam
• Canadian Embassy in Vietnam
• WES — World Education Services
• IELTS — Book a test