Hello!
I have created a mind map to make sense of how the system is organized:
There are two ways to apply :
ONLINE (New applications, Open Working Permit) - These are the fastest 2-4 months, easier to follow up since day 1, and you get a letter that helps with some documents.
PAPER (PGWP and OWP Extensions and changes) - These are the worst, and you don't receive any confirmation letter during the process,
1. confirmation that they received the application only happens through webform after 2-3 months when you are provided with a provisional application number.
2. From what I read in this forum, the applications are just sitting there (backlog of 60k+ applications) waiting to be reviewed, archived by months (150-180 days / 4-6 moths).
3- I also read that there is a draw process where they choose the ones to process, that is how they are selected and definitive application numbers are provided (in fact both, the provisional and the definitive application numbers are the same, the only difference is an 'x' at the beginning of the identifier).
4. Once you have a definitive application number (which means your application entered the draw), the waiting period is 1-2 months.
PAPER APPLICATIONS
(day 1) Reception - Confirmation is shipping tracking number
(day 150-180) Receives definitive application-Enters draw
(day 180-210) Application is Processed
(day 210-220) Answer