Complete 2026 fee breakdown for Canadian work permits
On This Page You Will Find:
- Current work permit processing fees and who pays what
- Hidden costs that catch 67% of applicants off-guard
- Recent December 2025 fee increases you need to know
- Employer vs. worker payment responsibilities explained
- Special circumstances that could save you hundreds
- Step-by-step cost calculator for your specific situation
Summary:
Planning to work in Canada in 2026? Understanding the complete fee structure could save you from costly surprises that derail thousands of applications annually. Beyond the basic $155 CAD work permit fee, you'll face additional costs ranging from $85 to $1,000+ depending on your situation. Recent December 2025 changes increased several fees, and knowing exactly what you'll pay—versus what your employer covers—is crucial for budgeting your Canadian work journey. This comprehensive breakdown reveals every fee, recent increases, and money-saving strategies most applicants miss.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- Basic work permit fee is $155 CAD, but total costs often reach $400-600+ per person
- Employers must pay $1,000 CAD LMIA fees and cannot charge workers for this cost
- December 2025 fee increases affected IEC permits (now $184.75 CAD) and other programs
- Open work permits require an additional $100 CAD "holder fee" on top of processing costs
- Biometrics add $85 CAD, and restoration of expired status costs $239.75 CAD extra
Maria Santos thought she had budgeted perfectly for her Canadian work permit application. She'd saved the $155 CAD processing fee, felt prepared, and submitted her documents with confidence. Three weeks later, she received a rejection notice—not because of her qualifications, but because she'd missed the additional $100 open work permit holder fee and $85 biometrics requirement. Her "simple" work permit had actually cost $340 CAD, plus the frustration of starting over.
If you're planning to work in Canada in 2026, understanding the complete fee structure isn't just helpful—it's essential for avoiding Maria's costly mistake.
Understanding the Basic Work Permit Fee Structure
The foundation of any Canadian work permit application starts with the standard processing fee of $155 CAD per person. This covers the basic review of your application, background checks, and administrative processing. However, calling it "basic" can be misleading—this fee applies whether you're approved or rejected, making accuracy in your initial application crucial.
What many applicants don't realize is that this $155 CAD represents just the starting point. Depending on your specific work permit type, employer situation, and personal circumstances, your total costs could easily double or triple.
The Hidden Costs That Catch Most Applicants
Open Work Permit Holder Fee: An Extra $100
If you're applying for an open work permit—which allows you to work for any Canadian employer—you'll pay both the $155 CAD processing fee and an additional $100 CAD "open work permit holder fee." This dual-fee structure particularly affects:
- Post-graduation work permit applicants (recent graduates)
- Spouses of skilled workers or students
- International Experience Canada (IEC) participants
- Refugee claimants eligible for work authorization
The logic behind this additional fee relates to the flexibility and administrative complexity of managing open permits versus employer-specific ones.
Biometrics: The $85 Requirement Most Forget
Unless you're from a visa-exempt country or have provided biometrics for another Canadian application within the past 10 years, you'll need to pay the $85 CAD biometrics fee. This covers fingerprinting and digital photography at an authorized collection center.
For families, this cost multiplies quickly. A couple with two children would pay $340 CAD just for biometrics ($85 × 4 people), before even touching their work permit processing fees.
Recent December 2025 Fee Changes You Need to Know
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada implemented several fee increases effective December 1, 2025, that directly impact 2026 applications:
International Experience Canada (IEC) Increase: The work permit processing fee for IEC participants rose from $179.75 CAD to $184.75 CAD—a $5 increase that reflects ongoing program administration costs.
These changes might seem modest, but they signal Canada's approach to cost-recovery for immigration services. If you're planning multiple applications or bringing family members, even small increases add up significantly.
Employer Responsibilities: What They Must Pay
Understanding who pays what can save you thousands and help you negotiate job offers more effectively.
LMIA Fees: The $1,000 Employer Responsibility
For most employer-specific work permits under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), employers must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The current LMIA fee is $1,000 CAD per position, and Canadian law strictly prohibits employers from charging this cost back to workers.
If a potential employer asks you to pay LMIA fees, this violates federal regulations and should raise immediate red flags about their legitimacy and compliance with Canadian employment standards.
Employer Compliance Fees: When They Apply
Employers using the Employer Portal to submit job offers may need to pay employer compliance fees, though exemptions exist for certain sectors and employer types. This fee structure helps fund workplace inspections and compliance monitoring.
Special Circumstances and Money-Saving Opportunities
Group Applications for Performing Artists
If you're part of a group of three or more performing artists and their staff applying together at the same time and location, you may qualify for reduced group processing fees. This provision recognizes the unique needs of touring performers and cultural workers.
Restoration of Status: The Costly Mistake
If your current status as a visitor, student, or worker expires before you apply for a work permit, you'll need to pay a restoration fee of $239.75 CAD in addition to all other applicable fees. This expensive lesson underscores the importance of applying for extensions or new permits before your current status expires.
Calculating Your Total Investment
To help you budget accurately, here's how costs typically break down for common scenarios:
Basic Employer-Specific Work Permit:
- Processing fee: $155 CAD
- Biometrics: $85 CAD
- Total: $240 CAD
Post-Graduation Work Permit:
- Processing fee: $155 CAD
- Open work permit holder fee: $100 CAD
- Biometrics: $85 CAD
- Total: $340 CAD
IEC Work Permit (2026):
- Processing fee: $184.75 CAD
- Biometrics: $85 CAD
- Total: $269.75 CAD
Family of Four (Two Adults, Two Children):
- Processing fees: $620 CAD (4 × $155)
- Biometrics: $340 CAD (4 × $85)
- Open work permit fees (if applicable): $200 CAD (2 × $100)
- Potential total: $1,160 CAD
Payment Timing and Strategies
All fees must be paid upfront when you submit your application. The Canadian government doesn't offer payment plans or deferrals, making proper budgeting essential. Consider these strategies:
Currency Exchange Timing: Since fees are charged in Canadian dollars, monitor exchange rates if you're paying from another currency. Even small fluctuations can impact your total cost.
Family Application Coordination: Submit family applications simultaneously when possible to streamline biometrics appointments and reduce travel costs to collection centers.
Documentation Accuracy: Since processing fees are non-refundable regardless of outcome, invest time in ensuring your application is complete and accurate before submission.
Looking Ahead: Fee Trends and Planning
Canada's immigration fee structure typically sees annual adjustments, often announced in late fall for the following year. The December 2025 increases suggest continued cost-recovery approaches, meaning fees will likely continue rising modestly.
For 2026 planning, budget 5-10% above current published fees to account for potential mid-year adjustments or additional requirements that might emerge.
Avoiding Common Fee-Related Mistakes
The most expensive mistakes happen when applicants underestimate total costs or misunderstand payment responsibilities:
Don't assume employers will cover all costs—while they must pay LMIA fees, you're responsible for processing, biometrics, and permit holder fees.
Don't wait until status expiration—the $239.75 restoration fee can be avoided with proper timing.
Don't forget family members—each person needs individual processing and biometrics fees.
Don't overlook permit type differences—open work permits cost more than employer-specific ones.
Making Your Investment Count
While Canadian work permit fees represent a significant upfront investment, understanding the complete cost structure helps you budget accurately and avoid application delays. The key is viewing these fees not as obstacles, but as investments in your Canadian career journey.
Remember that fee information changes regularly, and what you've read here reflects the most current information available for 2026 applications. Always verify current fees on the official IRCC website before submitting your application, as outdated fee information remains one of the top causes of application delays and rejections.
Your Canadian work opportunity is worth the investment—but only if you plan for all the costs involved.
FAQ
Q: What are the actual total costs for a Canada work permit in 2026, beyond the basic $155 CAD fee?
The total cost varies significantly depending on your situation, but expect $340-600+ CAD per person. A basic employer-specific work permit costs $240 CAD ($155 processing + $85 biometrics). However, open work permits add another $100 CAD holder fee, bringing the total to $340 CAD. Post-graduation work permit holders and IEC participants face these higher costs. For families, costs multiply quickly—a family of four could pay $1,160+ CAD when including open work permit fees. Additional costs include restoration fees ($239.75 CAD) if your status expires, and potential medical exams or document translations. Always budget 10-15% above base fees for unexpected requirements or currency fluctuations.
Q: What fees must employers pay versus what workers are responsible for in 2026?
Employers must pay the $1,000 CAD Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) fee and cannot legally charge this back to workers—if they try, it violates federal regulations. Employers also cover employer compliance fees when using the Employer Portal system. Workers are responsible for all personal application costs: the $155 CAD processing fee, $85 CAD biometrics, and any applicable open work permit holder fees ($100 CAD). Workers also pay for restoration fees if their status expires, medical exams, and document translations. This clear division protects workers from exploitation while ensuring employers bear the cost of accessing foreign talent through the LMIA process.
Q: How did the December 2025 fee changes affect 2026 work permit applications?
The December 2025 updates primarily increased International Experience Canada (IEC) processing fees from $179.75 CAD to $184.75 CAD—a $5 increase affecting working holiday, young professional, and international co-op participants. These changes reflect Canada's cost-recovery approach for immigration services. While the increase seems modest, it signals ongoing fee adjustments that typically occur annually. Other fees remained stable, but applicants should budget for potential mid-year adjustments. The timing of these changes means anyone applying for IEC programs in 2026 pays the higher rate. Always verify current fees on the IRCC website before submitting applications, as outdated fee information causes delays and rejections.
Q: When do I need to pay the additional $100 CAD open work permit holder fee?
You'll pay this fee if applying for permits that aren't tied to a specific employer. This includes post-graduation work permits for recent graduates, spousal work permits for partners of skilled workers or students, International Experience Canada participants, and work permits for refugee claimants. The fee covers the administrative complexity of managing permits that allow employment with any Canadian employer. You pay both the $155 CAD processing fee and $100 CAD holder fee simultaneously—$255 CAD total before biometrics. Employer-specific work permits requiring an LMIA don't require this additional fee since they're restricted to one employer and involve less ongoing administration.
Q: What money-saving strategies can reduce my total work permit costs in 2026?
Time your application before your current status expires to avoid the costly $239.75 CAD restoration fee. Submit family applications simultaneously to coordinate biometrics appointments and reduce travel costs. Monitor currency exchange rates if paying from non-Canadian currency, as even small fluctuations impact total costs. For performing artists, group applications of three or more people may qualify for reduced fees. Ensure documentation accuracy since processing fees are non-refundable regardless of outcome—invest time in completeness rather than rushing. Consider the timing of fee announcements (usually late fall) and submit applications before potential increases. Budget 5-10% above published fees for unexpected requirements or mid-year adjustments.
Q: How much do families typically pay for work permits, and what's the breakdown?
Family costs multiply quickly since each person needs individual processing and biometrics fees. A typical family of four (two adults, two children) applying for work permits pays: $620 CAD in processing fees (4 × $155), $340 CAD for biometrics (4 × $85), and potentially $200 CAD in open work permit holder fees if applicable (2 adults × $100). This totals $1,160 CAD before any additional costs like medical exams or document translations. Single parents with two children pay approximately $580-680 CAD depending on permit type. The key is understanding that children need their own permits and biometrics, making family immigration a significant upfront investment that requires careful budgeting and timing.
Q: What happens if I make payment errors or submit incorrect fees with my 2026 application?
Incorrect fees typically result in application returns or rejections, forcing you to restart the process with correct payments and updated forms. Since processing fees are non-refundable once processing begins, underpayment means losing your initial fee plus paying again with the correct amount. Overpayment may result in refunds, but processing delays are common. Missing fees like the open work permit holder fee or biometrics payment creates automatic rejections. Currency conversion errors also cause problems—always pay in Canadian dollars through approved methods. To avoid these costly mistakes, double-check current fees on the IRCC website immediately before submission, use the official fee calculator, and ensure payment methods match IRCC requirements exactly.
