Canada Work Permit Fees, Eligibility & Employer Role 2026

Are you thinking of building your career in the Great White North this year? With Canada’s immigration landscape undergoing a significant “course correction” in 2026, the updated act isn’t just helpful—it’s essential for your application’s success.

From the introduction of the Canada Work Permit Licence framework to updated TEER eligibility, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about Canada Work Permit fees, eligibility, and the shifting role of applying in 2026.

Canada Work Permit Fees 2026: What’s New?

Voyage: The costs of a Canada Work Permit are the first step in your business enterprise planning. As of January 2026, IRCC has adjusted several fee structures to account for enhanced compliance observation and the new “sustainable levels” policy.

Individual & Family Fees

• Standard Canada Work Permit (Initial or Extension): $155 CAD
• Open Canada Work Permit (OWP) Holder Fee: $100 CAD (On top of the normal $155 fee; It costs 255 CAD all in all)
• Biometrics Fee: 85 CAD (Single) or 170 CAD (Within the family limit)
• Status reinstatement: $246.25 CAD (Assuming that you have already expired your present status) Employer-Specific Costs

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Employer-Specific Costs

• In the Canadian legislation, the majority of costs in regards to recruitment are borne by the employers.
• LMIA Processing Fee: 1000 CAD (Should be paid by the employer, it is unlawful to pass it to the employee).
• Employer Compliance Fee: $230 CAD (In case of LMIA exempt programs such as International Mobility Program).

Pro Tip: When you are switching to permanent residency after using a Canada Work Permit, remember the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) that is at present is at 575 CAD.

Fee Dislocation for 2026

Ongoing Parties Cost (CAD) Who Pay? Standard Canada Work Permit: 155 Applicant Open Work Permit Holder Fee +100 Applicant (Retail) New 2026 Work License Fee:230 Transitional Applicants Biometrics (Person):85/Applicant Restoration of Worker Status:401.25 Applicant (Fee + Permit) Employer Compliance Fee:230 (LMIA-Exempt) LMIA Processing Fee:1,000 Employer (Per-Position)

In 2026 the International Natural Event Canada (IEC) fee is set at $184.75. If you are applying for a working holiday, ensure you have these funds ready in your IRCC entry.

Eligibility & Programs The “In-Demand” Shift

The eligibility in 2026 is no longer just about having a job offer; it’s about alignment. Canada is prioritizing sectors with critical labor gaps to bring down the temporary resident population to under 5%.

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These allow you to work for almost any employer in Canada. You might be eligible if you are:

• A spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker or international student (SOWP).
• A graduate from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) eligible for a PGWP.
• A participant in the International Experience Canada (IEC) program (Working Holiday).

The TEER System & Skill Levels

• Your ineligibility is discovered by your job’s TEER (Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities) collection.
• TEER 0-3: High-skilled roles (management, professional, and technical). These are priority categories for 2026.
• TEER 4-5: Entry-level or semi-skilled. Eligibility for these permits is now stringently linked to Agri-Food or special Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).
• Changes to Post-Graduation Canada Work Permit (PGWP).
• Provided that you graduated out of a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), you are now eligible to obtain a PGWP based on your major. The priority sectors are taken into account as of the beginning of 2026 update.

Healthcare & Social Services

• STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics).
• Trades & Agriculture & Agri-food
• Spousal Open Work Permits
• The rules have tightened. In 2026, SOWPs are primarily available to spouses of workers in high-skilled (TEER 0-3) roles or those already on a clear path to Permanent Residency (PR).
• The Employer’s Role Compliance & Costs
• The person in 2026 are under more investigating than ever before. The Employer Portal is now the central middle for all compliance activities.

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How to Apply

• Check Inadmissibility Guarantee you have no issues related to Guilt or Security Clearance.
• Gather Documents: You’ll need a valid passport, Medical Exam results, and your Job Offer or Graduation Certificate.
• Pay Fees Use the IRCC online portal Remember to keep your receipt—it is a district upload.
• Submit Biometrics: Book your appointment immediately after receiving the instruction letter.

FAQs

 

Disclaimer:

This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Readers are advised to check details from trusted sources such as the official IRCC website before making decisions.