Work Permit Application Fees: Complete Breakdown

When planning your Canadian work permit application, understanding the complete fee structure is crucial for proper budgeting and avoiding unexpected costs. This guide breaks down every fee you’ll encounter, from government charges to additional services, helping you plan accurately for your immigration journey.

Fee Structure Overview

The Canadian government operates a transparent fee system with clearly defined categories. Work permit application fees fall into several distinct categories: basic application fees, processing fees, biometric fees, and additional service charges. These fees are updated annually, typically in April, to reflect current processing costs and government policies.

What this means for you: Always verify current fees on the official IRCC website before submitting your application, as outdated fee information can delay your application or result in rejection.

Payment timing is critical. Most fees must be paid upfront when submitting your application, though some additional services can be paid separately. The government requires payment in Canadian dollars, and you’ll need to account for currency conversion if paying from another country.

Real mistake we’ve seen: Applicants submitting applications with outdated fee amounts, resulting in automatic rejection and delays of several weeks while they resubmit with correct payment.

Work Permit Application Fees

Basic Work Permit Fees

The standard work permit application fee is $155 CAD per person. This covers the basic processing of your application and is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of your application.

Work Permit Extension Fee: If you’re already in Canada and extending your work permit, you’ll pay the same $155 fee. This applies whether you’re changing employers, extending with the same employer, or modifying your work conditions.

Open Work Permit Holder Fee: An additional $100 CAD applies if you’re applying for an open work permit. This fee is in addition to the basic $155 application fee, bringing your total to $255.

Family Member Applications

If your spouse or dependent children are applying to accompany you, each family member needs their own application with separate fees:

• Spouse/Partner Work Permit: $155 (if applying for their own work permit)
• Spouse/Partner Visitor Record: $100 (if not working)
• Dependent Children (under 18): No additional fee if included in your application
• Dependent Children (18+): $155 each if applying for their own permits

What this means for you: A family of four (two adults, two children under 18) applying together would pay $310 for work permits plus any additional fees, not the $620 you might expect.

Processing Fee Structure

The $155 work permit fee includes standard processing, but expedited processing isn’t available for work permit applications. Processing times vary by country and application type, typically ranging from 2-12 weeks for online applications.

If you’re applying from India, Philippines, or Vietnam: Expect longer processing times due to high application volumes. Budget extra time rather than extra money, as expedited processing isn’t an option.

LMIA-Related Fees

Standard LMIA Processing Fee

The Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) fee is $1,000 CAD per position, paid by your employer, not you. However, understanding these costs helps you appreciate the investment employers make and can strengthen your application strategy.

High-Wage vs. Low-Wage Categories:

• High-wage positions (above provincial median wage): Standard $1,000 fee
• Low-wage positions (below provincial median wage): Same $1,000 fee, but with additional employer obligations

Specialized LMIA Programs

Global Talent Stream (GTS): Employers pay the standard $1,000 LMIA fee, but benefit from expedited processing (10 business days instead of standard 2-3 months). This program is designed for high-skilled workers in designated occupations.

Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program: Reduced fee structure applies, with fees as low as $275 per worker for established employers in this program.

Real mistake we’ve seen: Job applicants assuming they need to pay LMIA fees themselves, leading to confusion and potential scam situations. LMIA fees are always the employer’s responsibility.

LMIA-Exempt Categories

Certain work permits don’t require an LMIA, saving your employer the $1,000 fee:

• International Mobility Program (IMP) positions
• NAFTA/CUSMA professionals
• Intra-company transferees
• International students working on-campus

What this means for you: LMIA-exempt positions can be more attractive to employers since they avoid the $1,000 fee and lengthy processing times.

Additional Service Fees

Biometrics Collection

Biometrics Fee: $85 CAD per person, required for most work permit applicants. This fee covers fingerprinting and digital photography at a designated collection center.

Family Biometrics: Maximum family fee is $170, regardless of family size. If you’re applying with your spouse and children, you’ll pay $170 total, not $85 per person.

Biometrics Validity: Your biometrics remain valid for 10 years, so if you’ve provided them for a previous application within this timeframe, you won’t need to pay again.

Medical Examination Costs

Medical exams aren’t always required, but when they are, costs vary by country and designated medical practitioner:

• Basic medical exam: $200-$400 CAD equivalent
• Chest X-ray: $100-$200 CAD equivalent
• Additional tests: Varies by health condition and requirements

If you’re from a country with high TB rates: Chest X-rays are mandatory, and you should budget accordingly. Designated panel physicians charge standardized rates, but costs vary by location.

Document Services

Translation Services: Official translations of non-English/French documents typically cost $20-$50 per page through certified translators.

Notarization and Certification: Document certification costs vary by jurisdiction, typically $10-$25 per document.

Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): If required, ECA reports cost $200-$300 through designated organizations like WES or ICAS.

Payment Methods and Procedures

Online Payment Options

IRCC accepts several online payment methods:

• Credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express
• Debit cards: Canadian debit cards only
• Online banking: Canadian bank accounts only

What this means for you: International applicants typically need to use credit cards, as debit and online banking options are limited to Canadian accounts.

Payment Timing and Procedures

Payment must be submitted with your application. The system generates a receipt immediately upon successful payment, which you must include with your application package.

Fee Payment Timeline:

1. Complete your application form
2. Calculate total fees using the online calculator
3. Submit payment through the secure portal
4. Download and print your receipt
5. Include receipt with your application submission

Real mistake we’ve seen: Applicants printing fee receipts from unofficial websites or using outdated payment confirmations, resulting in application delays.

Refund Policies

Government fees are generally non-refundable, even if your application is refused. However, refunds may be issued in specific circumstances:

• Duplicate payments: Full refund within 90 days
• Processing errors: Case-by-case evaluation
• Withdrawn applications: No refund for government fees

Optional—but strongly recommended by AVID experts: Keep detailed records of all payments and receipts. If issues arise, having complete documentation significantly improves your chances of resolving payment problems quickly.

Cost Planning and Budgeting

Total Cost Estimation Framework

Individual Applicant Budget:

• Work permit fee: $155
• Biometrics: $85
• Medical exam: $200-$400 (if required)
• Document services: $100-$300
• Total range: $540-$940 CAD

Family Application Budget (couple with two children under 18):

• Primary applicant work permit: $155
• Spouse visitor record: $100
• Family biometrics: $170
• Medical exams: $400-$800 (if required)
• Document services: $200-$500
• Total range: $1,025-$1,725 CAD

Currency Conversion Considerations

Exchange rates fluctuate daily, affecting your total costs if paying in foreign currency. Budget an additional 3-5% buffer for exchange rate variations between planning and payment.

If you’re applying from countries with volatile currencies: Consider purchasing Canadian dollars early in your planning process to lock in favorable rates, or budget conservatively for potential currency depreciation.

Cost-Saving Strategies

Document Preparation: Organize all documents yourself rather than paying for document compilation services. This can save $200-$500 while giving you better control over your application quality.

Translation Services: For multiple documents in the same language, many certified translators offer bulk pricing discounts.

Medical Examinations: Some designated medical practitioners offer package deals for families or multiple required tests.

Real mistake we’ve seen: Applicants paying for unnecessary “premium” application services that don’t actually expedite government processing or improve approval chances.

Fee Comparison Table

Payment Timeline Planner

8-12 weeks before application:

• Research current fee structure
• Budget for total costs including currency conversion buffer
• Begin gathering required documents

4-6 weeks before application:

• Finalize document translations and certifications
• Schedule medical examinations if required
• Prepare payment method (ensure credit card limits are sufficient)

Application submission week:

• Verify current fees on IRCC website
• Process payment and download receipt
• Submit complete application with payment confirmation

Post-submission:

• Monitor application status online
• Keep payment receipts for records
• Budget for potential additional requests (rare, but possible)

Calculate Your Total Application Costs

Use our comprehensive calculator to get an accurate estimate of your total work permit application costs, including all government fees, biometrics, and additional services based on your specific situation.