What is Canada’s Work Permit Fee? Exploring Options After the H1-B Fee Hike

Vikrant Gungash
Sep 25
2 min read

By Vikrant Singh, September 25, 2025

The recent announcement of a $100,000 USD fee for H1-B visa petitions in the United States has caused many skilled workers to reconsider their North American career plans. For those looking for alternatives, Canada offers strong opportunities to live and work — often through more affordable and flexible immigration pathways.

Work in Canada: Two Main Options

Foreign nationals can gain authorization to work in Canada through two main routes:

Work Permits – Temporary in nature (usually 1–3 years, renewable in some cases).
Permanent Residency (PR) – Allows you to live and work in Canada indefinitely.

Many applicants begin with a work permit, then transition to PR, as Canadian work experience improves your chances in economic immigration programs.

Work Permit Pathways

1. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

Requirement: Job offer from a Canadian employer with a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
LMIA fee for employers: CAD 1,000.
Processing time for work permits (approx.):
- India: 8 weeks
- Nigeria: 22 weeks
- Pakistan: 12 weeks
- United States: 3 weeks

2. Intra-Company Transferee (ICT)

For employees of multinational companies transferring to a Canadian branch.
Must have worked with the employer for at least one year.
Eligible roles: Executive, Managerial, or Specialized Knowledge positions.

Permanent Residency Pathways

1. Express Entry

Canada’s flagship immigration system for skilled workers.
Based on a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score (factors: age, education, work experience, language skills).
Higher scores = higher chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Canadian work experience gained on a permit can significantly boost your CRS score.

2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Over 80 different streams across provinces and territories.
Applicants must intend to live in the province that nominates them.
Each program has unique criteria — some target tech workers, healthcare professionals, or in-demand trades.

Family Benefits

If you get a Canadian work permit, your spouse or partner may qualify for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP).
Children can study in Canada while you work.
Once you achieve PR, your spouse and dependent children also receive PR status.

General Requirements

Regardless of the pathway, applicants must meet Canada’s admissibility criteria:

Show proof of funds to support yourself and family.
Pass medical exams and criminal background checks.
Demonstrate genuine intent and avoid misrepresentation in your application.

Why Consider Canada Over H1-B?

With rising costs and uncertainty around H1-B visas, Canada provides:

More affordable application fees (LMIA fee is CAD 1,000 for employers vs. USD 100,000 for H1-B petitions).
Multiple entry points via work permits or direct PR.
A family-friendly system that allows your spouse and children to join your journey from day one.

Final Thoughts

While the U.S. H1-B visa is becoming less accessible due to high costs, Canada stands out as a practical and welcoming option for skilled workers worldwide. Starting with a work permit or applying directly through Express Entry or PNP could be the pathway to your North American dream.

If you’re considering Canada, it’s important to research carefully, check your eligibility, and seek professional guidance if needed — because the right strategy can make all the difference.

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