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Canada skilled immigration

Introduction

Prosperous Living Investment (PLI)'s Canadian skilled immigration services assist candidates in obtaining Canadian permanent residency through Express Entry, Category-based Selection, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and various provincial programmes.
PLI assesses and selects the most suitable pathway, optimises applications, and coordinates with Canadian immigration lawyers to maximise success rates. We provide support from the initial assessment through to the receipt of the PR card and Canadian citizenship after 3 years.
Canadian Skilled Immigration Introduction

Programme Overview

Two primary systems

Federal system: Express Entry (FSW, CEC, FST), Category-based Selection. Provincial system: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) across 11 provinces and the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) with its own distinct system.

Processing time

Express Entry: 6 months from receiving an ITA (Invitation to Apply). PNP: 12–24 months, including provincial nomination and federal stages. Quebec: 24–36 months. Express Entry draws occur every 2–4 weeks.

Benefits

Canadian Permanent Resident (PR) card for the entire family — the right to live, work, and study in any province or territory (except Quebec, which requires residency in Quebec). Eligible to apply for citizenship after 3 years.

Residence requirement

Canadian permanent residency requires a minimum of 730 days (2 years) of physical presence within every 5-year cycle to maintain status. Continuous residency is not required. Citizenship can be applied for after 1,095 days (3 years) of physical presence within the last 5 years.

Family

Includes spouse (or common-law partner) and dependent children under 22 years of age who are unmarried in the same application. All family members receive PR cards simultaneously. Spouses can contribute CRS points for the principal applicant.

Citizenship

Eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship after 3 years of physical residency. Requires English/French proficiency testing (CLB 4) and a test on knowledge of Canada. Canada allows dual citizenship. The Canadian passport provides visa-free access to over 185 countries.

Benefits of Canadian permanent resident status

Permanent resident from the start
Canada issues the PR card immediately upon approval — there is no temporary residency stage as seen in many other programmes. The PR card is renewed every 5 years, but permanent resident status is indefinite provided residency requirements are met.
Live and work freely
Permanent residents are entitled to live, work, study, and conduct business in any Canadian province (except Quebec, which requires residency in Quebec during the initial stage). There is no obligation to remain with the initial employer after receiving PR.
Citizenship roadmap
Canada has the fastest citizenship pathway in the G7 — only 3 years of physical residency (compared to 5 years in the United States, the UK, and Australia). The Canadian passport is ranked in the world's top 10, offering visa-free access to over 185 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Schengen Area.
Benefits of Canadian permanent resident status
Top-tier education for children
Children of permanent residents receive free education in the public school system from kindergarten to grade 12. Upon entering university, they are eligible for domestic tuition fees — 60–70% lower than those for international students. Canada is home to many of the world's top 100 universities.
Comprehensive free healthcare
Canada has a universal public healthcare system (Medicare) — permanent residents enjoy comprehensive free healthcare, including medical examinations, treatments, surgeries, and hospitalisation. This is one of the best public healthcare systems in the world.
World-class quality of life
Canada consistently ranks in the world's top 5 for quality of life, safety, and happiness (World Happiness Report). It is a multicultural society that is welcoming to immigrants, with a pristine natural environment and a transparent legal system.

Skilled immigration pathway

Express Entry

Express Entry

Express Entry is the federal system managing 3 federal skilled immigration programmes: Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) for professionals with foreign experience, Canadian Experience Class (CEC) for those who have worked in Canada, and Federal Skilled Trades (FST) for skilled tradespeople. Applications are ranked according to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) with a maximum of 1,200 points. From 2026, Canada is expanding Category-based Selection with 10 priority categories: Healthcare, STEM, Trades, Education, French language, Physicians (with Canadian experience), Researchers, Senior Managers, Transport, and Skilled Military personnel. Category-based draws have significantly lower CRS thresholds — the Physician category once had a draw as low as 169 points.
PNP – Provincial Nominee Program

PNP: Provincial Nomination

The Provincial Nominee Program — a nomination programme for 11 provinces (excluding Quebec) for skilled workers with experience or skills matching provincial needs. Each province has its own criteria (Ontario OINP, BC PNP, Alberta AAIP, Saskatchewan SINP, Manitoba MPNP). Two main types: PNP Enhanced Stream (integrated with Express Entry, nomination adds 600 CRS points — almost guaranteeing an ITA) and PNP Base Stream (applied directly to the province, outside of EE). PNP received a large allocation in the 2026–2028 plan with 91,500 spots (a 66% increase) — indicating a trend towards decentralising immigration to the provinces.
Quebec

Quebec

Quebec has a special agreement with the federal government and uses its own selection system — NOT through Express Entry. The Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) calculates points based on French proficiency (the most important factor), education, work experience, age, and adaptability. A 2-step process: apply for a CSQ (Certificat de Sélection du Québec) from the Quebec government, then submit a federal PR application to IRCC. Processing times are longer than other pathways (24–36 months). Suitable for those fluent in French who wish to settle in Montreal, Quebec City, or other Quebec cities.
RCIP – Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot

RCIP

A 5-year pilot programme launched on 30/01/2025, the RCIP supports 14 rural communities in Canada in attracting skilled workers to fill local labour shortages. Includes the cities of: North Bay, Sudbury, Timmins, Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay (Ontario), Brandon, Altona/Rhineland (Manitoba), Moose Jaw (Saskatchewan), Claresholm (Alberta), West Kootenay, North Okanagan Shuswap, Peace Liard (British Columbia), Pictou County, Cape Breton Regional Municipality (Nova Scotia). Employer-driven model — a job offer from a designated employer is mandatory. A 2-year work visa is provided while awaiting PR processing. Spouses and children are granted an Open Work Permit.
FCIP – Francophone Community Immigration Pilot

FCIP

A 5-year pilot programme running parallel to the RCIP, launched on 30/01/2025, specifically for FRENCH-SPEAKING skilled workers wishing to settle in Francophone minority communities OUTSIDE of Quebec. The goal is to increase the proportion of Francophones outside Quebec and support the preservation of French culture and language in other provinces. Participating communities: Acadian Peninsula (New Brunswick), Sudbury, Timmins (Ontario), St. Pierre Jolys (Manitoba), and others. Requires French proficiency of CLB 5 or higher. Employer-driven, similar to the RCIP. A 2-year work visa is provided while awaiting PR processing. Advantage: less competition, lower point thresholds.
AIP

AIP

An inter-provincial immigration programme for Canada's 4 Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. The AIP transitioned from a pilot programme (AIPP) to a permanent official programme on 01/01/2022. Employer-driven model — candidates require a job offer from a designated employer in one of the 4 provinces. Requirements: at least 1 year of relevant work experience, a high school diploma or higher, English or French at CLB 5 (NOC 0, 1, 2, 3) or CLB 4 (NOC 4, 5), and an approved settlement plan. Does not go through Express Entry, no CRS points required.

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Programme requirements

Education

High school diploma (grade 12) or higher. Major pathways such as Express Entry FSW require a bachelor's degree, while EE CEC is more flexible. Foreign degrees require an ECA (Educational Credential Assessment) through WES, IQAS, ICAS, or ICES to be recognised as equivalent to a Canadian degree.

Work Experience

Minimum of 1 year of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in a skilled occupation (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, 3) within the last 10 years. Some programmes like EE FST require 2 years of experience, while RCIP/FCIP require at least 1 year of directly relevant experience.

Age

18 years or older. There is no official maximum age limit, but candidates under 35 receive the highest CRS points. Candidates over 45 do not receive age points in the Express Entry system.

Financial proof

Proof of funds according to IRCC regulations. The amount varies based on the number of family members — approximately $14,690 CAD for a 1-person application. Not required for CEC and candidates with a valid job offer in Canada.

Language proficiency

A minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 4 in English or French is required, which is approximately equivalent to an IELTS General score of 4.0. Skilled immigration pathways require a higher CLB (CLB 7 is equivalent to IELTS 6.0).

Health and background

Pass a medical examination by an IRCC-designated physician. You must have no criminal record and provide police clearance certificates from Vietnam and any other countries where you have lived for more than 6 consecutive months since the age of 18.

Implementation process

Obtain Canadian permanent residency through skilled immigration for your entire family with the expert team at Prosperous Living Investment.

Profile assessment and pathway selection

PLI specialists conduct a comprehensive assessment of your profile, including qualifications, work experience, English/French proficiency, age, and other factors. We calculate your estimated CRS score and advise on the most suitable pathway among the 6 available (Express Entry, PNP, Quebec, RCIP, FCIP, AIP). This assessment is completely free. Duration: 1–2 weeks.

Document preparation and prerequisites

PLI guides candidates in preparing prerequisites: taking the IELTS General or CELPIP (English) or TEF/TCF Canada (French) to achieve the required CLB. We assist with Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) via WES, IQAS, ICAS, or ICES, as well as the translation and notarisation of documents according to Canadian standards. We also help prepare your CV and professional reference letters. Duration: 2–6 months.

Job search (or work permit application)

For pathways requiring a job offer in Canada (CEC, RCIP, FCIP, AIP, PNP Employer-driven): PLI connects you with designated partner employers, provides interview coaching, and assists with employment contract negotiations. Once you have a job offer, we apply for a temporary work permit to enter Canada. For pathways that do not require a prior job offer (FSW, Quebec QSWP), this step is skipped. Duration: 1–6 months.

Applying for provincial nomination or Express Entry

Depending on the chosen pathway: (1) Create an Express Entry profile, enter the pool, and wait for a successful draw; (2) Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the chosen province (PNP) and wait for a nomination; (3) Submit a CSQ application in Quebec (QSWP); (4) Apply directly to a designated community (RCIP/FCIP/AIP). Duration: 2–12 months depending on the pathway.

Applying for permanent residency

Upon receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from Express Entry or a provincial/community nomination, candidates have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residency application (e-APR), including educational documents, experience, police clearance, medical exams, and supporting materials. IRCC processes the PR application. Duration: 6 months (Express Entry) to 24 months (Quebec, RCIP/FCIP).

Receiving your PR card and the citizenship pathway

Once approved, candidates receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR) and an entry visa. You must land in Canada to complete the procedure. The PR card is sent by post 4–6 weeks after landing. After 3 years of physical residence in Canada (1,095 days within the last 5 years), you are eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship. A Canadian passport offers visa-free travel to over 185 countries.
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Effectiveness

There is no one-size-fits-all here. Prosperous Living builds a personal strategy for each file based on financial capacity, business experience and family goals. That strategic approach makes the best use of time and resources and improves the chance of success.

Transparency

Prosperous Living advises within the law, works to a clear process and keeps up with the latest policy from each host government. Every pathway, cost and risk is explained in detail from the outset, so clients can make their investment decision with complete peace of mind.

Professionalism

The Prosperous Living advisory team works to a standard process, coordinating closely between immigration specialists, legal experts and partners worldwide. From assessment and documentation to post-arrival support, every step is methodical and joined up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below are common questions from clients regarding the Canadian skilled immigration programme. If you require more detailed advice, please contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The CRS threshold changes with each draw. General draws usually require 470–530 points. Category-based draws have significantly lower thresholds; for example, the category for physicians with Canadian experience once had a draw as low as 169 points, while the STEM category was around 470 points. PNP draws are only for candidates with a provincial nomination (+600 points), with a threshold of 700+ points. PLI provides a free CRS assessment and advises on strategies to increase your score. Programme conditions are as announced by IRCC.Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Yes. FSW (Federal Skilled Worker) is a pathway specifically for candidates who have never worked in Canada; it only requires 1 year of skilled work experience in Vietnam or another country. Additionally, many PNP and Category-based Express Entry programmes also accept foreign experience. CEC and categories with “Canadian work experience” (Physicians, Researchers, Senior Managers) require Canadian experience.

The minimum requirement is based on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB): FSW and CEC for NOC 0, 1 occupations require CLB 7, equivalent to IELTS 6.0 in each skill. CEC for NOC 2, 3 occupations requires CLB 5, equivalent to IELTS 5.0 (listening), 4.0 (reading), 5.0 (speaking), 5.0 (writing). A higher IELTS score adds more CRS points. Achieving CLB 9 (IELTS 7.0) helps maximise your language points, which is a key strategy for receiving an ITA.

Yes. Your spouse (or common-law partner of over 1 year) and unmarried children under 22 can be included in the same application, and all will receive PR status simultaneously. A spouse with good qualifications, experience, and English proficiency can add CRS points to the principal applicant (up to 40 points). After settling, the spouse is permitted to work without restrictions.

Express Entry is a federal system managing 3 programmes (FSW, CEC, FST) based on CRS points. PNP is a provincial nomination programme; each province has its own criteria tailored to its labour market needs. Many provinces have 2 streams: PNP Express Entry Stream (requires an existing EE profile, nomination adds 600 points) and PNP Base Stream (no EE profile required, apply directly to the province). PNP is particularly valuable for candidates with low CRS scores, as the 600 bonus points make receiving an ITA almost certain.

It is quite different. Quebec has a separate agreement with the federal government and uses its own selection system, which does not go through Express Entry. QSWP calculates points based on French proficiency (very important), qualifications, experience, age, and adaptability. The process consists of 2 steps: applying for a CSQ (Certificate of Selection) from Quebec, then submitting a federal PR application. Processing times are longer (24–36 months). It is suitable for those fluent in French who wish to settle in Montreal or Quebec City.

PLI provides a full-service package: free CRS assessment, pathway advice (Express Entry/PNP/Quebec), guidance on preparing for IELTS and ECA, creating an Express Entry profile to optimise CRS points, coordinating with RCIC lawyers to prepare the e-APR upon receiving an ITA, assistance in identifying suitable PNP programmes, guidance on medical examinations, and support until the day you land in Canada to receive your PR card.

Yes. After 3 years of physical residence (1,095 days) within the last 5 years, investors are eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship. Requirements include passing a test on knowledge of Canada and a language test in English or French at the CLB 4 level. Canada allows dual citizenship, so you do not need to renounce your Vietnamese citizenship. The Canadian passport is ranked in the top 10 globally, offering visa-free travel to over 185 countries.