Hiring international talent is a vital strategy for Canadian businesses facing labor shortages in 2026. However, the path to bringing a skilled worker on board involves more than just a job offer. If you are hiring through the International Mobility Program (IMP), you must navigate the IRCC Employer Portal—and its associated costs.
As of January 2026, federal compliance inspections have intensified. For employers, “forgetting” a fee or miscalculating a payment isn’t just an administrative hiccup; it can lead to massive fines and a ban on future hiring.
What is the Canada Employer Portal Fee in 2026?
The main fee for most Canadian companies using the portal is the Employer Compliance Fee. You must pay this when you hire foreign workers who do not need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
- Standard Compliance Fee In 2026, the fee is $230 CAD for each worker. This is the normal amount.
- Group Rate for Entertainers If you hire three or more performing artists (and their staff) at the same time, you pay a flat fee of $690 CAD for the whole group.
- When to Pay You must payment the fee before the helper applies for their work. After payment, the portal gives a 7-digit Offer of Employment number. The worker needs this number for their application.
- Key Rule The employer must pay this fee. You cannot ask the worker to pay it or take money from their pay. It is against the law.
Who is Exempt from the $230 Fee?
Not all duty offers need this fee. In 2026, some issues do not require pay. These all help with charity work and certain permits.
- Open Work Permit Holders If the worker already has an Open Work Permit (like Post-Graduation Work Permit, Spousal Open Work Permit, or Working Holiday visa), you do not need the portal or the fee.
- Charitable or Religious Work Jobs that are unpaid or part of charity or religious programs may not need the fee.
- International Agreements Some jobs under trade agreements (like CUSMA) may have special rules. But most still need the $230 fee.
Check official rules to see if your hire is exempt.
Employer Obligations & The “Triple Fine” Risk
Paying the fee is just the start. In 2026, IRCC and ESDC check employers more often.
- Access to Healthcare Services You must tell workers how to get provincial health coverage or private insurance. Some provinces like Ontario have a 90-day wait for public health care.
- WSIB/WCB Coverage For jobs like construction or caregiving, you must have workplace injury insurance. This is separate from portal fees.
- No Fee Recovery You cannot take back any hiring costs from the worker’s pay. This includes the $230 fee. If you do, you can face big fines or a ban on hiring foreign workers.
Follow these rules to avoid trouble.
Step-by-Step: Paying Your 2026 Portal Fees
Here are the simple steps to pay:
- Sign In — Go to the IRCC Employer Portal. Log in with your GCKey or Sign-In Partner.
- Submit Offer — Fill the Offer of Employment form. Add job details, pay (must meet median wage rules), and location.
- Checkout — Go to payment. Use major credit cards or Interac Online.
- Download Receipt — Save the receipt PDF. Give the Offer of Employment number to the worker right away.
Pro Strategy for 2026
In 2026, work permit processing time depends on correct submission. Check your business details match Canada Revenue Agency records exactly. A small mistake like wrong address can cause long delays.
FAQ: Top Employer Questions
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What happens if the work permit is refused?
You can get back the $230 fee if IRCC refuses the permit or if you cancel the offer before it is issued.
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Do I need to pay for an LMIA-based hire?
No. For LMIA hires, you pay $1,000 LMIA fee instead. You do not use the portal fee.
Call to Action (CTA)
Is your business ready to hire in 2026? Share this guide with your HR team to follow the rules. If you need help to know if your job needs LMIA, leave a comment below! Sign up for our newsletter for monthly updates on Canadian immigration.
Disclaimer This article is for information only. It is not official advice. Always check the latest details on the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website or government sources before you decide.