Canada continues to rely heavily on foreign workers to support key industries such as construction, trucking, healthcare, agriculture, hospitality, manufacturing, and skilled trades. One of the most common legal pathways for foreign nationals to work in Canada is through an LMIA-based work permit, where a Canadian employer sponsors a foreign worker after receiving government approval.
For 2026 applicants, understanding the full cost involved in an LMIA-based work permit—including employer fees, worker fees, medical exams, biometrics, and relocation expenses—is essential before accepting a job offer.
This guide explains all costs step by step, who pays what, and what applicants should realistically budget.
Table of Contents
- Overview of LMIA-Based Work Permits in Canada
- What Is an LMIA and Why It Matters
- Employer Costs for LMIA Sponsorship
- Work Permit Application Fees (Worker Costs)
- Biometrics Fees
- Medical Examination Costs
- Police Clearance & Document Costs
- Travel & Relocation Expenses
- Estimated Total Cost Summary (2026)
- Employer vs Worker Cost Responsibilities
- Common Cost-Related Mistakes
- Practical Tips for Applicants
- Conclusion
1. Overview of LMIA-Based Work Permits in Canada
An LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is a government approval that allows a Canadian employer to hire a foreign worker when no suitable Canadian or permanent resident is available.
An LMIA-based work permit:
- Is job-specific and employer-specific
- Requires employer sponsorship
- Is legally regulated and time-limited
- Often leads to permanent residence pathways
2. What Is an LMIA and Why It Matters
Before a foreign worker can apply for a work permit, the employer must:
- Advertise the job locally
- Prove labour shortage
- Apply for LMIA approval
Only after a positive LMIA is issued can the worker submit a work permit application.
3. Employer Costs for LMIA Sponsorship
Mandatory Employer Fees:
- LMIA application processing fee: CAD 1,000 per worker
- Advertising and recruitment costs
- Compliance and legal preparation costs (if applicable)
⚠️ By law, the employer must pay the LMIA fee.
It is illegal to ask the worker to cover this cost.
4. Work Permit Application Fees (Worker Costs)
Once the LMIA is approved, the worker applies for the work permit.
Standard Fees:
- Work permit application fee: CAD 155
- Employer compliance fee (paid by employer): CAD 230
These fees are paid online during application submission.
5. Biometrics Fees
Most applicants must provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
- Biometrics fee (single applicant): CAD 85
- Valid for 10 years
- Paid once unless exempt
6. Medical Examination Costs
A medical exam is required if:
- Working in healthcare, childcare, or food services
- Staying in Canada longer than 6 months
- Coming from certain countries
Medical Exam Cost:
- Typically CAD 100 – CAD 300
- Paid directly to an approved medical clinic
- Includes X-ray, blood tests, and physical exam
7. Police Clearance & Document Costs
Applicants may need:
- Police clearance certificate from home country
- Certified translations
- Document notarization
Estimated Costs:
- Police clearance: varies by country
- Translation & certification: CAD 50 – CAD 300+
These are one-time preparation costs.
8. Travel & Relocation Expenses
Not official permit fees, but very common expenses:
- Flight ticket to Canada
- Temporary accommodation
- First month’s living expenses
- Winter clothing (if applicable)
Some employers offer relocation assistance, but many do not.
9. Estimated Total Cost Summary (2026)
Employer Costs:
- LMIA fee: CAD 1,000
- Employer compliance fee: CAD 230
- Recruitment & legal costs (if any)
Worker Costs (Typical Range):
- Work permit fee: CAD 155
- Biometrics: CAD 85
- Medical exam: CAD 100 – CAD 300
- Documents & translations: CAD 50 – CAD 300+
- Travel & settlement: variable
Estimated Worker Budget (Excluding Travel):
CAD 400 – CAD 850+
10. Employer vs Worker Cost Responsibilities
Employer Must Pay:
- LMIA application fee
- Employer compliance fee
- Recruitment advertising costs
Worker Usually Pays:
- Work permit application fee
- Biometrics
- Medical exam
- Police clearance
- Travel expenses
Any employer asking workers to pay the LMIA fee is violating Canadian law.
11. Common Cost-Related Mistakes
- Paying LMIA fees to agents or employers
- Accepting fake LMIA job offers
- Underestimating medical and travel costs
- Using unlicensed immigration agents
- Applying with incomplete documents
Always verify the employer and job offer carefully.
12. Practical Tips for Applicants
- Confirm LMIA approval before paying any fees
- Keep payment receipts and documents
- Ask employers about accommodation or relocation support
- Budget for at least 2–3 months of living expenses
- Follow all application instructions strictly
Preparation helps avoid delays and unnecessary expenses.
13. Conclusion
The Canada LMIA-based work permit remains a reliable and legal pathway for foreign workers in 2026. While employers bear the major cost of LMIA sponsorship, applicants should still budget for work permit fees, biometrics, medical exams, and relocation expenses.
By understanding the full cost breakdown and legal responsibilities, foreign workers can avoid scams, plan financially, and confidently pursue employment opportunities in Canada.