Canada Work Permit Government Fees Breakdown 2026

Are you planning to start your job in Canada in 2026? You are coming into a system that has changed with the new “Work Licence Framework.” Canada is now using a stricter system where work permits are more tied to specific employers. To avoid problems, you need to know all the exact government fees. It’s not just the basic $155 anymore. There are extra costs for compliance, biometrics, and new rules in 2026.

This guide will help you, whether you are applying for a Post-Graduation Work Licence (PGWL) or a job that needs an LMIA. We break down all the fees for 2026 so your application does not get sent back because you paid too little.

Core Worker Application Fees (2026 Rates)

These are the main fees that you, the worker, pay to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The fees for 2026 are adjusted a bit for inflation and the new “Work Licence” changes.

• Work Permit Processing Fee ($155): This is the usual fee for most personal applications. It covers employer-specific permits or the new “closed” licences.
• Open Work Permit Holder Fee ($100): This extra fee is for people who qualify for flexible work options. In 2026, many open permits without restrictions are being reduced. They are replaced by licences for certain sectors. But these still add the $100 fee, making the total $255.
• IEC Work Permit Processing Fee ($184.75): This is the new rate for 2026 under International Experience Canada. It includes Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op programs.
• Restoration of Status ($246.25): If you stay longer than your permit allows, you pay this fee to fix your status and stay legal as a worker.
• Bridge Extension Fee ($155): This is for people waiting for a Permanent Residency (PR) decision. It helps you keep your status while you wait.

These fees are important because they are the base cost for your application. Always check if you need to add other fees like for open permits. Paying the right amount from the start saves time and avoids delays.

Employer-Side Compliance & LMIA Costs

In 2026, Canada has made rules stricter for employers. They must pay more to prove the job is really needed and not taking away from Canadian workers.

• LMIA Processing Fee ($1,000): The employer pays this to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). In 2026, you do not get this money back, even if the LMIA is refused.
• Employer Compliance Fee ($230): Employers must pay this when hiring through the International Mobility Program (IMP) or routes like Young Professionals.
• 2026 Compliance Cost Supplement ($1,000): This is a new fee for employers who hire many foreign workers. It helps pay for the government’s new automatic checking system.
• Employer Portal “Offer of Employment” ID: Employers get this special number only after paying the $230 fee. If your application does not have this number, IRCC will reject it right away.

Remember, these costs are paid by the employer, not you. It is against the law for them to ask you to pay back the LMIA fee or others. This protects workers from unfair practices.

Mandatory Secondary Costs (Biometrics & Medicals)

Many people forget these costs, but they can add up and surprise you. In 2026, most new applicants must pay them.

• Individual Biometric Fee ($85): This pays for your fingerprints and photo.
• Family Biometric Maximum ($170): If your spouse and children apply with you at the same time, the total for biometrics is capped at this amount. It saves money for families.
• Panel Physician Medical Exam ($200–$400): You pay this to a doctor approved by IRCC. The price changes by country. For example, in some places like Pakistan, it can be around PKR 30,500 for an adult.
• Police Clearance Certificates: You need these to show you have no serious crimes. The cost depends on your country, usually between $20 and $100.

These steps are required to make sure you are healthy and safe to enter Canada. Plan for them early so you have enough money set aside. Skipping them can delay your whole application.

2026 New Framework & PR Transition

Canada is changing its immigration goals, so moving from a temporary worker to permanent resident has new costs in 2026.

• Post-Graduation Work Licence (PGWL): For students finishing in 2026, the old PGWP is now a “Licence” linked to important job sectors. The fee is still $155, but you often need a real job offer to get it.
• Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF – $575): If you plan to apply for PR later, you will pay this fee. In 2026, paying it early with your work application can make the PR process faster by 2 to 4 weeks.
• Quebec Fee Indexation (2.05% Increase): If your job is in Quebec, like Montreal or Quebec City, the provincial CAQ fees went up by 2.05% in 2026 because of inflation.

These changes show how Canada is focusing on workers who can stay long-term. Think about your future plans when budgeting.

Strategy Tip: The “Consolidated Receipt”

A big reason for delays in 2026 applications is paying fees in separate steps. Use the official IRCC online payment tool to pay your $155 work permit fee and $85 biometrics together in one go. This gives you one receipt with a barcode. The new AI system processes it much faster – up to 40% quicker than separate payments.

This simple tip can help your application move smoothly through the system.

FAQ: Canada Work Permit Fees 2026

These common questions help clear up confusion that many applicants have.

Take the Next Step

Getting your 2026 budget ready is the first important step for moving to Canada successfully. Make sure your employer has the “Offer of Employment ID” prepared before you pay your own fees. This way, everything matches up.

Would you like me to create a “2026 Total Relocation Budget” for a family of four coming to Canada on a work permit?

Disclaimer: This article is for information and education only. Always check the latest details on official sites like the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website before you decide or apply. Fees and rules can change.