Moving to Canada for work in 2026? This can be exciting. But you need to know about money. If you are an employer who wants to hire a foreign worker, or if you are a skilled worker who wants to move to Canada, the LMIA process has some changes. LMIA means Labour Market Impact Assessment. It is a check by the Canadian government to see if hiring a foreign worker is okay for the local job market. As of January 9, 2026, the government made new rules. They check applications more carefully now. They also updated wage levels in provinces. And they have a clearer “Refusal-to-Process” rule. This means they may not accept some applications. This guide explains all the fees you must pay in 2026. It shows the main fees and some extra costs people often forget. Plan your budget well so your application goes smoothly.
Employer-Specific Mandatory Costs (2026)
Employers pay most of the money for the LMIA. In 2026, the government looks very closely at these payments. Once processing starts, you cannot get the money back.
- LMIA Processing Fee: $1,000 CAD per position. This is the main fee. You pay $1,000 Canadian dollars for each job position. It covers the government’s work to check your job offer. You cannot ask the worker to pay this or take it from their salary. It is only for the employer.
- Employer Compliance Fee: $230 CAD. This fee is for employers who use the International Mobility Program. That program has some LMIA-exempt jobs. If you use those streams, you pay this $230. It helps with compliance checks.
- Mandatory Recruitment Costs: To prove “Canadians First,” employers must advertise for at least 4 consecutive weeks. You must show that you tried to hire Canadians first. So, advertise the job for four weeks in a row. Use the Job Bank website and at least two other national job sites. This costs money. Plan to spend between $500 and $1,500 CAD. This pays for ads, website postings, and maybe newspaper ads. It is important because without good proof, your LMIA can get refused.
- Primary Agriculture Exemption: While the government fee is $0, as of January 1, 2026, proof of advertisement has been reinstated for this stream. For farm jobs in primary agriculture, there is no $1,000 government fee. But starting January 1, 2026, you must show proof that you advertised the job. Keep records of your ads. The government can check them later. This change makes the process fairer for all workers.
- Housing & Transportation: For the Low-Wage Stream, employers must provide or ensure affordable housing (rent <30% of gross pay) and cover round-trip transportation.If the job is in the low-wage stream, you have big responsibilities. You must give housing that costs less than 30% of the worker’s pay. Or make sure it is affordable. You also pay for the worker’s travel to Canada and back home. This can cost a lot. For example, flights, buses, or other transport. Think about this when you plan to hire someone.
These costs show that employers have the main duty. They help protect Canadian jobs.
Worker-Facing Processing Fees (2026)
The LMIA is paid by the employer. But after you get a positive LMIA, the worker pays for the work permit and other things.
- Work Permit Processing Fee: $155 CAD. The standard fee for employer-specific permits. This is the basic fee to apply for the work permit. It is $155 CAD. You pay this when you apply to IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada).
- Biometrics Fee 2026: $85 CAD for an individual or a maximum of $170 CAD for families applying together. Many people need to give fingerprints and photos. This is biometrics. One person pays $85. If a family applies together, the max is $170. This helps with security checks.
- Open Work Permit Holder Fee: $100 CAD. Paid in addition to the work permit fee if you are moving to an open stream (e.g., Working Holiday or Bridging permits). Some permits are open. This means you can work for any employer. For these, you pay an extra $100. Examples are Working Holiday visas or some bridging permits.
- Restoration of Worker Status: $401.25 CAD. If you have lost your status in Canada, this covers both the restoration ($246.25) and the new permit. If your status ends and you stay in Canada, you can fix it. This fee is $401.25. It includes $246.25 to restore status and the cost for a new permit.
- 2026 IEC Participation Fee: $184.75 CAD. The updated cost for the 2026 International Experience Canada season. IEC is for young people from some countries. It lets you work and travel in Canada. The fee for 2026 is $184.75. This is to join the program.
Workers pay these fees themselves. They are important steps after the LMIA is approved.
The 2026 “Refusal-to-Process” Semantic Cluster
In 2026, where you want to work matters a lot. The government looks at the unemployment rate in your area. If it is 6% or higher, they often refuse low-wage LMIA applications. This is to help local people find jobs first.
2026 Regional Updates
- Eligible Regions: Following the January 9 update, Vancouver (5.9%), Winnipeg (5.7%), and Halifax (5.2%) have resumed low-wage processing. Some cities now allow low-wage LMIAs again. Vancouver, Winnipeg, and Halifax have low unemployment now. So, employers there can apply for low-wage positions. This is good news for workers looking for jobs in these places.
- Ineligible Regions: Major hubs like Toronto (7.5%) and Ottawa (6.8%) remain barred from the low-wage stream until at least the April 10, 2026 Update. Big cities like Toronto and Ottawa have higher unemployment. Low-wage LMIAs are not processed there now. You must wait for the next update on April 10, 2026. Or use another way.
- Montreal & Laval Moratorium: Quebec has extended its freeze on low-wage LMIAs in these specific regions through December 31, 2026. In Quebec, Montreal and Laval have a special stop. No low-wage LMIAs until the end of 2026. Quebec makes its own rules sometimes.
High-Wage Stream (Median + 20%)
To avoid these problems, many employers choose the high-wage stream. You pay a wage that is at least 20% more than the provincial median.
Here are some 2026 estimates:
- British Columbia: $36.60/hr
- Ontario / Alberta: $36.00/hr
- Quebec: $34.62/hr
- Manitoba: $30.16/hr
If you pay this much or more, the application is high-wage. It is easier in areas with high unemployment.
“Hidden” Survival Costs for Workers
Government fees are not all. Workers need money for other things to start life in Canada.
- Medical Examination: $250–$500 CAD (depends on the country and panel physician). You need a medical check by an approved doctor. It costs $250 to $500. The price changes by country and doctor.
- Police Clearance: Costs vary by country; mandatory for security screening. You need a police certificate from your home country. This shows no criminal record. The cost is different in each country.
- Settlement Funds: It is highly recommended to have $2,500 CAD in accessible savings to bridge the gap until your first Canadian paycheck. Bring some money to live on at first. Have at least $2,500 CAD ready. This helps pay for rent, food, and transport before your job starts paying you.
These extra costs add up. Plan well so you are not short of money.
Interactive: Check Your 2026 Eligibility
Do you want to work in a city with over 6% unemployment? If yes, your job must be high-wage or in a special sector like construction or healthcare. These sectors sometimes get exceptions.
Would you like me to generate a customized 2026 cost-breakdown table based on your specific job title and province?
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Readers are advised to verify details from trusted sources, such as official employer or government websites (Canada.ca), before making financial or legal decisions.