Applying for authorization to work in Canada involves navigating specific governmental fees, strict documentation rules, and distinct application pathways. If you're planning your move, you need to know exactly what you'll pay, how processing works, and which pitfalls cause most rejections.
Canada work permit costs depend directly on whether you apply for an employer-specific permit, an open work permit, or specialized programs like the International Mobility Program. Standard processing fees start at $155 CAD for a basic work permit application, but additional costs frequently apply depending on your specific situation.
Breakdown of Work Permit Fees and Costs
When budgeting for your application, looking only at the baseline application fee leads to unpleasant financial surprises. You have to account for third-party testing, biometrics, and employer compliance fees where applicable.
- Work Permit Processing Fee: The standard fee is $155 CAD per person for a regular work permit application.
- Open Work Permit Holder Fee: If you're applying for an open work permit (such as through a spousal sponsorship or post-graduation stream), you must pay an additional $100 CAD open work permit holder fee alongside the baseline application fee.
- Biometrics Fee: Most applicants from outside the United States or Canada must provide fingerprints and a photograph. This adds an extra $85 CAD per person, or $170 CAD for families applying together.
- Employer Compliance Fee: For employer-specific work permits tied to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), the hiring Canadian employer must pay a separate $230 CAD compliance fee through the IRCC Employer Portal before you submit your application.
Keep in mind that government processing fees are non-refundable once IRCC begins reviewing your file, even if they refuse your permit.
Understanding the Two Main Application Streams
Your application path depends heavily on whether your job offer requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment.
Employer-Specific Work Permits (LMIA Required)
Most traditional foreign worker hires require a positive or neutral Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) issued by Employment and Social Development Canada.
- The employer advertises the position domestically to prove no Canadian citizen or permanent resident was available.
- The employer applies for and receives an approved LMIA.
- You receive an offer of employment number, which you use to submit your actual work permit application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
International Mobility Program (LMIA Exempt)
Certain workers bypass the LMIA requirement due to international trade agreements, reciprocal youth exchange programs, or intra-company transfers. While these streams eliminate the employer's need to get an LMIA, you still have to pay the standard $155 CAD work permit fee and submit comprehensive proof that you qualify for the specific exemption category.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Submitting your paperwork correctly the first time prevents costly delays. Follow this sequence once you have your job offer or eligibility confirmed:
- Verify your NOC code and requirements: Look up your occupation under the National Occupational Classification system to confirm language benchmarks, education credential assessment (ECA) needs, and licensing prerequisites.
- Gather your documentation: Collect your valid passport, employment contract, police certificates, and medical exam results if you're working in healthcare, childcare, or agriculture.
- Create your IRCC portal account: Set up an online profile on the official Government of Canada immigration portal to answer eligibility questions and unlock your personalized document checklist.
- Upload files and pay fees: Upload legible scans of all supporting documents, pay your processing and biometrics fees via credit card, and submit your application package.
- Give biometrics: Once you receive your Biometrics Instruction Letter, visit a designated Visa Application Centre to submit your fingerprints and photo within 30 days.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Refusals
Applicants often face refusals not because they lack qualifications, but due to avoidable administrative errors.
- Proving intent to leave: IRCC officers must be convinced you will leave Canada when your authorized stay expires. Failing to show strong ties to your home country—such as property, family, or ongoing career prospects—frequently triggers a refusal under paragraph 200(1)(b) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.
- Incomplete financial proof: You must prove you can support yourself and any accompanying family members upon arrival. Submitting outdated bank statements or failing to account for initial settlement costs makes officers question your self-sufficiency.
- Vague reference letters: Past employers must provide detailed letters outlining your specific duties, hours worked, and salary. Generic letters that only state employment dates are routinely rejected by visa officers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work in Canada while my work permit extension is being processed?
Yes. If you apply to extend your work permit before your current status expires, you benefit from maintained status (formerly called implied status). This lets you legally keep working under the same conditions until IRCC makes a final decision on your renewal application.
Do I need a medical exam before applying?
It depends on your country of residence and your intended occupation. If you plan to work in fields involving close public contact—such as healthcare, primary education, or child care—or if you've lived in a designated country with high tuberculosis rates for more than six consecutive months within the past year, you must complete an upfront immigration medical exam with an IRCC-approved panel physician.
What is the typical processing time for a work permit?
Processing times fluctuate constantly based on seasonal volume and whether you are applying from inside Canada or abroad. You can check current estimates directly on the official IRCC processing times tool, but you should generally expect a wait ranging from several weeks to a few months.
Can my spouse work while I am in Canada on a work permit?
Spouses or common-law partners of skilled foreign workers (typically those in TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3) may qualify for an open work permit, allowing them to work for any Canadian employer without needing a prior job offer.
