Canada work visa guide for Indians: Criteria, application fees & procedure
How Much Would a Canadian Work Visa Cost for Indians in 2026?
The real cost breakdown-including all the fees that you will have to pay-and how to plan a budget without surprises. Whether you dream of landing a job in Canada, planning to move your career abroad, or researching the cost of a work visa in Canada for Indians in 2026 before speaking with immigration consultants in India, one question comes first every time:
“Precisely, how much will it cost me to apply for a Canadian work visa from India?” Now, let’s break it down, realistically, in simple language, and with the most current official fees, so you know exactly what to expect before you pay anyone a single rupee.
What is a Canadian Work Visa Exactly?
Most people call their Work Permit a “work visa.” In Canadian immigration terminology:
- Employer-Specific Work Permit - It is tied to one job offer.
- Open Work Permit (OWP) - Gives you the right to work for any employer. Some couples use it after study, others through spousal streams.
Official Canadian Work Visa Fees for Indians in the Year 2026
Main Government Fees (IRCC)
| Expense | Fee (CAD) | Approx. INR |
|---|---|---|
| Work Permit Processing Fee | $155 | ~₹9,500 |
| Open Work Permit Holder Fee (if applicable) | $100 | ~₹6,200 |
| Biometrics Fee (per person) | $85 | ~₹5,300 |
Biometrics are fingerprint + photo charges; these are required for practically all applicants. Total Govt Fees only: ~CAD $255 to $ 340 (~₹21,000–₹22,000 approx). If you’re applying with family members, you’ll pay biometrics per person, too.
How This Work Permit Can Help You Get Canada PR
Several occupations listed above fall under Canada’s STEM category-based Express Entry draws. If you gain Canadian work experience in these roles, you may significantly improve your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. To qualify under a STEM-focused Express Entry draw, you typically need:
- At least six months of full-time continuous work experience in an eligible occupation
- Eligibility under one of the Express Entry programs
- Strong CRS-boosting factors such as Canadian experience, age, and language scores
For many skilled workers, the GTS becomes the first step toward Canada PR in 2026.
Other Compulsory Expenses Commonly Overlooked
These are costs most applicants are required to pay in addition to government fees:
1. Medical Examination
- Before IRCC can approve your work permit, you must undergo a medical test at an IRCC-approved panel physician in India.
- Typical cost: ₹4,800 – ₹8,000, depending upon your city and clinic.
2. Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
- Required to show you have no criminal history.
- Approximate Cost: ₹500 – ₹1,000.
3. Visa Application Centre (VAC) Service Fee
- The VFS or similar centre charges are for handling your biometric & passport.
- Usual range: ₹1,700–₹2,200 plus the cost of courier, if selected.
4. Translation of Documents / Notarization
- Only if your documents about education/employment are not in English or French.
- Translation: ~₹400–₹900 per page.
- Notary charges: ₹50–₹500 per document.
5. Passport Photos & Travel
- Standard passport photos, as well as local travel to visa centres, add small but real costs.
- Photos: ₹150–₹300.
- Travel: ₹200–3,000 (depending on cities)
Optional but Common Expenses
IELTS / Language Tests
- Not mandatory for all types of work visas, but often required for jobs or for future PR pathways.
- Expect approximately ₹3,000–₹4,000.
Flights & Arrivals Costs
- The budget for international flights and initial settling varies a lot depending on the season.
Also Read Pausing Home Care Worker Immigration pilots application intake | Top 20 Highest-Paying Jobs in Canada | Avoiding Recruitment Scams and Fake Attestation Letters for Canada Jobs | Canada Updates Rules for Immigration Medical Exams and Biometrics | Two-Week Work Permit Processing Available for Skilled Workers
Total Cost Estimate for Indians 2026
Applicants in the “Not Working in Canada” stream must provide proof of sufficient settlement funds based on their family size:
| Category | Typical Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Government Charge (Work Permit + Biometrics) | ~₹21,000–₹22,000 |
| Medical + PCC | ~₹5,500–₹9,000 |
| VFS & Document Handling | ~₹2,000–₹3,000 |
| Translation / Extras | ~₹1,000–₹3,000 |
| Travel + Photos | ~₹600–₹3,500 |
Estimate Total: ₹ 30,000 – ₹40,000+
This involves all the actual expenditures you will incur before getting your visa. The addition of optional extras, such as language tests or premium visa submission, will bring this easily to ₹45,000+; however, the core government fees remain most important.
Employer-Based Costs: What You Don't Pay
Many applicants from India are concerned about the so-called LMIA fee:
- LMIA fee: CAD $1,000 (approx ₹62,000), but that needs to be paid by the Canadian employer and not you.
- So, a job offer with LMIA doesn't make your visa more costly; instead, it increases the chances of approval.
Scam Alert: Avoid Fake Fees
A portion of HCWP spots (140 per stream) is reserved for out-of-status workers who meet the following criteria:
How to avoid scams:
- All fees must be checked on the official Canadian government site or IRCC.
- Check consultants with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC).
- Never pay more than IRCC fees without having the services clearly explained.
Budgeting & Planning Tips
- Always try to keep at least ₹50,000 reserved for contingencies, travelling, or translation purposes.
- Early booking for medical and biometrics saves last-minute rush charges.
- Check for the latest fee changes - IRCC regularly updates fees.
Job Offers Must Align with Specific NOCs
- HCWP Child Care
- HCWP Home Support
- Home Child Care Providers (NOC 44100)
- Home Support Workers (NOC 44101)
Exclusions:
- Child Care: Early childhood educators and daycare supervisors (NOC 42202) are not eligible.
- Home Support: Institutional roles (such as in hospitals or long-term care homes) are not eligible.
Is a Canadian Work Visa Worth It in 2026?
Of course, it does, but planning your costs realistically makes all the difference between a smooth application and a stressful one. In 2026, with Canada adjusting immigration plans and temporary worker quotas, smart preparation and trusted guidance by top immigration consultants in India will increase your chances and help you budget correctly.
If you are serious about working in Canada, understanding the exact visa costs, the processing requirements, and how to avoid scams-even that knowledge itself is one of your best investments.
