Work Permit Visa Total Cost 2026
See the total cost of a Work Permit visa in 2026 — every mandatory fee, attorney cost and hidden expense, all in one calculator.
What's the full cost of a Work Permit 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$4,095 – CA$8,355
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 Work Permit
These are the fees you cannot avoid when filing a Work Permit application in 2026.
| Fee | Amount | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work permit fee | CA$155 | — | Official ↗ |
| Biometrics fee | CA$85 | — | Official ↗ |
| LMIA processing fee | CA$1,000 | Paid by the employer, not the applicant. | 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.
Other optional fees
- Open work permit holder fee: CA$100
How to apply for the Work Permit
- 1
Employer obtains a positive LMIA
From Employment and Social Development Canada, proving recruitment efforts to hire locally first.
- 2
Employer provides job offer details
Including the LMIA confirmation number.
- 3
Submit the work permit application
To IRCC with the LMIA and supporting documents.
- 4
Complete biometrics/medicals
As required; await a decision.
Typical processing time: LMIA processing alone takes roughly 4–12 weeks. LMIA-based work permit applications then take about 7–19 weeks; in-Canada extensions/new permits were running around 186 days as of June 2026.
Documents you'll need
- Positive LMIA approval letter (with NOC code, wage, and location)
- Employment offer letter/contract
- Proof of qualifications and relevant work experience
- Valid passport and photos
- Proof of funds and ties to home country
Common mistakes to avoid
- Inadequate or poorly documented employer recruitment efforts — the most frequent cause of LMIA refusal
- Job offer or employer compliance concerns from past LMIA audit issues
- Officer doubts about temporary intent where dual intent isn't properly addressed
- Inconsistent NOC/wage/duties between the LMIA and the work permit application
Sources: canada.ca — Work permit
Cost breakdown by scenario
| Scenario | Includes | Total estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| A — Solo, no attorney | Mandatory government fees only | CA$1,240 |
| B — With attorney | Government fees + attorney, no premium | CA$3,840 – CA$7,740 |
| C — Attorney + premium + dependents | Everything included | CA$4,095 – CA$8,355 |
How to save money on your Work Permit
- 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.
Work Permit cost FAQ (2026)
How much does a Work Permit visa cost in 2026?
The total estimated cost of a Work Permit visa in 2026 ranges from about C$3,840 to C$8,355, depending on whether you use an attorney, pay for premium processing, and include dependents.
What is the Work Permit 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 Work Permit 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 Work Permit 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 Work Permit 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 Work Permit 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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