Overseas Recruiting Timelines

TIME LINES FROM APPLICATION TO PERMANENT RESIDENCEs
As of March 1, 2006

Step 1 Application

The applicant contacts Westcan for an application. Westcan sends an application package to the applicant.

Step 2 Submission of Application

The applicant submits their application to Westcan. Westcan receives the application and commences the recruitment process. Westcan will advise the applicant of the result of the review and if the applicant is successful, the selection process will continue.

Step 3 Research Trip

Westcan arranges a research trip for the applicant. The applicant visits one of our Terminals for an interview and area research.

Step 4 Job Offer

If successful, Westcan will offer the applicant a position.

Step 5 Service Canada

Westcan applies to Service Canada for a Labour Market Opinion or LMO. Processing time varies from 2 to 10 weeks. Service Canada approves the LMO. The LMO gives the foreign worker authorization to apply for a Work Permit.

Step 6 Canadian High Commission / Embassy

The applicant submits an application for a Work Permit to the Canadian High Commission or Embassy in their country. Processing time varies from 2 to 8 weeks depending on country of residence. The High Commission / Canadian Embassy processes and approves the Work Permit. The applicant receives a letter of approval to present at the Canadian Port of Entry upon arrival in Canada.

Step 7 Date of Arrival in Canada

Canada Immigration at the Port of Entry issues the actual Work / Study / Visitor Permit upon arrival in Canada.

Step 8 First week in Canada

Meet with Terminal staff to complete application forms for Provincial Health, Social Insurance Number, and other employment related documents.

Step 9 Evaluation of Employee

Westcan completes a formal evaluation on the employee after their 6th month anniversary from date of hire. Upon a successful evaluation, application process with the Provincial Nominee Program will commence.

Step 10 Completion of Forms

Westcan provides the employee with instructions on how to complete the Provincial Nominee and Permanent Residence applications. Completed application forms with all supporting documentation is submitted to Westcan for review.

Step 11 Submission of forms to the Provincial Nominee Program Office (PNP)

Westcan and the employee submits the completed application with all supporting documenation to the PNP office

Step 12 Provincial Nominee Program

PNP evaluates completed application forms and supporting documentation. Processing takes approximately 3 months from date of submission. The Province either nominates or declines the applicant. Successful PNP nomination provides the family with eligibility to:
- apply for extension to work and study permits
- apply for work permit for spouse
- apply for Permanent Residence

Step 13 Citizenship & Immigration Canada (CIC)Permit Extension

The employee submits an application to extend their work permit, any study permits and makes applicaiton for a spousal work permit as required to CIC in Vegreville, Alberta with a copy of the PN Certificate. CIC either approves or declines the applications. Processing time is 6 to 8 weeks from date of submission.

Step 14 Citizenship & Immigration Canada

Employee submits Permanent Residence application to designated CIC office outside of Canada for processing. CIC approves or declines applications for Permanent Residence(processing time is approximately 6 to 8 months from date of submission, however, this may increase due to volume of applications. There are a number of steps involved from acknowledging receipt of the application to requests for additional documents, police clearances, and medicals. CIC will communicate directly with the applicant. The last request from CIC is a request to submit the passports for all family members to their office. The passports will be returned with the Permanent Residence papers.

Step 15 Permanent Residence

All family members are required to go out of the country to "land" to receive their Permanent Residence (P.R.) status.

P.R. allows you to apply for a new Social Insurance Number that no longer has an expiry date. Work/Study/Visitor permits are no longer required.

Step 16 Canadian Citizen

For information on becoming a Canadian citizen, and to calculate your eligibility, refer to