Work permit - where are online applications processed?

[szx]

I'm a foreign PhD graduate in the US, currently preparing to apply for a work permit for my postdoc position in Canada. For various reasons, I'd rather not return to my home country to apply, if possible. Two questions I haven't been able to get answers to:

1. Can I complete the entire process in online, or is your physical presence required at the consulate at any point?
2. If I applied online, where would my application be processed - in my home country office, in a US office, or somewhere else? The reason I'm asking is that there's a vast difference in estimated processing times between my home country and the US – 2 weeks vs. 15 weeks – so if I have no choice but returning to my home country to get my application processed faster, that's what I'll do.

Your help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[scylla]

1. You should be able to complete the process online. Interviews are rare.
2. It should be processed through a visa office in the US. Note that you should expect longer processing times than the 2 weeks posted since you have temporary status in the US (rather than permanent status / citizenship). I would bank on processing a couple of months and hope processing is completed sooner.

 

[szx]

Thanks for your reply! 2 weeks is actually the processing time for my home country. The US is currently showing 15 weeks.

Is there a way to have my online application processed in my home country? If not I'll have to fly back because I can't afford to wait 15 weeks.

 

[scylla]

Ah - I see. I don't know the answer to that question - sorry.

 

[Abdelahhad]

From my experience even if your home country office shows that the application process would take only 2 weeks, however, you wont get it untill 2 months are passed this is due to the security check which will take at least 5-7 weeks to be completed.
All the best.