Studying in Canada from Vietnam: HCMC checklist and VAC steps

Applicants in Vietnam use IRCC's Ho Chi Minh City visa office checklist and submit biometrics at the Canada visa application centres run by VFS. The fast-track Student Direct Stream, which listed Vietnam, has ended. This guide covers what is specific to a Vietnamese passport holder. Rules change, so check IRCC before you pay anything.

A year costs from: ~US$26,000 all-in
Next intakes you can make: May 2027, September 2027
Published visa figure, Vietnamese applicants: Not published
Work after graduating: Post-graduation work permit of up to 3 years, depending on programme length and field

What is different from Vietnam

IRCC has a Ho Chi Minh City checklist with a required study plan

The IMM 5572 checklist for applicants in Vietnam asks for a study plan explaining why you want to study at that school and programme, your educational goals, how the Canadian qualification helps your employment chances, and how your parents and you will fund the studies. It also asks for your most recent diploma and transcripts, and high school graduation exam results if applicable. Source

The same checklist lists the proof-of-funds formats it accepts

IRCC's Vietnam checklist says to check the IRCC site for the current financial requirement, then lists accepted evidence: proof that first-year tuition is paid, certificates of deposit dated within the last two months, bank books, or your parents' income evidence (employment letters, business registration, tax receipts). Source

A police certificate is required from every country where you lived over 6 months

For applicants over 18, the Vietnam checklist asks for a police certificate from every country where you have lived for more than 6 months since turning 18. Documents not in English or French need a certified translation. Source

Apply at least three months before travel

The Vietnam checklist strongly recommends submitting your application at least three months before your planned travel date. Source

The VFS centre in Vietnam asks for a signed personal data consent form

VFS says that under Vietnamese Decree No. 13/2023/ND-CP on the Protection of Personal Data it must obtain your consent before processing your application, so you download, print, complete and sign its consent form and bring it with your application form to the Visa Application Centre. Source

Both Canada visa application centres in Vietnam announced a move on 19 October 2026

VFS notices say the Canada centres in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City were closing on 15 October 2026 and relocating from 19 October 2026. Check the VFS page for the current address before you book biometrics. Source

Vietnam was a Student Direct Stream country, but the stream ended on 8 November 2024

IRCC's notice says the Student Direct Stream ended at 2:00 p.m. ET on 8 November 2024, and Vietnam was on its country list. Applications received after that go through the regular stream, so older advice built on SDS rules and timelines no longer applies. Source

IRCC's medical table marks Viet Nam as a country where an exam can be required

The IRCC table lists Viet Nam with an immigration medical exam marked yes and Manila as the office. Whether you need one depends on your length of stay and recent residence, and IRCC will tell you in your application account if it applies. Source

IRCC approved about 64 percent of Vietnamese study permit applications in 2024

ApplyBoard's analysis of IRCC data reports that IRCC approved 64 percent of all Vietnamese study permit applications in 2024, that over 6,000 Vietnamese students were issued study permits that year, and that nearly half of permits over three years went to primary and secondary students. This is a past figure and not a prediction for any individual. Source

Viet Nam joins the Hague Apostille Convention from 11 September 2026

The Hague Conference status table shows Viet Nam's accession entering into force on 11 September 2026 and Canada's on 11 January 2024. If your school asks for apostilled copies of Vietnamese documents, ask which authority issues them and whether it is available yet. Source

Your steps, in order

Open IRCC's Vietnam application package and download the IMM 5572 checklist with the general document checklist.
Write the study plan covering school and programme choice, goals, employment benefit and who pays.
Collect diploma, transcripts and exam results, plus police certificates for every country you lived in over 6 months since age 18.
Prepare proof of funds in one of the listed formats, with certificates of deposit dated within the last two months.
Download and sign the VFS personal data consent form before your biometrics appointment.
Check the VFS page for the current Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City centre address.
Apply at least three months before travel and check IRCC for whether you need an immigration medical exam.

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Questions Vietnamese students ask

Can I still use the Student Direct Stream from Vietnam?

No. IRCC ended it on 8 November 2024, and Vietnamese applicants now use the regular study permit stream.

Where do I give biometrics in Vietnam?

At the Canada Visa Application Centres run by VFS in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Both announced new locations from 19 October 2026, so check the VFS page.

Do I need a police certificate?

The Vietnam checklist asks for one from every country where you lived for more than 6 months since turning 18, if you are over 18.

Will a Vietnamese passport be approved more easily than others?

We cannot say. The 64 percent 2024 figure is a historical average, and every application is assessed on its own.

Facts checked 18 October 2026. Rules change often — the official source linked beside each fact always wins over this page. We never promise admission or a visa.