Are you planning to work in Canada in 2026? Things have changed. On January 9, 2026, the Canadian government updated its rules. Now, low-wage LMIA processing starts again in some cities like Vancouver and Montreal. But in other places, there are still strict limits. This is because of the Refusal-to-Process Policy.
If you want to work in Canada, you need more than just a job offer. You need to plan your money carefully. Employers pay most of the big government fees for the LMIA. But as a worker, you have to pay some costs yourself. These costs come from the start of the process until you get approval. This guide explains all the costs in simple words. It helps you avoid surprises and scams from bad recruiters.
Statutory Fees & Mandatory IRCC Costs (Worker-Paid)
These are the main fees that workers must pay by law in 2026. The government updated some IRCC fees at the end of 2025 because of higher prices.
- Work Permit Processing Fee: $155 CAD. This is the normal fee for a work permit linked to one employer. You pay this after your LMIA gets approved.
- Biometrics Fee (Per Person): $85 CAD. This pays for your fingerprints and photo. It lasts for 10 years, so you do not pay again soon.
- TRV (Visitor Visa) Fee: $100 CAD. You need this if you come from a country that requires a visa to enter Canada. It helps you get into the country.
- IEC Participation Fee 2026: $184.75 CAD. This is only for people in the International Experience Canada program this year.
- Open Work Permit Holder Fee: $100 CAD. You pay this extra if you change from a closed work permit (tied to one employer) to an open one (you can work for any employer).
- Restoration of Worker Status: $401.25 CAD. If your status in Canada expires and you apply from inside Canada to fix it, you pay this. It includes $246.25 for restoration and $155 for the new permit.
These fees go directly to the government. You must pay them yourself. Always check the official Canada.ca website for the latest amounts.
Employer-Paid Expenses: The “Legal Guardrails”
Employers must pay these costs. It is against the law for an employer or recruiter to ask you, the worker, to pay them. If someone asks you to pay these, it is probably a scam. Do not pay!
Here are the main employer costs in 2026 (in CAD):
- LMIA Government Processing Fee: $1,000. The employer pays this to Service Canada for each position.
- Employer Compliance Fee (IMP): $230. This is for the International Mobility Program. Employer pays only.
- Recruitment Advertising: $500–$1,500. The employer pays to advertise the job so Canadians can apply first.
- Transition Plan Preparation: This cost changes. The employer pays to make a plan to hire local workers later.
Important note: Under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) rules in 2026, employers cannot take these costs back from your salary. If they try, it is a big violation of federal law. This protects workers from bad employers.
2026 Regional & Wage Thresholds: Where You Fit
Your costs and if you can get the job depend on where the job is and how much it pays. Service Canada looks at the unemployment rate in your area. They use a 6% Unemployment Threshold. They update this every three months.
If the unemployment rate in a city is 6% or higher, they often refuse to process low-wage LMIAs. This helps Canadian workers get jobs first.
High-Wage vs. Low-Wage (January 2026 Data)
A job is “High-Wage” if it pays at or above the Provincial Median Wage Threshold. High-wage jobs are easier to get approved in many places because they do not face the same freezes.
Here are some examples for January 2026:
- British Columbia: $36.60 per hour
- Ontario & Alberta: $36.00 per hour
- Quebec: $34.62 per hour
- Manitoba: $30.16 per hour
These numbers can change. Check the latest on the official site.
The “Refusal-to-Process” Update
From January 9, 2026, some cities now allow low-wage processing again because their unemployment is below 6%. For example:
- Vancouver: 5.9%
- Winnipeg: 5.7%
- Halifax: 5.2%
But other cities still cannot process low-wage LMIAs:
- Toronto: 7.5%
- Ottawa: 6.8%
Always check the unemployment rate for your exact city or Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) before you spend money. The list changes every quarter. The next update is in April 2026.
“Hidden” Relocation & Survival Budget
Getting approval is good, but you still need money to move and start life in Canada. These are extra costs that many people forget.
- Immigration Medical Exam (IME): $250–$500 CAD. You must do this with a doctor approved by IRCC.
- Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): The cost changes by your home country. You need this for background checks.
- Settlement Funds: IRCC says you should have at least $2,500 CAD ready. This helps until you get your first pay.
- Certified Document Translation: $50–$100 for each paper. This is for any documents not in English or French.
- Housing Affordability: In big cities, rent is high. Follow 2026 rules from CMHC. Keep rent under 30% of your pay to stay safe with money.
These costs add up fast. Plan well so you do not run out of money when you arrive.
FAQ: Canada LMIA 2026
Q: How long does LMIA approval take in 2026? A: It takes about 50 business days for high-wage jobs and 44 business days for low-wage jobs on average.
Q: Can I share the $1,000 fee with my employer? A: No. Never. The employer must pay all of it. If they ask you to pay, it is likely fraud.
Q: What if the unemployment rate in my city goes up after I apply? A: They usually look at the rate when you submit the application. But rules change every quarter. Talk to an expert if your area is close to 6%.
Ready to Calculate Your 2026 Budget?
Know the difference between real fees and scams. This keeps you safe. Before you agree to anything, check the latest unemployment update for your city.
Disclaimer: This guide has all the basic information to help you understand the costs. Always go to the official Canada.ca website or talk to a licensed immigration expert for the most up-to-date details. Do not trust agents who ask for extra money for employer fees.