How Much Does a Work Visa Cost? [2025-2026 Guide]

TL;DR: The total cost of a Canadian work visa ranges from CAD $255 to over CAD $2,300 per person, depending on the permit type and your specific situation. The core government fee for most employer-specific work permits is CAD $155, but you must also pay a CAD $100 Open Work Permit Holder fee and potentially biometrics, medical exams, and other mandatory costs, which significantly increase the total.

Navigating the financial side of a Canadian work permit is crucial for planning your move. This guide breaks down every fee, reveals often-overlooked expenses, and provides a clear 2025-2026 cost framework so you can budget accurately and avoid surprises.

What Are the Official Government Fees for a Work Permit?

The main government processing fee for a work permit is CAD $155. This is the standard fee paid to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to process an application for an employer-specific work permit. However, this is rarely the only fee you will pay.

According to IRCC’s official fee schedule, most applicants must budget for several mandatory charges:

• Work Permit Processing Fee: CAD $155.
• Open Work Permit Holder Fee: CAD $100 (if applicable).
• Biometrics Fee: CAD $85 per person or CAD $170 per family.
• Restoration of Status Fee: CAD $229 (if applying after your status has expired).

It’s essential to use the official IRCC website or a reliable, up-to-date tool to calculate your exact total. For a precise, personalized estimate based on your profile, you can use a free tool like Evola AI's CRS Calculator, which includes a detailed fee breakdown alongside your eligibility assessment.

Are There Different Fees for Different Types of Work Permits?

Yes, work permit fees vary significantly by category. The "Open Work Permit Holder" fee is a key differentiator. An Open Work Permit (OWP) allows you to work for any employer in Canada, and it carries an additional CAD $100 charge.

Here’s a quick fee comparison for common permit types:

• Employer-Specific Work Permit: CAD $155 (processing fee only).
• Open Work Permit (e.g., for spouses/common-law partners): CAD $255 (CAD $155 + CAD $100).
• International Experience Canada (IEC - Working Holiday): CAD $172 (participation fee) plus the CAD $100 open work permit fee if applicable, totaling CAD $272.
• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): CAD $255 (CAD $155 + CAD $100).

Always verify the specific requirements for your stream on the Government of Canada’s work permit page. Professional guidance, like that from Evola AI's 24/7 immigration mentor, can instantly clarify which fees apply to your unique situation, preventing costly application errors.

What Are the "Hidden" or Additional Costs I Should Budget For?

Beyond government fees, budget at least CAD $500-$1,500 for ancillary costs. These are mandatory for most applicants and are often the most underestimated part of the budget.

The main additional expenses include:

• Biometrics Collection: CAD $85 per person. You must give fingerprints and a photo at a designated Visa Application Centre (VAC).
• Medical Exam: Approximately CAD $200-$300. Required if you work in healthcare, childcare, or primary/secondary education, or if you have lived in certain countries.
• Police Clearance Certificates: Varies by country (CAD $50-$150 each).
• Language Tests (IELTS/CELPIP): CAD $280-$330. Often required to prove language proficiency for certain permits or for future permanent residence applications.
• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): CAD $200-$400. Needed if you must prove the Canadian equivalency of your foreign education.

Using a tool like Evola AI's Immigration Success Predictor can help you understand which of these additional steps (like language tests or an ECA) will be most critical for your long-term success, allowing you to prioritize your spending effectively.

How Much Does an LMIA-Based Work Permit Cost?

An LMIA-based work permit involves significant employer-side costs. The Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a process your employer must complete before you can apply. The fees here are paid by the employer, not the employee.

Key employer costs for a standard LMIA application include:

• LMIA Processing Fee: CAD $1,000 per position requested.
• Compliance Fee: CAD $100 (for employers of certain low-wage positions under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program).
• Recruitment Evidence: Costs for advertising the job in Canada to prove no Canadian could be found.

Once the positive LMIA is received, you, as the worker, then pay the standard work permit application fees (CAD $155 + biometrics, etc.). The high cost and complexity of the LMIA process is why many candidates explore LMIA-exempt work permits or direct pathways to permanent residence.

Can I Get a Refund If My Work Visa Application Is Refused?

IRCC typically does not refund processing fees for refused applications. The fees cover the cost of processing your application, regardless of the outcome. This makes it critical to submit a complete and accurate application the first time.

Fees that are generally non-refundable include:

• Work Permit Processing Fee (CAD $155)
• Open Work Permit Holder Fee (CAD $100)
• Biometrics Fee (once collected)

In very rare cases, such as if IRCC makes an error in charging you, a refund may be issued. The best strategy is to maximize your chances of approval from the start. Leveraging an AI-powered platform like Evola AI, which cross-references your profile against the latest IRCC rules and refusal trends, can help you identify and fix potential issues before you submit and pay.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Get a Canadian Work Visa?

The most cost-effective path is often through permanent residence programs that include a work permit. Programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or some Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams allow you to apply for a bridging open work permit while your PR application is processed.

Strategies to minimize costs include:

1. Target LMIA-Exempt Jobs: Seek positions under international agreements (like CUSMA) or significant benefit categories that don't require the employer to pay the CAD $1,000 LMIA fee.
2. Apply from Inside Canada: If eligible, applying from within Canada can sometimes reduce the need for certain documents or allow you to maintain status more easily.
3. Use Accurate Tools First: Before spending money on tests or assessments, use free tools to gauge your eligibility. Check your language score equivalency with the Evola AI CLB Converter to see if you need to re-take an expensive test.
4. Bundle Applications: If applying with a spouse, include their open work permit application simultaneously to streamline processing.

Remember, the cheapest application is the one that succeeds. Investing in accurate information and a strong application from the outset saves money compared to the cost of a refusal and re-application.

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Securing your Canadian work visa is an investment in your future. While the fees can add up, understanding the complete cost structure—from the CAD $155 base fee to biometrics and potential medical exams—empowers you to plan effectively. By using official resources, preparing thoroughly, and leveraging smart tools to guide your strategy, you can navigate the financial aspect with confidence and focus on the exciting opportunity ahead.

Ready to calculate your exact work visa costs and explore your best pathway? Start your personalized assessment with Evola AI today.