Processing time for ICT work permit

[danilorniepes]

I received an update from the employer's lawyers today.

Background: Closed WP application (LMIA Exempt) filed on 10 March 2020 as an ICT under GSS. I already had valid biometrics and submitted pre-medical results as part of filing for the WP. Since then there had been no update.

Today the lawyers told me that "Please note that your application is filed under the Global Skills Strategy (“GSS”) office in Canada, which is an office that expedites cases for high skilled foreign workers. GSS has started processing cases effective July 1 but are currently only processing cases where biometrics have been provided. They are currently backlogged to cases submitted in March. GSS has made a soft commitment to process cases up to those submitted in May within the next five weeks.

Please note that the above timelines are estimates and Immigration Canada is under no obligation to adhere to these timelines. Certain factors outside of our control (e.g. security background checks) may result in additional delays over and above the current COVID-related processing delays."

I also came to know that my biometrics corresponding letter was added to my profile dated 9 July.

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So I guess there should be positive news in August for GSS folks. (fingers crossed)

This is good news!!! finally something very encouraging after a long wait... I am also under closed WP GSS LMIA Exempt from Abu Dhabi (exactly like your wife's case submitted March 19), like you said fingers crossed.

1. Did your Employer's lawyer emailed/submitted web form then get this as a reply or this is message inside your dashboard?
2. How did you know biometrics corresponding letter was added to my profile dated 9 July.? Did you receive a message? or thru GCMS notes?

 

[danilorniepes]

I received an update from the employer's lawyers today.

Background: Closed WP application (LMIA Exempt) filed on 10 March 2020 as an ICT under GSS. I already had valid biometrics and submitted pre-medical results as part of filing for the WP. Since then there had been no update.

Today the lawyers told me that "Please note that your application is filed under the Global Skills Strategy (“GSS”) office in Canada, which is an office that expedites cases for high skilled foreign workers. GSS has started processing cases effective July 1 but are currently only processing cases where biometrics have been provided. They are currently backlogged to cases submitted in March. GSS has made a soft commitment to process cases up to those submitted in May within the next five weeks.

Please note that the above timelines are estimates and Immigration Canada is under no obligation to adhere to these timelines. Certain factors outside of our control (e.g. security background checks) may result in additional delays over and above the current COVID-related processing delays."

I also came to know that my biometrics corresponding letter was added to my profile dated 9 July.

-----

So I guess there should be positive news in August for GSS folks. (fingers crossed)

Sorry another one ,

Please note that your application is filed under the Global Skills Strategy (“GSS”) office in Canada, which is an office that expedites cases for high skilled foreign workers.

Your application is submitted in Abu Dhabi too correct?

 

[chaudri]

This is good news!!! finally something very encouraging after a long wait... I am also under closed WP GSS LMIA Exempt from Abu Dhabi (exactly like your wife's case submitted March 19), like you said fingers crossed.

1. Did your Employer's lawyer emailed/submitted web form then get this as a reply or this is message inside your dashboard?
2. How did you know biometrics corresponding letter was added to my profile dated 9 July.? Did you receive a message? or thru GCMS notes?

1. Did your Employer's lawyer emailed/submitted web form then get this as a reply or this is message inside your dashboard?
W had asked the lawyers for update 3 weeks ago, this is what they came back to us with. This was not through web-form, the web-form reply was as generic as it could be.

2. How did you know biometrics corresponding letter was added to my profile dated 9 July.? Did you receive a message? or thru GCMS notes?
They sent an application status from the online profile they have access to, it was mentioned that a correspondence letter was added to my profile on 9 July.

 

[chaudri]

Sorry another one ,

Please note that your application is filed under the Global Skills Strategy (“GSS”) office in Canada, which is an office that expedites cases for high skilled foreign workers.

Your application is submitted in Abu Dhabi too correct?

Your application is submitted in Abu Dhabi too correct?
I presume so, the local visa office has a role to play in all WP applications (not sure about GSS ones though), they mostly assist in bg checks/verifications. Plus when I went to submit a web form inquiry it asked for a visa office which I chose as Abu Dhabi

 

[danilorniepes]

Your application is submitted in Abu Dhabi too correct?
I presume so, the local visa office has a role to play in all WP applications (not sure about GSS ones though), they mostly assist in bg checks/verifications. Plus when I went to submit a web form inquiry it asked for a visa office which I chose as Abu Dhabi

Oh got it, exactly my case too. I believe once they open the WP application an AUH and check "if the application have met the GSS requirements" then processing will be forward to Canada for premium / expedited processing.

Big Thanks to you.

 

[danilorniepes]

That's good news. In one of FB group, yesterday one person shared that he got approval. He submitted the application on June 11 and biometric on 13 July.

Is he from Abu Dhabi too under GSS?

 

[chaudri]

Just looked at the correspondence letter for biometrics dated 9 July
It's signed off by CPC Edmonton 9700 Jasper Avenue NW, Suite 55 Edmonton, AB

 

[Akki99]

Is he from Abu Dhabi too under GSS?

USA under GSS.

 

[Yqing237]

Hi I have a question. Is LMIA exempt automatically GSS? I am confused by GSS and GTS. According to https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/hire-foreign-worker/temporary/global-skills-strategy/eligibility.html

It seems like LMIA exempt is automatically GSS. Correct me if I’m wrong.

 

[Yqing237]

Could it be possible that the decisions have been made for a lot of applications but passport requests are on hold? I noticed that rejections come FAST.

 

[ash_pratap]

That's good news. In one of FB group, yesterday one person shared that he got approval. He submitted the application on June 11 and biometric on 13 July.

Do you mind sharing the name of the group?

 

[chaudri]

Hi I have a question. Is LMIA exempt automatically GSS? I am confused by GSS and GTS. According to https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/hire-foreign-worker/temporary/global-skills-strategy/eligibility.html

It seems like LMIA exempt is automatically GSS. Correct me if I’m wrong.

Please see this
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/permit/temporary/global-skills-strategy.html

 

[poppedpluto]

Please see this
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/permit/temporary/global-skills-strategy.html

thanks chaudri. If I meet all the requirements for the LMIA exempt GSS processing, is my ICT application automatically considered under GSS or does the lawyer have to indicate that separately in the ICT application? Any insights you can provide will be helpful.

 

[PravinDeo]

Any idea on how background verification is done by IRCC, whether local country VAC must be open for this ? do they contact local office ? If I am applying from US, will they do background check in US? I am trying thing if Background check is reason for delay in approvals...

 

[Akki99]

Do you mind sharing the name of the group?

Canada Express Entry, PR, Study, Work, Business, Immigration, Visa