Are you thinking about moving to Canada for work in 2026? Getting a job there through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is not just about finding an employer. You need to know all the costs clearly. This helps you plan your money well and avoid problems. Recent changes came on January 8, 2026, from IRCC about fees. There are also big updates on which areas allow low-wage jobs. Knowing the full costs is very important for your move to succeed.
This guide explains every cost step by step. It covers fees that employers must pay and costs for workers. It also includes hidden expenses like moving to Canada. We use simple words so it is easy to understand.
The “North Star” Fees: Essential LMIA & Permit Costs
Most jobs that need a specific employer start with a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This is a paper from Service Canada or ESDC. It shows that the employer needs a foreign worker because no Canadian or permanent resident is available for the job.
Employer-Mandated Fees (Non-Recoverable)
- The main fee for LMIA is fixed. In 2026, the LMIA Processing Fee is $1,000 CAD for each job position. The employer pays this to the government. It is the same for high-wage and low-wage jobs.
- Important warning: Canadian law says employers cannot ask the worker to pay this $1,000 fee. They cannot take it back from your salary or make you pay it in any way. If an employer or agent asks you to pay this fee, it is a big sign of fraud. Do not pay it. Report it if you see this.
- For some jobs that do not need LMIA (like under the International Mobility Program), there is an Employer Compliance Fee. This is $230 CAD. The employer pays it when they register the job offer in the Employer Portal.
Individual Worker Fees
- You, as the worker, pay some fees yourself. The standard Canada Work Permit Fee in 2026 is $155 CAD. This is the basic fee for most work permits.
- If you get an open work permit (not tied to one employer, like for spouses of skilled workers), there is an extra fee. This Open Work Permit Holder Fee is $100 CAD. So the total becomes $255 CAD.
These fees are set by IRCC and help process your application.
High-Wage vs. Low-Wage Stream: The 2026 Reality
In 2026, costs and rules depend a lot on how much the job pays. Each province has a median wage threshold. This number changes with inflation and job market data. Jobs that pay at or above the threshold are in the High-Wage Stream. These jobs need a Transition Plan from the employer. The plan shows how they will train Canadians to replace the foreign worker later.
Jobs below the threshold are in the Low-Wage Stream. These have more rules and limits.
Low-Wage LMIA Processing Resume
- A big update in early 2026: Low-wage LMIA processing started again in some areas. This happened because unemployment went down in those places.
- The rule is: Low-wage LMIA processing stops in Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) where unemployment is 6% or higher. But if it drops below 6%, processing starts again.
Newly eligible cities in Q1 2026 include Vancouver, Winnipeg, Montreal, Halifax, Kingston, Moncton, Saint John, and Fredericton. These areas now allow low-wage LMIA applications because their unemployment is under 6%.
The government checks this every three months. The next review is on April 10, 2026. After that, some cities may change status again.
Province Median Wage Threshold (2026)
Here are some examples of median wage thresholds for 2026:
- British Columbia: $36.60 per hour
- Ontario: $36.00 per hour
- Alberta: $36.00 per hour
- Manitoba: $30.16 per hour
- Quebec: $34.62 per hour
These numbers help decide if your job is high-wage or low-wage. If your pay is at or above these, it is high-wage. Below means low-wage with extra rules. In low-wage stream, work permits are often limited to one year. This means you may need to renew often, and renewal costs add up over time.
Procedural & Supporting Expenses
There are other costs in the process that people often forget.
- Biometrics Collection Fee: You give fingerprints and photo. This costs $85 CAD for one person or $170 CAD for a family.
- Restoration of Status (Worker): If your status in Canada ends and you want to fix it, the fee is $246.25 CAD in 2026.
- TRP (Temporary Resident Permit): If you have inadmissibility issues (like past problems), this permit costs $246.25 CAD.
- Job Bank Advertising: Employers must show they tried to hire Canadians. They advertise for 4 weeks on Canada Job Bank. This may cost the employer time or money for HR work, but not directly for you.
These steps are needed for a good application.
The “Hidden” Costs: Budgeting for Relocation
Government fees are not the only money you spend. Moving to Canada has many extra costs.
- Medical Examination Costs: You need a check-up from an IRCC-approved doctor. This usually costs between $100 and $250 CAD.
- Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): You need this from your home country to show no criminal record. Costs change by country, but often $20 to $70.
- Certified Translation Fees: If your papers like diplomas or birth certificates are not in English or French, you must translate them. Official translators charge for this.
- Health Insurance: At first, provincial health coverage may not start right away. You need private insurance or repatriation coverage for the start of your work permit.
- Consultant Fees: Many people hire immigration consultants or lawyers. For help with LMIA or work permit, fees can be $2,000 to $7,000 CAD. This is common if the employer or worker wants expert help.
These hidden costs can add up fast. Plan for them early.
Summary Table: Employer vs. Worker Costs 2026
Here is a simple table to show who pays what.
- Item: LMIA Processing Responsible Party: Employer Estimated Cost (CAD): $1,000
- Item: Compliance Fee Responsible Party: Employer Estimated Cost (CAD): $230
- Item: Work Permit Responsible Party: Worker Estimated Cost (CAD): $155
- Item: Biometrics Responsible Party: Worker Estimated Cost (CAD): $85
- Item: Medical Exam Responsible Party: Worker Estimated Cost (CAD): $150 – $300
- TOTAL (Basic): Shared Estimated Cost (CAD): $1,620 – $1,770
This is for basic cases. Extra costs like translations or consultants can make it higher.
Note: Low-wage permits are often for one year only. Renewals mean paying fees again each year.
Ready to Start Your Application?
Get a Positive LMIA Decision first. This is the Confirmation Letter from ESDC. Do not pay work permit fees until you have this.
For high-wage jobs, make sure the employer sent the Transition Plan. Always check official sites like canada.ca for the latest rules. Things can change. Would you like me to generate a custom budget breakdown for a family of four moving to Ontario?
Disclaimer: This information is for education and information only. Always check with official government websites or your employer before you apply. Rules can update, so verify everything.