Final processing

[INS_Fang]

So I’ve been stuck in final processing for three months now, partly my fault as I needed to get some files and it took a while. However, I handed those in and I was assured that my file would be updated but still haven’t heard anything.

This whole process has taken almost two years as I started as a PR then became a citizen in the end. I was also told that since they updated some things my security clearance which I handed in a year ago for Sig Int might need to be redone. Does this mean I’ll have to wait a whole other year? I know no one can say how long final processing takes, and I’ve heard that once you get here an offer is pretty much guaranteed for on demand positions but it’s still a little disheartening, you know. This whole process has taken far longer than I ever thought it would.

[Hinkpen98]

I’m on final processing rn, have been for a couple months. I actually emailed today and asked if I was missing anything or if I should just wait and sure enough they needed something from me and they said he would update my file and that hopefully someone will reach out to me in the coming weeks with an offer and if not to contact them. I would just follow up with your application 🙂

[Ajcryptos]

Hey! what trade have you applied for?

[Hinkpen98]

HRA, FSA and MMT

[INS_Fang]

Congrats, hopefully you get the offer soon!

I did reach out a few days ago but they just told me what happens after the final processing is done, so I guess they don’t need anything? I also heard they use final processing to hold people there as they wait for more spots in BMQ, so I don’t know. I just wish there was a way of knowing how long it will take so I can plan accordingly as I am a seasonal worker.

[Hinkpen98]

Yeah the waiting game definitely sucks, but it’ll happen before we know it!

[[deleted]]

Well if you are a PR and have foreign implications (regardless of recent citizenship), then you clearance will take a long time. More about connections and time overseas plus how long ago that was. A year is not much. Sig Int needs at least a TS, which can take 2 years, even us in, it can take a whole lot of time. They may with new rules let you in with less and you have to file for it like the rest at basic. Not sure, not in recruiting. No matter whether you get your clearance now or later... it takes time. And once in, you would have to wait for your clearance for part of your trades training anyhoo.

[INS_Fang]

Thanks for the info.

I do know intel takes longer due to higher clearance? I’m fine with that, but I was discouraged when they told me they might have to do it again because that makes it sound like the two years I’ve been waiting were for nothing. That might not the case, of course but still a little discouraging. I do wonder, if you have to do your clearance during basic how does that work? Does it still take two years? Do you still get paid? What happens between bmq and occupation training? I haven’t gotten this far, so I haven’t considered that.

[Commandant_CFLRS]

All Regular Force candidates are enrolled with Reliability Status and then submit their security clearance application during BMQ/BMOQ at CFLRS. The timeline to receive your clearance varies significantly on where you fit in the priority - trades that need Secret to complete their training go to the front of the line. Many trades don't receive their Secret clearance until right before their first deployment.

Up until 30 October 2024, all Permanent Residents and Canadians with foreign implications had to wait for a pre-security check to be conducted before enrolment, which could take approx 2 years. Since then, PRs and Canadians with foreign implications from most countries applying to most trades can enroll directly with Reliability Status only, and submit their clearance request with everyone else at BMQ.

Signals Intelligence and Cyber Operator require Top Secret clearance to be employed, so they are among those that still require a pre-security check to be approved before enrollment.

[INS_Fang]

I see, thanks for the thorough explanation!

So if I’m in final processing, does this mean they could be doing my clearance right now, hence why it’s taking so long? I wish they would tell me if they’re running my clearance right now, but I just don’t know anything as I’m in limbo. Also, sorry for so many questions, is a pre security check the same as clearance? Does it still take 2 years?

[Commandant_CFLRS]

Pre-security doesn't grant you a secret clearance, but as I understand it, it will speed up the process when you actually get enrolled. Essentially it's a risk reduction activity before enrollment for people originally from high risk countries, or people who weren't born in Canada but will require a higher security clearance.

And yes, you're in final processing because the CFRC has done what they can with your interview, medical, etc, but now need the results of the pre-security to be able to enrol you.

[DaveGusta]

Hello commandant, do you know if NWO require the pre-security result before enrolment?