Top 5 Working Permit Fees in Canada [2025-2026 Guide]

TL;DR: The cost of a Canadian work permit varies by type, with the main fee for an employer-specific or open work permit being CAD $155 for the permit itself. However, most applicants must also pay additional mandatory fees, like the $100 Open Work Permit Holder fee or the $85 biometrics fee, bringing the typical total to between $255 and $340. The total cost depends entirely on your specific situation and permit type.

Navigating the financial side of your Canadian work permit can be confusing. You're not just paying for the permit; there are often several government fees involved. This guide breaks down the top 5 work permit fees you need to budget for, using the latest 2025-2026 rates from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). We'll explain what each fee is for, who pays it, and how to ensure you're not caught off guard.

1. What is the basic fee for a Canadian work permit?

The core government fee for most work permit applications is CAD $155. This is the standard processing fee you pay to IRCC when you submit an application for an employer-specific work permit or an open work permit. It's the foundational cost for the government to review your application.

However, very few applicants pay only this fee. It's almost always combined with other mandatory charges. For example, if you are applying from outside Canada, you will likely need to give biometrics (fingerprints and a photo), which costs an extra $85. According to IRCC’s official fee page, this $155 fee applies whether you apply online, on paper, or at a port of entry. Always check the official website for the most current fee schedule, as rates can change.

• Key Fee: Work Permit (including renewal) - $155
• Applies To: The primary applicant for most work permit types.
• Payment Timing: Paid when you submit your application.
• Note: This fee is per person, so a spouse applying separately would also pay $155.

2. What is the Open Work Permit Holder fee, and who pays it?

If you are applying for an open work permit, you must pay an additional fee of CAD $100. This is a separate, mandatory charge on top of the $155 work permit fee. An open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada, with some exceptions, and is common for spouses of skilled workers or international students.

According to IRCC’s official guide, this $100 fee is required for anyone applying for an open work permit, regardless of their situation. It's designed to support the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process, even though open work permits are LMIA-exempt. Failing to pay this fee will result in your application being returned as incomplete. When budgeting, remember that the total for an open work permit application is typically $155 + $100 = $255, plus biometrics if required.

• Key Fee: Open Work Permit Holder fee - $100
• Applies To: All applicants for an open work permit (e.g., spouse/partner of a skilled worker or student).
• Mandatory: Yes, for open work permit applications.
• Total Example: Open Work Permit ($155) + Holder Fee ($100) + Biometrics ($85) = $340.

3. How much is the biometrics fee, and can I avoid it?

The biometrics fee is CAD $85 per person (or $170 per family). Biometrics are a security requirement for most foreign nationals applying for a work permit from outside Canada. You cannot avoid this fee if it is required for your nationality and application type.

You provide your fingerprints and photo at a designated Visa Application Centre (VAC). This $85 fee is for the collection service and is valid for ten years. If you have given biometrics for a previous Canadian application (like a visitor visa) within the last decade, you likely do not need to pay or give them again. IRCC’s official biometrics page has a tool to check if you need to provide them. Always include this fee in your initial payment to prevent processing delays.

• Key Fee: Biometrics - $85 per person / $170 per family (2 or more people)
• Applies To: Most applicants from outside Canada (check IRCC's country list).
• Validity: Biometrics are valid for 10 years.
• Pro Tip: Use tools like Evola AI’s Immigration Success Predictor to understand all requirements, including fees, specific to your profile before you apply.

4. What are the fees for an LMIA-based work permit?

If you need an LMIA, your employer pays a CAD $1,000 fee to ESDC. For an employer-specific work permit, your employer in Canada may first need to get a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). This process proves no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available for the job.

The $1,000 employer fee is for the LMIA application itself. It is not your fee as the worker. Your costs are the standard $155 work permit fee and biometrics ($85 if applicable). Some high-demand occupations or programs may be LMIA-exempt, which saves the employer this cost. It's crucial to confirm with your employer whether an LMIA is needed, as it significantly impacts the timeline and cost structure.

• Employer Fee: LMIA Application - $1,000 (paid by the company to ESDC).
• Your Fee: Work Permit - $155 + applicable biometrics.
• Process: Employer gets LMIA approval, then you apply for your work permit with the LMIA number.
• Note: Some categories, like the International Mobility Program, are LMIA-exempt.

5. Are there any other hidden fees or costs I should know about?

Yes, you should budget for potential extra costs like medical exams, police certificates, and courier fees. While not official "government work permit fees," these are often necessary parts of a complete application and can add several hundred dollars.

• Medical Exam: Required if you work in healthcare, childcare, or agriculture, or if you've lived in certain countries. Cost: $200 - $450+.
• Police Certificate: You may need a criminal record check from countries you've lived in. Cost: Varies by country.
• Courier/Translation: Sending documents or translating them into English/French. Cost: Varies.
• Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): Not for work permits, but if you apply for permanent residence simultaneously (e.g., some Provincial Nominees), this $515 fee may be requested later.

Managing these variable costs is where preparation is key. Instead of searching multiple websites, a platform like Evola AI consolidates this information. Its AI mentor can generate a personalized checklist for your specific work permit pathway, including all estimated fees, so you can budget accurately from the start.

Conclusion: Plan Your Budget for Success

Understanding the full breakdown of work permit fees is the first step in a smooth application journey. The costs are more than just the $155 permit fee—they include mandatory add-ons like the open work permit holder fee or biometrics. By using official IRCC resources and modern planning tools, you can create an accurate budget and avoid surprises.

Ready to move from understanding fees to planning your entire application? Let Evola AI guide you. Start by using our free, accurate CRS Calculator to see your score if you're aiming for PR, or chat with our 24/7 AI mentor to get a personalized fee breakdown and application roadmap for your work permit.

Start Your Canadian Journey with Evola AI

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Title: Top 5 Working Permit Fees in Canada [2025-2026 Guide] Meta Description: Confused by Canadian work permit costs? Our 2025 guide breaks down the top 5 fees—from the $155 permit fee to biometrics—so you can budget accurately. Learn what you'll really pay. Slug: canadian-work-permit-fees-2025