Immigrating to Canada from Vietnam: PR programs for workers without a prior Work Permit (2026)

Updated October 17, 2026. In addition to Express Entry, RCIP, and FCIP, workers currently in Vietnam can still consider several pathways to Canadian permanent residency via the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) and various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). However, this does not mean that having a job offer automatically qualifies one for PR application.

Distinction: AIP: you can apply for federal PR after endorsement. Base PNP: you must receive a provincial nomination before applying for federal PR. A Work Permit is a step dependent on individual circumstances, not a mandatory requirement for every program. EOI/registration is not a PR application and does not guarantee an invitation.

Programs to consider

1. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

AIP is a federal program for the four provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Candidates in Vietnam can apply for PR after receiving a job offer from a designated employer and obtaining provincial endorsement; a work permit is not required to move to Canada first. Requirements include relevant experience (except for certain eligible graduates), education/ECA, and language proficiency (usually CLB 4 or 5 depending on the TEER), plus settlement funds if applicable. Employer designation does not mean automatic endorsement. New Brunswick specifically has limits on new designations and prioritizes certain sectors, so you must check the province, employer, and timing.

Learn about AIP – New Brunswick →

2. Saskatchewan – International Skilled Worker: Employment Offer

This is a base PNP stream; Express Entry is not required. Typically, it requires a regular, full-time job offer from a Saskatchewan business with a valid Employer Position Assessment, relevant experience, SINP points, and required language proficiency. Candidates in Vietnam may be considered, but in 2026, Saskatchewan is applying quotas, limits, and sector-based priorities. Accommodation and Food Services are subject to special regulations: do not advertise Cook/Server/Restaurant Manager roles abroad as being eligible for direct application through this stream.

Learn about SINP – Employment Offer →

3. Saskatchewan – Agriculture Talent Pathway

A pathway for certain agriculture and food processing jobs on the eligible NOC list. A valid job offer, relevant experience or training, language skills, and stream-specific conditions are required. Not all farm worker positions are eligible; you must verify the NOC code and employer.

Learn about SINP – Agriculture Talent →

4. Saskatchewan – Health Talent Pathway

A pathway for qualified healthcare personnel with a job offer from Saskatchewan. There are specific requirements regarding NOCs, professional licensing, or practice conditions where applicable. Priority should be given to nursing, medical specialist, and support roles accepted by the province; it should not be assumed that all care positions are eligible.

Learn about SINP – Health Talent →

5. Saskatchewan – Innovation and Tech Talent Pathway

For technology/innovation candidates with a job offer in an occupation on the program list. There may be a stream for those outside Canada, but experience, education, and language requirements vary based on the candidate's status. The employer must meet the provincial process requirements.

Learn about SINP – Innovation & Tech Talent →

6. Prince Edward Island – Skilled Workers Outside Canada

This is a stream specifically for those outside Canada. The PEI employer must be authorized by the Office of Immigration to hire from abroad before an EOI is considered. It generally requires a long-term, full-time job offer in TEER 0–3, post-secondary education, relevant experience, and language proficiency. EOI is not a nomination application and does not guarantee an invitation. The province prioritizes labor needs that change over time.

Learn about PEI – Skilled Workers Outside Canada →

7. British Columbia – BC PNP Skilled Worker

Candidates outside Canada may be eligible if they have a qualifying job offer, experience, and meet the requirements of the employer and the stream. However, the BC PNP operates on a selection system with priorities and invitation rounds; being eligible to register does not mean you will be invited to apply. The Health Authority stream is a separate pathway for eligible candidates supported by public health agencies.

Learn about BC PNP – Skilled Worker →Learn about BC PNP – Health Authority →

8. Manitoba – Skilled Worker Overseas

This is not a program that just requires any job offer. Candidates must demonstrate a qualifying Manitoba connection (family/friend support, prior study/work experience, or an invitation from a Strategic Recruitment Initiative) and meet assessment criteria. Some selection rounds only target candidates invited under specific recruitment initiatives.

Learn about Manitoba – Skilled Worker Overseas →

9. Ontario – Note on program transition

Do not use the old Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream to advertise as currently open. Ontario has announced system transitions and has a Workforce Priority Stream; you must confirm the application portal, employer conditions, and candidate requirements at the time of submission. Do not infer that someone currently in Vietnam with any job offer can apply for PR immediately.

Learn about Ontario – Workforce Priority →

10. SINP Occupations In-Demand – exercise caution

This stream does not structurally require a job offer, but an EOI is merely an expression of interest, not a nomination application. When there is no selection schedule or invitation, it should not be advertised as accepting direct PR applications. Also, exclude Saskatchewan Express Entry if the goal is to target non-Express Entry options.

Documents to prepare from Vietnam

Passport; work history and letters of reference detailing duties, duration, hours, and salary; degrees and ECA if required; valid IELTS General/CELPIP/PTE Core/TEF/TCF scores per the program; professional certifications if applicable; family records; proof of funds if applicable. Employers need to prepare the job offer, recruitment documentation, and the designation, endorsement, or position approval procedures per the province.

Common misconceptions to avoid

Having a job offer does not guarantee PR. Being provincially nominated also does not guarantee that IRCC will grant PR. Never guarantee a nomination, visa outcome, or processing time. Each program has its own quotas, priority sectors, NOC/TEER requirements, and intake timing. Avoid paying to "buy" a job offer; verify the legitimacy of the employer and any recruitment fees.

How does KeyApply support you?

KeyApply assists in assessing professional backgrounds, finding suitable program pathways, connecting with recruitment needs, and coordinating business/HR documentation preparation with the employer. Consulting, representation, and immigration application filing tasks falling under regulated practice are performed by an RCIC or qualified lawyer.

Government sources

IRCC – Atlantic Immigration Program · Saskatchewan – SINP · PEI Immigration · BC PNP · MPNP · OINP.