IEC Visa Total Cost 2026
See the total cost of a IEC visa in 2026 — every mandatory fee, attorney cost and hidden expense, all in one calculator.
What's the full cost of a IEC visa in 2026 — not just the government filing fee, but attorney costs, premium processing and every add-on too? Here's every number added up, plus what you can skip to spend less.
Total cost, everything included
CA$3,125 – CA$7,385
Mandatory IRCC fees, an attorney, premium processing, and dependents — the full price if you want every option covered. Filing without an attorney or premium processing costs less; see the scenario breakdown below.
Mandatory IRCC fees for the IEC
These are the fees you cannot avoid when filing a IEC application in 2026.
| Fee | Amount | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| IEC participation fee | CA$185 | — | Official ↗ |
| Open work permit holder fee | CA$100 | — | Official ↗ |
| Biometrics fee | CA$85 | — | Official ↗ |
Source: IRCC Fee List. Fees change — verify before filing. Last full data review: August 2026. See our methodology.
Optional costs
Attorney fees
CA$2,600 – CA$6,500 in Toronto. Typical cities: Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary.
Premium processing
Not available for this route.
Medical exam
CA$150 – CA$350 — Panel physician exam, cost varies by country and clinic.
Translation services
CA$40 – CA$150 — Certified translations of documents not in English/French.
How to apply for the IEC
- 1
Submit an IEC profile
Into the applicable pool (Working Holiday, Young Professionals, or International Co-op) during the season.
- 2
Wait for a pool draw
If selected, accept the Invitation to Apply within 10 days.
- 3
Submit the full application
Within 20 days of accepting the ITA, including biometrics/medical exam if required.
- 4
Await decision
Receive a Port of Entry Letter of Introduction to activate the work permit on arrival.
Typical processing time: After receiving an ITA, applicants typically take about 2–3 months to complete the application and receive the Port of Entry letter.
Documents you'll need
- Valid passport from an eligible reciprocal country
- Proof of funds (typically ~CAD $2,500)
- Health insurance covering the full stay
- Proof of qualifying job offer or school letter (Young Professionals/Co-op only)
- Return travel/onward ticket or proof of funds to purchase one
Common mistakes to avoid
- Missing the pool entry deadline or the 10-day ITA acceptance / 20-day submission windows
- Applying to the wrong category without a qualifying job offer
- Insurance that doesn't cover the full intended duration of stay
- Incomplete work/education history fields or improperly submitted documents
Cost breakdown by scenario
| Scenario | Includes | Total estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| A — Solo, no attorney | Mandatory government fees only | CA$370 |
| B — With attorney | Government fees + attorney, no premium | CA$2,970 – CA$6,870 |
| C — Attorney + premium + dependents | Everything included | CA$3,125 – CA$7,385 |
How to save money on your IEC
- File without an attorney if your case is straightforward — you can cut CA$2,600–CA$6,500.
- Skip premium processing unless you genuinely need a fast decision.
- Prepare documents yourself to avoid translation and document-prep fees.
- Double-check every fee on the IRCC website so you never overpay a third party.
IEC cost FAQ (2026)
How much does a IEC visa cost in 2026?
The total estimated cost of a IEC visa in 2026 ranges from about C$2,970 to C$7,385, depending on whether you use an attorney, pay for premium processing, and include dependents.
What is the IEC application fee?
The government application fee varies by visa and year. IRCC publishes the current schedule, and this calculator itemises every mandatory fee with a link to the official source.
How much do immigration lawyers charge for a IEC visa?
Attorney fees typically add C$2,000–C$5,000 depending on the city and case complexity. The calculator lets you toggle attorney costs on or off to compare.
Can I apply for a IEC visa without a lawyer?
Yes. Many applicants file without a lawyer and only pay the mandatory government fees. An attorney is optional but can reduce the risk of costly mistakes.
What hidden costs should I budget for?
Beyond the filing fee, budget for biometrics, medical examinations, certified translations, and premium processing if you need a faster decision.
Is premium processing available for a IEC visa?
Premium or priority processing is available for many routes for an extra fee, but not all. Check the calculator's options and the IRCC website for eligibility.
Do I have to pay extra for dependents?
Yes — each dependent usually requires an additional application fee and, in some countries, a health surcharge. Toggle the dependents option to include them.
Are visa fees refundable if my application is refused?
In most cases government application fees are not refunded if the application is refused. Always verify current policy with IRCC before paying.
How often do IRCC fees change?
Fee schedules are reviewed periodically and can change each year. This calculator is updated from official sources, but confirm the current fee before you file.
What is the cheapest way to apply for a IEC visa?
Applying without an attorney, without premium processing, and without dependents keeps you at the low end of the cost range — usually just the mandatory government fees.
Use the calculator above for your specific case
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