The Canada Work Visa remains one of the most popular pathways for Indians looking to build a successful international career. From world-class work environments to a booming labor market, Canada offers excellent opportunities for skilled workers.

However, before beginning the process, it is extremely important to understand the complete and detailed cost breakdown of applying for a Canada Work Permit from India. This helps you plan your budget, avoid unexpected expenses, and ensure a smooth application journey.

To make it simple, here is a deep-cost analysis of every fee you must pay – government visa fees, biometrics, medical exams, VFS charges, PCC, travel expense, optional premium services, document translation, and hidden charges – so you know exactly how much the Canada Work Visa will cost you.

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Why Understanding Canada Work Visa Cost Is Important?

  1. Canada receives over 600,000+ work permit applications every year, making cost planning essential.
  2. The total visa cost varies because of medical exams, biometrics, VFS handling fees, translation, and PCC charges.
  3. Many applicants from India spend INR 22,000 to INR 40,000+ based on documentation and additional services.
  4. Accurate knowledge of costs helps you avoid delays, missing documents, and repeat submissions.
  5. Keeping funds ready helps you fast-track your work permit application without financial stress.

Canada’s work visa process is smooth and well-organized, but you must first understand all mandatory and optional expenses. Below is a complete explanation of every cost involved in the Canada work permit for Indians.

Complete Breakdown of Canada Work Visa Costs for Indians

Understanding the total cost means breaking it down into different components – government fees, documentation, medical exams, PCC, VFS charges, and optional services.

  1. Canada Work Permit Government Fees

This is the main cost every Indian applicant has to pay directly to IRCC.

Visa Fee Type Cost in CAD Cost in INR
Work Permit Processing Fee 155 CAD 9,430 INR
Open Work Permit Holder Fee 100 CAD 6,084 INR
Work Permit for Group of 3+ Artists 465 CAD 28,291 INR
Restoration of Worker Status 355 CAD 21,598 INR

This fee is mandatory, non-refundable, and must be paid online while submitting your application.

  1. Biometrics Fee (Mandatory)

Biometrics include your fingerprints and digital photograph.

Biometrics Type Cost in CAD Cost in INR
Biometrics for One Person 85 CAD 5,171 INR
Biometrics for Family (2+ people) 170 CAD 10,342 INR
Biometrics for Group of Performing Artists 255 CAD 15,514 INR

All Indian applicants must visit a VFS Global center to submit biometrics.

  1. Medical Examination Fee (Mandatory)

Medical tests must be completed only at IRCC-approved panel physicians.

Medical Exam Type Cost in INR
Standard IRCC Medical 4,800 – 7,500 INR

The cost varies depending on the city (Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore are higher), tests required, and clinic.

  1. Police Clearance Certificate (Mandatory)

You must submit a PCC from the Passport Seva Kendra or local police authority.

PCC Type Cost in INR
PCC (PSK) 500 INR
PCC (State Police) 500 – 1,000 INR

This confirms you have no criminal records.

  1. VFS Visa Centre Fees

VFS handles biometrics, document submission, and passport collection.

VFS Service Cost in INR
Mandatory Logistics Fee 1,700 – 2,200 INR
SMS Alerts (optional) 100 – 150 INR
Courier Return (optional) 600 – 900 INR
Premium Lounge (optional) 2,000 – 3,000 INR

Most applicants only pay the mandatory handling fee.

  1. Document Translation & Notarization

Only needed if your documents are in a regional language.

Service Cost in INR
Translation Per Page 400 – 900 INR
Notary/Affidavit 50 – 500 INR
  1. Passport Photos (Mandatory)

IRCC-specific photo size required.

Service Cost in INR
Passport Photos 150 – 300 INR
  1. Travel Expenses to VFS

Depending on where you live, you may need to travel to a VFS center.

Travel Type Cost in INR
Local Travel 200 – 500 INR
Intercity Travel 1,000 – 3,000 INR

Total Canada Work Visa Cost for Indians (Deep Cost Summary)

Cost Component Mandatory / Optional Approx. Cost (INR)
Work Permit Fee Mandatory 9,430
Biometrics Fee Mandatory 5,171
Medical Exam Mandatory 4,800 – 7,500
PCC Mandatory 500
VFS Logistics Fee Mandatory 1,700 – 2,200
Passport Photos Mandatory 150 – 300
Translation Optional 1,000 – 3,000
Notary/Affidavits Optional 200 – 700
Courier Optional 600 – 900
Premium Lounge Optional 2,000 – 3,000
Travel to VFS Variable 300 – 3,000

Final Total Cost (Mandatory Only)

₹22,000 – ₹26,000

This includes all compulsory expenses: medical, biometrics, government fee, PCC, and VFS.

Final Total Cost (Mandatory + Optional)

₹25,000 – ₹40,000+

Applicants using premium services, translation, notarization, and intercity travel will pay more.

Best Jobs in Canada in 2025 (High-Paying & In-Demand)

Below is the complete table of top jobs for Indian professionals, including salary in USD and INR.

Job Title Salary in USD Salary in INR (approx.)
Mechanical Engineer $76,300 ₹6,76,32,000
Manufacturing Manager $88,000 ₹7,81,20,000
Aerospace Engineer $76,600 ₹6,79,59,000
Medical Professional $108,000 ₹9,57,42,000
Data Analyst $66,300 ₹5,88,94,000
Occupational Therapist $79,008 ₹7,00,26,000
Software Engineer $84,316 ₹7,48,23,000
Research Manager $65,000 ₹5,76,25,000
Actuary $88,700 ₹7,86,56,000
Lawyer $99,000 ₹8,77,54,000
Veterinarian $106,500 ₹9,44,92,000
Dentist $168,300 ₹14,91,70,000

Note: Salaries calculated using currency rate of ₹88.65 per USD as of 17th November, 2025.

Why Canada Work Visa Is Worth the Cost?

Canada offers world-leading work benefits, making the total cost highly worthwhile.

  1. Workers earn between CAD 50,000 – CAD 60,000 annually.
  2. Canada issued 600,000+ work permits recently.
  3. Employees enjoy 25 paid days off, healthcare, and EI benefits.
  4. The standard work week is 40 hours.
  5. Hourly wages have increased by 7.5% on average.

Canada is immigration-friendly, offers excellent work conditions, and provides long-term PR pathways. The work visa cost is only a small investment for a better future.

Conclusion:

The total cost of applying for a Canada Work Visa from India ranges from ₹22,000 to ₹40,000+, depending on personal circumstances and optional services. Understanding each cost in detail ensures you prepare correctly and avoid delays. With high-paying jobs, better work conditions, and easy pathways to PR, Canada continues to be one of the best countries for Indian skilled workers.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Canada Work Visa

1. What is the minimum salary required to get a Canada Work Visa from India?

There is no fixed minimum salary requirement set by the Canadian government. However, the offered salary must meet the Canadian provincial median wage for your occupation and region. Employers must prove that the salary is competitive and follows labour standards. Higher salaries strengthen your LMIA approval chances. Always check the wage level for your specific NOC job role.

2. How long does it take to get a Canada Work Permit from India?

Processing times vary depending on the stream and workload of IRCC. On average, Indian applicants receive decisions in 8 to 24 weeks. LMIA processing itself may take 2–12 weeks, depending on the occupation. Delays can occur due to incomplete documents, background checks, or high application volumes. Submitting accurate and complete paperwork helps speed up the process.

3. Do I need IELTS for a Canada Work Visa?

IELTS is not mandatory for every Canada Work Permit application. It is only required if your employer asks for proof of language ability or if the occupation demands strong English skills. However, having IELTS improves job prospects and strengthens your application. For PR pathways like Express Entry, IELTS is compulsory.

4. Can my spouse and children accompany me to Canada on a work permit?

Yes, Canada allows dependent family members to join you while you work. Your spouse may be eligible for an Open Work Permit, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada. Children can apply for visitor or study permits based on their age. Always apply for dependents together to streamline processing.

5. Is a job offer mandatory to apply for a Canada Work Visa from India?

For most work permit categories, especially LMIA-based closed work permits, a valid job offer is required. The employer must complete LMIA formalities before you apply. Some categories like Open Work Permits do not require a job offer, but these are limited to specific programs and dependents. A strong job offer significantly increases approval chances.

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