Top 10 Work Permit Costs in Canada [2025-2026 Guide]

Meta Description: Confused about Canadian work permit fees? Our 2025-2026 guide breaks down the exact costs for LMIA, IEC, PGWP, and more, plus tips to save money and avoid delays. Get the full financial picture here.

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TL;DR: The cost of a Canadian work permit varies dramatically, from $0 for some open permits to over $2,500 for LMIA-supported permits when all fees are included. The most common fee is the $155 CAD government processing fee paid to IRCC. However, the total cost depends entirely on the permit type, whether you need an LMIA, and if you use legal assistance. For a precise estimate based on your situation, use Evola AI’s free Immigration Success Predictor to model your application pathway and associated costs.

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How Much Does a Canadian Work Permit Cost?

The base government processing fee for most Canadian work permits is $155 CAD. However, this is rarely the total cost. The final price tag can range from $0 to over $2,500 when you factor in mandatory add-ons like the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) fee, biometrics, and optional legal services. Your total expense depends on your specific permit stream, such as an LMIA-based permit, Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), or International Experience Canada (IEC).

Understanding these fees upfront is crucial for budgeting and avoiding surprises that could derail your plans. This guide breaks down every potential cost, so you can plan your Canadian work journey with financial confidence.

1. What is the Standard IRCC Work Permit Processing Fee?

The standard fee paid directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is $155 CAD per person. This is the non-refundable charge to process your work permit application, whether you apply from outside Canada or from within. According to IRCC’s official fee schedule, this is the mandatory core fee for most work permit applications.

You must pay this fee online through the IRCC portal when you submit your application. It covers the administrative cost of processing your request and is required for:

• Employer-specific work permits (with an LMIA)
• Employer-specific work permits under an LMIA-exempt category
• Open work permits for spouses/common-law partners
• Restoration of status as a worker

2. What is the LMIA Fee and Who Pays It?

If your job offer requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), your employer must pay a $1,000 CAD fee to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). The LMIA is a document that proves no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available for the job. This fee is for the government to process the employer's LMIA application and is separate from your $155 work permit fee.

Key facts about the LMIA fee:

• Paid by the employer, not the worker. Be wary of any employer asking you to cover this cost, as it is illegal.
• According to the Government of Canada’s LMIA page, the fee is generally $1,000 per position requested.
• Some positions are LMIA-exempt, meaning this fee and process do not apply (e.g., significant benefit occupations, intra-company transferees).

3. How Much is the Biometrics Fee?

Most work permit applicants must give biometrics (fingerprints and a photo). The biometrics fee is $85 CAD per person or $170 CAD per family applying together. This is a separate, mandatory fee paid to IRCC.

You will be instructed to pay this fee and then visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide your biometrics. This fee is valid for ten years, so if you’ve given biometrics for a prior Canadian visa, you likely won’t need to pay again.

4. Are There Any Other Government Fees?

Yes, depending on your situation, you may encounter these additional government fees:

• Open Work Permit Holder Fee: If you are applying for an open work permit (like a spouse or common-law partner work permit), you must pay an additional $100 CAD fee. This brings the total IRCC fees for an open work permit to $255 ($155 + $100).
• Visa Application Centre (VAC) Fees: If you apply from a country with a VAC, you may pay a service charge for them to collect your application and biometrics. This varies by country.
• Medical Exam Fee: If your job is in a field that requires a medical exam (e.g., healthcare, education), you must pay a panel physician directly. This cost varies by country and clinic but typically ranges from $200 to $450 CAD.

5. How Much Does a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Cost?

The PGWP is one of the more straightforward permits in terms of cost. Eligible graduates from Canadian Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) pay:

• Standard Work Permit Processing Fee: $155 CAD
• Open Work Permit Holder Fee: $100 CAD
• Biometrics Fee: $85 CAD (if required)
• Total: $340 CAD

There is no LMIA or employer fee for a PGWP, as it is an open work permit. This makes it a highly cost-effective pathway to gain Canadian work experience. To see if your study program and plans make you a strong candidate for a PGWP, use Evola AI’s Immigration Success Predictor for a free, personalized assessment.

6. How Much Does an International Experience Canada (IEC) Work Permit Cost?

IEC (Working Holiday) permits are among the most affordable. Participants typically pay:

• IEC Participation Fee: $172 CAD (if applicable, depends on country of agreement)
• Standard Work Permit Processing Fee: $155 CAD
• Open Work Permit Holder Fee: $100 CAD (for an open work permit)
• Biometrics Fee: $85 CAD
• Total (approximate): $512 CAD

The IEC program is LMIA-exempt, so there is no $1,000 employer fee. Costs can vary slightly based on your country of citizenship and the specific IEC category.

7. What is the Total Cost for an LMIA-Based Work Permit?

For a closed, employer-specific work permit that requires a positive LMIA, the total government fees are significant:

• LMIA Fee (paid by employer): $1,000 CAD
• Work Permit Processing Fee (paid by you): $155 CAD
• Biometrics Fee (paid by you): $85 CAD
• Estimated Total Government Fees: $1,240 CAD

This does not include potential third-party costs like translation of documents, credential assessments, or legal fees.

8. Should I Budget for Legal or Consultant Fees?

While you can apply yourself, many applicants hire an immigration lawyer or regulated consultant. Their fees vary widely based on complexity:

• Simple work permit application (e.g., PGWP extension): $1,000 - $2,500 CAD
• LMIA-supported work permit application: $3,000 - $7,000+ CAD (often includes assisting the employer with the LMIA)

These are service fees on top of all government costs. For expert guidance at a fraction of the cost, consider Evola AI’s 24/7 AI mentor. Starting at US $39/month, it provides accurate, real-time answers to complex immigration questions, helping you prepare a strong application and avoid costly mistakes that lead to refusals.

9. Can a Work Permit Application Be Free?

In very specific circumstances, yes. Some applicants are exempt from paying the work permit processing fee. According to IRCC regulations, this includes:

• Applicants for a work permit who are in a humanitarian crisis (e.g., from specific countries under public policy).
• Certain participants in charitable or religious work.
• Some performing artists and athletes.
• Refugee claimants who have received a positive eligibility decision.

Even in these cases, the biometrics fee may still apply. Always check the official IRCC website for the most current exemptions.

10. How Can I Estimate My Exact Total Cost?

To get a precise estimate, follow this checklist:

1. Identify your work permit stream (PGWP, IEC, LMIA-based, LMIA-exempt, etc.).
2. List all applicable government fees using the IRCC fee tool.
3. Factor in third-party costs: medical exams, police certificates, document translations.
4. Decide if you need professional help and budget accordingly.
5. Add a 10-15% buffer for unexpected expenses or currency fluctuations.

For a streamlined way to model this, Evola AI’s tools can help. Start by using the free CRS Calculator if you plan to transition to permanent residence, as your work permit choice impacts your future Express Entry score. Then, consult the AI mentor for a detailed breakdown of fees specific to your nationality and job offer.

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Conclusion: Plan Your Investment Wisely

The path to working in Canada is an investment in your future, and understanding the costs is the first step in a successful plan. While fees can seem daunting, many of the most valuable permits—like the PGWP and IEC—are relatively affordable and offer a direct route to gaining the Canadian experience that can lead to permanent residence.

Don't let financial uncertainty hold you back. By using official resources and smart tools, you can create an accurate budget and navigate the process with confidence. Ready to take the next step with clarity and expert support?

Start your journey with a clear financial plan. Explore your work permit options and get personalized guidance with Evola AI today.