Canada LMIA-Based Work Permit Total Cost Breakdown 2026

Do you intend to work in Canada in 2026? The process of negotiating the Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) can be a budget nightmare. Under variable prevailing wages, fixed fees imposed on employers and the cost of legal representation, the overall investment might overly fluctuate.

This is a full guide that subdivides all dollars needed to successfully apply a work permit based in Canada through the LIMA system in 2026. As an employer trying to hire someone or a foreign professional trying to find the new beginning there is what you need to know to remain in compliance and budget-ready.

Government Fixed Fees (Mandatory).

The government charges are not negotiable and they have to be paid at certain phases of application. These are the standard rates as of early 2026:

• LMIA Processing Fee (1000 CAD): This is paid by the employer to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). This is a non-refundable fee even in the event of an unsuccessful application.
• Work Permit Fee ($155 CAD): The applicant (worker) must pay it to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
• Biometric Fee ($85 CAD): This is needed when a finger is to be printed and photo collected (not already in the files).
• Employer Portal Compliance Fee ($230 CAD): Although this portal fee is mostly applicable to LIMA-exempt streams (IMP), there are certain cross-border routes that can lead to this fee.

Employer-Side Cost

It is not only the application fee that makes hiring a foreign worker. Employers should demonstrate that they made efforts to employ Canadians.

• Recruitment Advertising (price varies between 300 and 1000 and more): The employer should post the advertisement on the Canada Job Bank and at least two additional advertisers (such as Linked In or Indeed) at least 4 weeks.
• Business Legitimacy Documents: Legal or accounting expenses to prepare T4 summaries and PD7A forms to demonstrate that the business will be able to cover the salary of the worker.
• Housing & Transportation Subsidies: In the case of Low-Wage Stream, the employer is usually legally obligated to house or reimburse the worker with cheap housing and cover his/her round trip transportation.

Professional & Legal Representative Fees.

A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or a lawyer is hired by many applicants and employers, so that they can be E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness and Trustworthiness) in their submission.

• LMIA Preparation: $4,000 – $6,000 CAD.
• Work Permit Application: $1,500 – $2,500 CAD.
• Disbursements: 200-500 CAD (translations, couriers and notarization).
• Judicial Review: $3,000+ CAD (on appeal of application refusal but you are willing to appeal to Federal Court).

Settlement & Permanent Residency (PR).

These are the costs to consider in case you plan to remain in Canada permanently through a Dual Intent LMIA:

• Medical Exam: $250 500 (depending on country and the doctor).
• Police Certificates: $50 -150 (depending on the country of origin).
• Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): 575 CAD (when switching to PR).

FAQ

Final Thoughts

To obtain the work permit in 2026, it is necessary to plan the finances carefully and learn the specifics of the contemporary labor market. Before proceeding, make sure that your employer knows about the 20 percent rule of unemployment in big cities such as Toronto or Calgary.

Disclaimer:

This paper is purely an informational and education paper. It is recommended that people should check information in credible sources and official governmental sites before making financial and legal conclusions.