IRCC.com
3 min read

By

International airport departure hall at golden hour

Express Entry From Vietnam: Language Tests and ECA

Applicants from Vietnam interested in immigrating to Canada through the Express Entry system must meet specific requirements for language tests, Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs), and police certificates. This guide outlines the steps for a successful Express Entry application from Vietnam.

introduction to express entry

The Express Entry system is a popular immigration pathway for skilled workers who want to live and work in Canada. Vietnamese applicants must complete several steps, including language tests, obtaining an ECA, and getting a police certificate. We will provide an overview of the Express Entry process, focusing on the requirements for Vietnamese applicants.

language tests for express entry

To apply for Express Entry, Vietnamese applicants must take a language test in English or French. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) accepts IELTS and CELPIP for English, and TEF and TCF for French. Test centers in Vietnam, such as those in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, offer these tests. For instance, IELTS tests are available in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, while CELPIP tests can be taken in Hanoi. It's worth noting that having a good understanding of the test formats and content can make a significant difference in the scores.

assessing vietnamese diplomas and transcripts

Applicants who completed their education in Vietnam need to have their diplomas and transcripts assessed by a designated organization. This assessment, known as an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), verifies that the applicant's foreign education is equivalent to a Canadian education. Several organizations, including Comparative Education Service (CES) and International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES), are designated by IRCC to provide ECAs. The ECA process can be complex, so it's essential to choose a reputable organization and carefully review the requirements.

obtaining a police certificate

As part of the Express Entry application, Vietnamese applicants must obtain a police certificate, also known as phiếu lý lịch tư pháp. This certificate, issued by the Vietnamese authorities, confirms that the applicant does not have a criminal record. To get a police certificate, applicants must apply to the Ministry of Justice in Vietnam and provide required documents, such as their passport and identification card. The process can take several weeks, so it's crucial to plan ahead and allow sufficient time for the certificate to be issued.

settlement funds and proof of funds

Applicants selected for Express Entry must show proof of settlement funds to support themselves and their family members in Canada. The amount of settlement funds required varies depending on the size of the family. Applicants can use their own savings or get a loan from a bank to show proof of funds. Checking the official IRCC website is essential for the most up-to-date information on settlement funds and proof of funds requirements. It's also a good idea to review the Express Entry page or Country Guide page for more information on Express Entry and other Canadian immigration programs.

For the latest news and updates on Canadian immigration, visit the official IRCC website. You can also find more information on Express Entry and other immigration programs on our website. Official current rules are at canada.ca/immigration; this guide is independent reference content. *This article is subject to the canada.ca terms and conditions*

A small portion of this article — research support, fact-cross-checking, and copy-editing — was assisted by AI tooling. Editorial decisions, source verification, and final sign-off remain with our team. We cite primary sources from canada.ca for every factual claim.

Last reviewed: July 20, 2026

IRCC.com is an independent news site and not affiliated with the Government of Canada.

Want the next IRCC update in your inbox?

Weekly digest. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Free tools for this topic

More news

Comments

For general discussion only. We can’t review individual cases or give immigration advice — for that, contact a licensed representative.

Comments post instantly. Spam and abuse are filtered automatically.

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.