Canada has become an ideal immigration destination thanks to its transparent policies and diverse programs tailored for Vietnamese applicants. Immigration to Canada refers to the process in which foreign nationals settle and legally work in Canada on a long-term basis. Once you meet the requirements, you will be granted Permanent Resident (PR) status and may eventually apply for Canadian citizenship.
In this article, Phan Immigration will provide you with comprehensive information on the eligibility criteria and the four most common immigration pathways to Canada. As a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) licensed by the Government of Canada, we are committed to delivering accurate information, lawful advice, and supporting you every step of the way on your journey to obtaining Canadian Permanent Residency (PR).
Why Choose Canada for Immigration?
- Proactive immigration policy: The Canadian government actively expands its intake, welcoming over 1 million newcomers each year, fostering a rich and friendly multicultural society.
- Fast PR processing: The processing time for Permanent Residency (PR) is only about 12–16 months, allowing you to quickly settle down and enjoy full social benefits.
- Transparent and simplified procedures: Compared to the U.S. or Australia, Canada’s application process is more straightforward, with fewer documents required and less administrative burden.
- Strong economy and dynamic labor market: Canada offers a stable economy and a wide range of job opportunities across industries, from high-tech sectors to services.
- World-class education system: With internationally recognized public schools, affordable tuition fees, and globally accepted degrees, Canada opens doors to scholarships and professional career opportunities.
High quality of life: Canada consistently ranks at the top of U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Countries,” highlighting its excellence in living standards and development opportunities. - Comprehensive healthcare and social welfare: Permanent residents enjoy free public healthcare and extensive social benefits, ensuring long-term security for your family.
- Affordable investment for immigration: With an investment starting at around 3 billion VND, Canada offers a more cost-effective option compared to equivalent programs in Europe.
- Safe, stable, and inclusive environment: Political stability, strong security, and progressive equality policies make it easy for immigrants to integrate and build a prosperous life.
Overview of the 4 Most Common Canadian Immigration Pathways
Many people wonder which program they should choose, or which pathway offers the easiest option to immigrate to Canada. In fact, Canada currently operates a wide range of immigration programs tailored to different applicant groups. Below are the four main categories that are most popular among Vietnamese applicants.
Business Investment Immigration to Canada
The Canadian business investment immigration pathway offers entrepreneurs and experienced managers the opportunity to build a new life in one of the world’s leading developed countries. Through programs such as the Start-up Visa (SUV) and Provincial Nominee Program – Entrepreneur (PNP Entrepreneur), Canada provides a gateway for you to realize your immigration goals based on your business vision and capabilities.
The processing time ranges from approximately 12 to 43 months, depending on the specific program.
Skilled Worker Immigration to Canada
The skilled worker immigration pathway is designed for individuals with professional expertise, work experience, and language proficiency who wish to establish a stable life in a developed country. Programs such as Express Entry, Skilled Worker Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) provide clear pathways to transform your skills and efforts into long-term permanent residency.
- Processing time: Fast, typically 6–12 months through Express Entry.
- 2025 Immigration Targets:
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): 55,000 PRs
- Federal Economic Priorities: 41,700 PRs
- Federal Economic Pilots: 10,920 PRs
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): 5,000 PRs
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 82,980 PRs
Family Sponsorship, Marriage, and Reunification Immigration to Canada
The family sponsorship immigration program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents (PR) to sponsor their relatives—spouses, children, parents, and grandparents—to come to Canada and obtain permanent residency. This is considered one of the fastest immigration pathways available as a benefit of Canadian citizenship.
- Processing time: Approximately 15–24 months, depending on the specific case and the number of applications in the queue at the time of submission.
- 2025 Immigration Target: 94,500 PRs
Study Pathway to Canadian Immigration
The study pathway is a suitable and accessible option for young individuals who plan to build a long-term future in Canada. After completing their academic program, international students may remain in Canada to work for 1–3 years through the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
- Processing time: Varies depending on individual circumstances, but typically ranges from 6 to 18 months or longer.
- 2025 Immigration Target: 305,900 PRs
Eligibility Requirements for a Canadian Immigration Visa
The requirements for Canadian immigration vary depending on the program you apply for. However, here are five general conditions you should review before deciding on a specific immigration pathway.
Educational Qualifications
Education is one of the key factors in assessing your potential contribution to Canada’s economy.
- You must have completed high school (secondary education). A college or university degree is an advantage.
- You are required to obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a designated organization such as WES, ICAS, or IQAS.
An ECA is a report issued by an organization designated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to verify that your foreign degree, diploma, or certificate is valid and equivalent to a Canadian credential. This is a mandatory requirement for the principal applicant in all Canadian immigration programs.
Steps to Obtain an ECA for Canadian Immigration:
- Select an IRCC-designated organization that matches your field of study.
- Create an account on the chosen organization’s website.
- Enter information about your highest educational qualification.
- Provide a valid mailing address.
- Prepare and review all required documents.
- Confirm the information in your application form.
- Pay the assessment fee online.
- Safely store your reference number.
- Monitor your account for application status updates.
- Receive your ECA result.
Work Experience
Practical work experience demonstrates that you have the skills required to participate in Canada’s labor market.
- For business investment immigration programs: You must have at least 3 years within the last 10 years of senior management experience or business ownership. The exact number of years may vary depending on the specific program.
- For skilled worker immigration programs: You must have at least 1 year of full-time work experience (or an equivalent amount of part-time work) within the last 10 years.
Your occupation must fall under one of the categories listed in Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) system, which organizes jobs based on skill type and responsibilities (TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5).
Below is a list of 23 in-demand occupations in Canada:
| NOC Code | Occupation / Job Title |
| 10010 | Financial Managers |
| 10011 | Human Resources Directors |
| 20010 | Engineering Managers |
| 20012 | Information Technology (IT) Systems Managers |
| 70010 | Construction Managers |
| 11100 | Auditors & Accountants |
| 11101 | Financial/Investment Analysts |
| 11109 | Other Financial Specialists |
| 12010 | Administrative Supervisors, Managers, and Support Services for Workers |
| 14101 | Receptionists |
| 21310 | Electrical and Electronics Engineers |
| 21233 | Web Designers and Developers |
| 21234 | Web Developers and Programmers |
| 31301 | Registered Psychiatric Nurses |
| 41402 | Business Development Officers |
| 62101 | Sales Associates (Wholesale and Retail) |
| 64101 | Sales Representatives |
| 72106 | Welders and Related Machine Operators |
| 72401 | Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics |
| 72600 | Pilots, Flight Engineers, and Flying Instructors |
| 73300 | Truck Drivers |
| 73400 | Heavy Equipment Operators |
| 75110 | Construction Laborers |
Language Proficiency
Proficiency in English or French is an essential requirement for Canadian immigration, enabling you to integrate successfully into daily life and the labor market.
Each program has different language requirements:
- Business immigration programs: Minimum CLB 5 (equivalent to IELTS 4.0 in Reading and 5.0 in Listening).
- Skilled worker programs: Minimum CLB 5–7, depending on the program and TEER category.
The higher your language score, the higher your CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) points, which increases your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
It is important to note that IELTS scores are not assessed directly but must be converted into the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) system recognized by IRCC.
Below is the conversion table between IELTS General Training scores and CLB levels:
| CLB Level | IELTS Listening | IELTS Reading | IELTS Writing | IELTS Speaking |
| 12 | 9.0 | 9.0 | 9.0 | 9.0 |
| 11 | 9.0 | 8.5 | 8.0 | 8.0 |
| 10 | 8.5 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
| 9 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 6 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 5 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| 3 | 3.5 | 2.5 | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| 2 | 2.5 | 1.5 | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| 1 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 |
IELTS General Training scores converted to CLB levels as recognized by IRCC.
Financial Requirements
To ensure you can cover your living expenses upon arrival in Canada, you must meet the financial requirements set by IRCC, depending on the immigration program you choose.
- You must demonstrate proof of minimum savings.
- The minimum amount is updated annually by IRCC and depends on the size of your family.
Below is the latest Proof of Funds 2025 table as regulated by IRCC:
| Family Size | Required Funds (CAD) | Equivalent (VND) |
| 1 | $15,263 | ~291,105,093 VND |
| 2 | $19,001 | ~362,398,472 VND |
| 3 | $23,360 | ~445,535,936 VND |
| 4 | $28,362 | ~540,937,081 VND |
| 5 | $32,168 | ~613,527,396 VND |
| 6 | $36,280 | ~691,953,928 VND |
| 7 | $40,392 | ~770,380,459 VND |
| Each additional member (above 7) | $4,112 | ~78,426,531 VND |
| Source: canada.ca – July 2025 update
Exchange rate as of July 11, 2025 |
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Background and Health Requirements
Canada places great importance on public safety and community health. Therefore, all applicants and their dependents must meet both criminal background and medical requirements.
- Clean criminal record: You must provide a Police Certificate from every country where you have lived for more than 6 months since the age of 18, confirming that you have no record of serious criminal offenses.
- Mandatory medical examination: All applicants are required to undergo a medical exam conducted by an IRCC-designated Panel Physician or approved medical facility.
You can check and find an IRCC-approved medical facility at the official website:
https://secure.cic.gc.ca/PanelPhysicianMedecinDesigne/en/Home
Canadian Immigration Visa Application Process
Below is a 5 step roadmap from the initial stage to your arrival in Canada.
Step 1: Initial Profile Assessment
This is a crucial step that directly impacts the outcome of your entire immigration journey. With more than 15 years of experience and as a trusted Canadian immigration consulting firm, Phan Immigration will accompany you from the very beginning:
- Profile analysis: An RCIC consultant will carefully evaluate your profile based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language ability, and family status.
- Identifying the right program: Based on the assessment results, the consultant will advise you on the most suitable pathway, whether through Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Business Immigration, or other pilot programs.
Step 2: Document Preparation
Once a clear pathway has been determined, the next step is to prepare a complete and accurate set of application documents for Canadian immigration.
- Personal & educational documents: Passport, birth certificate, diplomas, transcripts, and an ECA (Educational Credential Assessment).
- Language & work experience: IELTS/TEF results and reference letters from past employers, with detailed job descriptions aligned with the NOC (National Occupational Classification) system.
- Financial & background documents: Proof of funds, police certificates, and medical examinations.
Step 3: Submit Your Immigration Application
Online submission: Submit your application through the official online system of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Some programs may also require prior registration with a provincial nominee system.
Step 4: Permanent Residency (PR) Application Processing
Waiting period & additional requests (if any): Processing times vary by program, ranging from a few months to over a year. During this stage, you may be asked to provide additional documents, attend an interview, or undergo a medical examination.
Step 5: Results and PR Issuance
If your application is approved, you and your family will be granted Permanent Resident (PR) cards. With PR status, you are free to live and work in any province or territory across Canada.
Why Choose Phan Immigration as Your Trusted Partner for Canadian Immigration?
Phan Immigration is a licensed Canadian immigration consultancy specializing in tailored immigration solutions that create a safe, reliable, and cost-effective bridge between Vietnam and Canada. Beyond helping clients achieve their dream of immigrating, we also support them in quickly settling into their new life, advancing their careers, and building a solid foundation for business opportunities.
Key Advantages of Phan Immigration:
- Experienced and licensed experts: With over 15 years in Canadian immigration consulting, our team is licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) and is always ready to provide professional and dedicated services.
- Personalized services: We offer a full spectrum of services—from temporary visas to permanent residency programs—with advice customized to each client’s unique profile.
- Extensive partner network: To help clients integrate smoothly into their new life, we have established strong partnerships with immigration lawyers, business attorneys, and local enterprises across Canada.
- Transparency and accountability: We are committed to providing clear and accurate information while taking full responsibility at every stage of your application process.
At Phan Immigration, we are committed to providing the highest quality of service, supporting our clients in achieving their goals and making their Canadian immigration journey smooth and successful. If you have any questions regarding Canadian immigration programs, do not hesitate to contact Phan Immigration for detailed consultation and dedicated support.
Frequently Asked Questions about Canadian Immigration Programs
Which immigration pathway to Canada is the easiest?
The easiest immigration pathway depends on your personal profile, including age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and long-term goals.
How much does it cost to live in Canada per month as an immigrant?
Immigration costs to Canada include application fees and living expenses. Application fees vary by program, while living costs typically range from CAD 800 – 1,700 per month. Tuition fees range from CAD 7,700 – 26,800 per year, depending on the level of study. Additional expenses may include insurance, transportation, housing, and settlement services.
Where do I submit my Canadian immigration application?
This depends on the immigration program:
- Skilled Worker Programs (FSW, FST, CEC): Applications are submitted online through Canada’s Express Entry system.
- Family Sponsorship: Applications are submitted directly to the Case Processing Centre (CPC) in Mississauga, Ontario.
- Business or Investor Immigration: Applications must be submitted to the provincial government of the province where you plan to settle and operate your business.
- Study Pathway: Applications begin with submitting an admission application to a Canadian educational institution, followed by applying for a study permit.
What IELTS score is required for Canadian immigration?
IELTS requirements depend on the program you apply for. Typically, IELTS scores between 4.0 and 6.0+ are required, corresponding to CLB 4 to CLB 9 on the Canadian Language Benchmark scale.
What PTE score is required for Canadian immigration?
The required PTE score depends on the specific program. Below is the conversion table of PTE Core to CLB (updated January 2024):
| CLB | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
| 10 | 89–90 | 88–90 | 90 | 89–90 |
| 9 | 82–88 | 78–87 | 88–89 | 84–88 |
| 8 | 71–81 | 69–77 | 79–87 | 76–83 |
| 7 | 60–70 | 60–68 | 69–78 | 68–75 |
| 6 | 51–59 | 51–59 | 60–68 | 59–67 |
| 5 | 39–49 | 42–50 | 51–59 | 51–58 |
| 4 | 28–38 | 33–41 | 41–50 | 42–50 |
| 3 | 18–27 | 24–32 | 34–41 | 34–41 |
Canada remains open and welcoming to newcomers who wish to build a new life and contribute to its growth through diverse immigration programs. If you are planning to immigrate to Canada but are unsure where to begin, contact Phan Immigration today for detailed consultation and guidance.
