If you are planning to work in Canada, understanding the Canada work permit fees and application costs is an important part of preparing your immigration budget. The amount you pay depends on the type of work permit you are applying for and whether you need additional services such as biometrics or restoration of status.
For most applicants, the basic Canada work permit application fee is CAD $155. Applicants for an open work permit generally pay an additional CAD $100 open work permit holder fee, while eligible applicants who need biometrics normally pay CAD $85. A family giving biometrics at the same time can pay up to CAD $170.
However, the application fee is not necessarily the total amount you should budget. You may also have costs for a medical examination, police certificates, document translation, passport photographs, travel, professional assistance and other application-related services.
This guide explains the Canada work permit cost, common fees, possible extra expenses and what applicants should know before submitting an application.
What Is the Canada Work Permit Application Fee in 2026?
The standard work permit processing fee in Canada is CAD $155 per person. This applies to many initial work permit applications as well as work permit extensions. Some applicants may be exempt from paying certain fees, depending on their circumstances.
The basic fee can therefore be summarized as:
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Work permit processing fee | CAD $155 |
| Open work permit holder fee | CAD $100 |
| Biometrics – individual | CAD $85 |
| Biometrics – family maximum | CAD $170 |
These are government fees listed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Fees can change, so applicants should always verify the amount on the official Canadian government website immediately before payment.
How Much Does a Canadian Work Permit Cost in Total?
The total cost depends on your application.
For example, someone applying for a standard employer-specific work permit may pay:
CAD $155 work permit processing fee + CAD $85 biometrics = CAD $240, if biometrics are required.
An applicant for an open work permit who also needs biometrics may pay:
CAD $155 + CAD $100 + CAD $85 = CAD $340.
These examples cover government application fees only. They do not include medical examinations, document preparation, translation, police certificates, travel or other personal expenses.
Your actual cost can therefore be higher than the basic application fee.
Canada Open Work Permit Fees
An open work permit allows an eligible foreign national to work for most employers in Canada, subject to the conditions of the permit. It is different from an employer-specific work permit, which normally limits the worker to a particular employer, occupation or location.
If you are required to pay the open work permit holder fee, the additional charge is CAD $100 on top of the standard CAD $155 work permit processing fee.
Therefore, an eligible applicant who requires an open work permit and does not need biometrics could generally expect government fees of:
CAD $255
If biometrics are also required:
CAD $340
There are exceptions. For example, certain applicants under specific public policies may be exempt from the CAD $100 open work permit holder fee. This is why applicants should not automatically assume that every open work permit applicant pays exactly the same amount.
Canada Work Permit Biometrics Fee
Biometrics means providing fingerprints and a photograph as part of the immigration application process.
If IRCC requires you to provide biometrics, the standard fee is CAD $85 for an individual. The maximum biometrics fee for a family applying together is CAD $170.
Not every applicant will necessarily need to provide biometrics for every application. Your personal circumstances and previous biometric information can affect what you need to do.
If biometrics are required, it is important to pay the correct fee and follow the instructions you receive after submitting your application.
Example of a Basic Work Permit Budget
Suppose an applicant outside Canada is applying for a regular employer-specific work permit and IRCC requires biometrics.
The government fees could look like this:
- Work permit processing: CAD $155
- Biometrics: CAD $85
- Total: CAD $240
For an open work permit applicant who must also pay the open work permit holder fee:
- Work permit processing: CAD $155
- Open work permit fee: CAD $100
- Biometrics: CAD $85
- Total: CAD $340
Again, these figures do not represent every possible immigration expense.
Work Permit Extension Fees
You may need to pay a work permit fee when extending your existing permit.
IRCC currently lists the work permit processing fee at CAD $155 per person, including extensions. An open work permit extension can also require the additional CAD $100 open work permit holder fee.
It is important to apply for an extension before your current work permit expires if you are eligible to do so. Paying the application fee does not itself guarantee approval.
If your circumstances have changed, read the application instructions carefully before submitting the extension.
What If Your Work Permit Has Expired?
A different fee situation applies if you have lost your temporary resident status and need to restore your status as a worker.
IRCC currently lists the restoration fee for a worker at CAD $246.25, while a new work permit costs CAD $155. Depending on the application, an open work permit fee and biometrics fee may also apply.
For example, a person restoring worker status and applying for a new work permit could have to pay:
- Restoration fee: CAD $246.25
- Work permit processing: CAD $155
- Open work permit holder fee: CAD $100, if applicable
- Biometrics: CAD $85, if required
This demonstrates why it is important to identify the correct application category before paying.
If your work permit has expired, do not simply submit an ordinary extension application without checking the restoration requirements. Your legal status and ability to work may be affected.
Employer-Specific Work Permit Costs
An employer-specific work permit is connected to particular employment conditions.
In many cases, the worker pays the CAD $155 work permit processing fee, while the Canadian employer may have separate obligations.
For some employer-specific work permits, the employer must submit an offer of employment and pay an employer compliance fee. The employer compliance fee is different from the worker’s work permit application fee.
This distinction is important because job applicants sometimes assume that every immigration-related fee must be paid by the worker.
Who pays which fee can depend on the immigration program and the type of employment. Applicants should be cautious if an employer asks them to pay fees that are normally the employer’s responsibility.
International Experience Canada Fees
International Experience Canada (IEC) participants have a different fee structure.
For the 2026 IEC season, participants must pay the applicable IEC participation fee. Working Holiday participants may also need to pay the CAD $100 open work permit holder fee. Young Professionals and International Co-op participants have different requirements, including an employer compliance fee that is generally the employer’s responsibility.
Because IEC fees can change, applicants should check the current IRCC fee information for their specific IEC category rather than relying on an old article or social media post.
Other Costs to Budget for a Canadian Work Permit
The government application fee is only one part of the potential cost of obtaining a Canadian work permit.
1. Medical Examination
Some applicants may need an immigration medical examination.
The cost is not a standard IRCC work permit fee. It is generally paid directly to an approved panel physician, and the amount can vary by country, clinic and required tests.
If a medical examination is required, check the instructions provided by IRCC and use an approved panel physician.
2. Police Certificates
Depending on your circumstances, you may need police certificates from countries where you have lived for a specified period.
The cost and processing time vary from country to country.
3. Translation and Document Certification
Documents that are not in English or French may need to be translated according to IRCC requirements.
Translation costs vary depending on the document, language and service provider.
Do not assume that an inexpensive online translation automatically meets Canadian immigration requirements. Check the document instructions before submitting your application.
4. Passport and Photographs
You may need a valid passport or travel document and photographs that meet the required specifications.
If you need to renew your passport, the passport cost is separate from the Canadian work permit fee.
5. Travel and Transportation
Applicants outside Canada may also need to budget for transportation to a biometrics collection location, medical examination, visa application centre or other required appointment.
These costs vary considerably depending on where you live.
6. Immigration Representative Fees
Hiring an immigration lawyer or licensed immigration consultant is not mandatory for most applicants.
If you choose professional representation, the representative’s fees are separate from IRCC government fees.
Before paying for professional services, verify the person’s credentials and understand exactly what services are included in the agreement.
Are Canada Work Permit Fees Refundable?
Whether a fee is refundable depends on the fee and what happens to the application.
Generally, a work permit processing fee is associated with processing the application and may not be returned simply because the application is refused.
Some specific fees can have different refund rules. For example, IRCC explains that certain open work permit holder fees may be refunded in particular circumstances.
Applicants should therefore avoid paying an incorrect amount or selecting the wrong application category.
If IRCC requires a fee difference, you may have to pay the additional amount before processing can continue.
How to Pay Canada Work Permit Fees
Most applicants pay their fees online during the application process.
IRCC indicates that applicants need a valid credit or debit card to pay online. After payment, keep your receipt and follow the instructions for uploading or submitting proof of payment where required.
A common mistake is to pay an incorrect amount because the applicant relied on an old immigration blog, forum comment or social media post.
Canada’s immigration fees can change, so always confirm the current amount through IRCC before submitting your application.
Can You Apply for a Canadian Work Permit Without Paying the Fee?
Some people may qualify for a fee exemption.
IRCC maintains specific exemptions for certain categories of workers and certain types of work permits. However, exemptions are limited and depend on the applicant’s circumstances.
Do not assume you are exempt simply because someone with a similar job or nationality did not pay a particular fee.
Review the official eligibility and fee-exemption information that applies to your application.
Do Work Permit Fees Depend on Your Country?
The Canadian government fees are generally stated in Canadian dollars. Applicants may be required to pay in local currency depending on the payment method and location.
The amount you actually see in your bank account can therefore be affected by currency conversion and your financial institution’s exchange rate or international transaction charges.
For example, an applicant paying from Nigeria should not assume that a fixed Canadian-dollar amount will appear as the exact equivalent in Nigerian naira. The final local-currency cost can depend on the exchange rate and payment provider.
How to Avoid Paying the Wrong Canada Work Permit Fee
Before submitting your application, check these points:
- Identify whether you need an employer-specific or open work permit.
- Confirm whether you are applying from inside or outside Canada.
- Check whether you need biometrics.
- Determine whether an open work permit holder fee applies.
- Check whether you are extending a permit or restoring status.
- Look for any applicable fee exemption.
- Confirm the current fee directly with IRCC.
- Save your payment receipt.
Incorrect fee payments can delay an application. IRCC specifically warns that incorrect payments may cause processing problems, and applications with missing fees can be returned.
Canada Work Permit Fees: Quick Summary
For many applicants in 2026, the key government fees are:
Regular work permit: CAD $155
Open work permit: CAD $155 + CAD $100, where the additional fee applies
Biometrics: CAD $85 per individual, where required
Family biometrics maximum: CAD $170
Worker status restoration: CAD $246.25, where applicable
Remember that these are not necessarily the total cost of the entire immigration process. Medical examinations, police certificates, translations and other expenses may increase your overall budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Canada work permit in 2026?
The standard work permit processing fee is CAD $155 per person. Additional charges may apply, including the CAD $100 open work permit holder fee and CAD $85 biometrics fee.
How much is the Canada open work permit fee?
Where applicable, an open work permit applicant pays CAD $155 for work permit processing plus CAD $100 for the open work permit holder fee. Biometrics may add another CAD $85.
Is biometrics included in the Canada work permit fee?
No. If you are required to provide biometrics, the standard individual biometrics fee is CAD $85.
Can Canada work permit fees change?
Yes. IRCC can update immigration fees. Always check the official fee information before submitting your application.
Does an employer pay the Canadian work permit fee?
The worker generally pays the work permit processing fee, while an employer may have separate compliance-related fees for certain employer-specific work permits. The exact responsibilities depend on the program.
What is the cheapest Canada work permit application cost?
For many applicants, the basic government processing fee is CAD $155. However, some applicants may qualify for exemptions, while others must pay additional fees.
Is the Canada work permit fee the same as the visa fee?
No. A work permit and a temporary resident visa are different immigration documents. Depending on your situation and nationality, additional requirements may apply.
Where can I check the latest Canada work permit fees?
The most reliable source is the official Government of Canada and IRCC website. Because immigration fees can change, applicants should verify the current amount before paying.
This article is provided for general information and is not legal or immigration advice. Canadian immigration rules and fees can change. Always check the latest requirements with IRCC or consult an authorized Canadian immigration professional for advice about your specific situation.