Your PGWP is Expiring in 2026 — Here Are Your 5 Options

One of the most common questions I hear at Sambhav Immigration is: “How much is this actually going to cost me?” It is a completely reasonable question — and the honest answer is that it depends on several factors specific to your situation. After 20 years of helping clients in Mississauga and the GTA with work permit applications, here is the clearest breakdown I can give you.

Important 2026 update: IRCC increased permanent residence fees on April 30, 2026, and citizenship fees on March 31, 2026. Work permit fees remain at the amounts listed below as of this writing — always verify current fees at canada.ca before submitting your application.

The Government Fees — What You Pay IRCC Directly

These are the non-negotiable fees paid directly to the Canadian government. They are non-refundable regardless of the outcome of your application.

Work Permit Application Fee: CAD $155 — standard work permit application fee.

Open Work Permit Holder Fee: CAD $100 additional — required if applying for an open work permit (PGWP, spousal OWP, BOWP).

So if you are applying for an open work permit — including the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) that most international graduates apply for — your total government fee is CAD $255 before anything else.

Biometrics — Fingerprints and Photo

Most applicants are required to provide biometrics the first time they apply. Once provided, biometrics are valid for 10 years — so if you have given them before, you likely do not need to pay again.

• Individual applicant: CAD $85 per individual.
• Family group: CAD $170 maximum for a family applying together.

Medical Examination

Not everyone needs a medical exam. It is typically required if your job involves healthcare, childcare, or working with vulnerable populations, or if you are applying from certain countries.

Typical cost range: CAD $150 to $350 depending on the physician and your location.

Police Clearance Certificate

Estimated cost: CAD $20 to $100 depending on the issuing country.

Document Translation and Notarization

• Translation: CAD $20 to $50 per page for a certified translator.
• Notarization: CAD $10 to $50 per document.

For a typical work permit application, budget CAD $100 to $250 for translations if your documents are not in English.

The LMIA Fee — Paid by Your Employer, Not You

If you are applying for an employer-specific (closed) work permit, your employer may need to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

LMIA fee: CAD $1,000 — paid by the employer, not the applicant.

Important: It is illegal for an employer to pass the LMIA fee to the applicant or deduct it from wages. If an employer asks you to pay the LMIA fee, this is a red flag. Not all work permits require an LMIA — many categories are LMIA-exempt.

Complete Cost Summary

• Simple case (inside Canada, no medical): CAD $240 to $400 — application + biometrics only.
• Moderate case: CAD $400 to $700 — adds medical exam and/or translations.
• Complex case (outside Canada): CAD $700 to $1,200 — complex case with multiple documents, PCC, translations.
• With consultant support: CAD $1,200 to $3,500+ — adds professional RCIC representation.

Should You Hire an Immigration Consultant?

You are legally allowed to apply for a work permit on your own. However, IRCC does not provide second chances — if your application is refused due to a missing document or a misunderstood question, you lose your application fee and face delays that can affect your employment and status in Canada.

In my 20 years of practice, I have seen hundreds of cases where a client’s do-it-yourself application was refused for a reason that would have been caught in a 30-minute professional review. The cost of refusal — lost fees, lost time, potential impact on future applications — almost always exceeds the cost of professional help.

The Sambhav Immigration Difference

At Sambhav Immigration, our consultation fee is CAD $80 — one flat rate, however long your case needs. Most consultations are 15 to 30 minutes, but complex cases get the time they require with no extra charge. If you retain us, the consultation fee is credited back in full. International students receive this credit automatically on retainer.

We are located at 218 Export Blvd, Unit 414, Mississauga — walk-ins welcome. Sanjeev Sharma, RCIC handles every consultation personally. No junior staff, no handoffs.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Book a consultation with Sanjeev Sharma, RCIC at Sambhav Immigration — CAD $80, however long your case needs, credited back in full if you retain us. International students receive the credit automatically on retainer. Walk-ins welcome at our Mississauga office.