Are you planning to work in Canada this year? Getting a work permit in Canada can be hard. You need to know all the costs. The rules and fees change sometimes. As of early 2026, there are updates from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). For example, some fees went up in late 2025. There is also a clear difference between your status in Canada and your right to work.
This guide is for employers who want to hire workers from other countries. It is also for workers who want to come to Canada. We talk about the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) costs in 2026. We use simple words so it is easy to understand.
The Main Costs: LMIA and Work Permit Fees
Most jobs need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) first. This paper shows that no Canadian can do the job. The employer must get this LMIA.
Employer-Paid Costs (They Cannot Get Money Back from Worker)
The employer pays these fees. They cannot ask the worker to pay them back. It is against the law.
- LMIA Processing Fee 2026: It costs $1,000 CAD for each job position. This fee stays the same in 2026. The employer pays it to the government. The worker cannot pay this or give money back for it.
- Employer Compliance Fee: This is $230 CAD. It is for jobs that do not need LMIA (like in the International Mobility Program). The employer pays this when they submit the job offer online.
Worker-Paid Costs
The worker pays these fees when they apply for the work permit.
- Canada Work Permit Fee 2026: The normal fee is $155 CAD for one person. This is for a work permit tied to one employer.
- Open Work Permit Holder Fee: If the permit lets you work for any employer (open work permit), you pay an extra $100 CAD. So total is $255 CAD.
These fees are important. You must pay them online when you apply.
Wage Streams: High-Wage vs. Low-Wage Stream 2026
In 2026, your job pay decides if it is high-wage or low-wage. This changes the rules for LMIA. The government uses median wage (middle wage) in each province. They add 20% to make the threshold for high-wage.
Regional Nuances and the 6% Rule
A big change in early 2026: Low-wage LMIA processing starts again in some cities. This happens because unemployment went below 6% in places like Vancouver, Winnipeg, Montreal, Halifax, and others. If unemployment is 6% or more in a city, low-wage LMIA may not be processed. You must check the unemployment rate in your work city. The list updates every three months. Next update is in April 2026.
Here are some province median wage thresholds for high-wage in 2026 (these are hourly rates):
- Ontario: $36.00 per hour
- British Columbia: $36.60 per hour
- Alberta: $36.00 per hour
- Manitoba: $30.16 per hour
- Quebec: $34.62 per hour
If your pay is at or above this rate, it is high-wage stream. This stream has fewer limits. If your pay is below, it is low-wage stream. Low-wage has a cap: most employers can have only 20% foreign workers. Also, low-wage has more rules in high unemployment areas.
Always check the exact wage for your job code (NOC) and city.
Procedural Costs: Biometrics and Restoration
There are other fees you may need to pay.
- Biometrics Collection Fee Many people need to give fingerprints and photo. This is biometrics. For one person: $85 CAD. For a family: $170 CAD This fee is common for work permit applications.
- Restoration of Status (Worker) If you lose your status (permit expires and you stay), you can apply to fix it. Restoration of Status fee in 2026: Around $246.25 CAD (updated in late 2025). If you also apply for a new permit at the same time: Total about $401.25 CAD. You must apply within 90 days of losing status. It is best not to lose status.
- IEC Fee 2026 For young people in International Experience Canada (IEC) program: The fee is now $184.75 CAD. This is for working holiday or other IEC categories.
The Hidden Budget: Relocation and Third-Party Fees
The government fees are not all. You need money for other things to move and apply.
- Medical Examination: You go to a doctor for a check-up. It costs $100 to $250 CAD. This depends on the doctor and country.
- Police Certificates: You need police papers from your home country. Cost is $20 to $70 CAD or more. It changes by country.
- Certified Translations: If your papers are not in English or French, you need official translations. This costs money.
- Professional Representative Fees: Many people hire a lawyer or consultant. For LMIA help, it can cost $2,000 to $5,000 CAD or more. Choose a trusted person.
Do not forget travel costs, visa application center fees, or other small things.
Checklist for a Successful 2026 Application
Here is a simple list to help you:
- Check the right wage for your job (NOC code) in your province or city.
- Make sure the employer advertised the job for 4 weeks on Job Bank if needed.
- Wait for the positive LMIA letter before you apply for the work permit.
- Gather all papers like passport, job offer, and proof of money.
- Pay all fees on time.
- Check if your city allows low-wage LMIA if your pay is low.
Follow these steps to avoid problems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I apply for a work permit without an LMIA?
Yes. If you qualify for International Mobility Program (IMP). Examples are intra-company transfers or CUSMA jobs. The employer pays only the $230 compliance fee.
What happens if my LMIA is refused?
The $1,000 CAD fee is not returned. It is non-refundable. That is why it is important to meet all rules first, like correct wage and good advertising.
Would you like help to find the current median wage for your job and city? Tell me your job title and place to check which stream you fit.
There is a video about moving to Canada. It explains LMIA streams and changes in 2026 for regions.
Disclaimer: This article is only for information. Rules can change. Always check the official IRCC or ESDC website for the latest details before you apply or pay money.