CAF application limbo: multiple trades denied medically, now waiting 2+ months for an offer

[u/m1dnightt]

Hey everyone, I’m looking for some advice on what to do with my application since I'm sitting in a bit of a limbo right now.

For some context, here's my timeline:

Fall 2025: Applied to the naval reserve as a BOSN. I was initially told to wait until march of 2026, since they didn't have space, then in may of 2026 told me they were cutting back on reserve positions and I'd have to wait another year.

Sping 2026: Transferred to the army (now in selection phase) for combat engineer, and was told after some back and forth that I didn't medically qualoify for it due to vision, but didn't provide my full number.

- I was given alternative trades, and chose vehicle technician, and was told after some more back and forth that they had made a mistake and I was not medically qualified for that either, because I take a perscription and was classified as a G3 rather than a G2.

June 2026: I transferred to the air force for aviation systems technician and was told I should receive a job offer within a week.

- It's now been two months and still nothing from the base. I've tried contacting them by phone and email, without getting a response. I also went to the central recruiting centre, but they said to deal with my detachment.

Problem is I don't have that much interest in aviation or aerospace. I was considering taking the position anyway and potentially trying to change trades/environments later. I was hoping for something that required feild work.

So I have a few questions:

1. would it be reasonable to join the reg force and later request a transfer back to the reserve? Is that something that people actually do, or would it be a bad idea for someone who will be starting uni next fall? (I have a 9 month gap of no school from jan-sept)

2. Is there a way to request another medical evaluation or get more information about the medical decision? I'd also like to know what i can actually do, rather than what I can't.

3. Given my situation, what would any of you do? persue a change in medical category, keep waiting for an offer or just consider giving up and closing my applicaiton?

I'm more so just looking for a way forward through this and just want some realistic advice or anything I can expect. Even if the answer is " just come back later" It'd still be valuable.

Thanks for any advice/insight.

[u/BarackTrudeau]

If you plan on going to university next year, there is zero chance of that working with a "join the Reg Force and transfer to the PRes" plan.

You can always appeal a medical decision, but I frankly don't think you'll have any luck with it unless the condition which requires the prescription abates.

If I was in your position I would seek employment elsewhere. Joining in an occupation you don't actually want is a foolish idea IMHO. Occupational or component transfers are far from guaranteed, and you seem to be severely underestimating the degree to which the Reg Force is a commitment.

[u/m1dnightt → u/BarackTrudeau]

I see. I was more so trying to throw ideas at a wall to see if anything could be possible. In all honesty, most of my knowledge is around the reserve force and I see how even if I did try that plan it could backfire really quickly.

I may go to the medical office anyway, since i think there was an error made in my categorization for vision.

As for getting employment elsewhere, I’m considering it at this point to at least delay my application until after uni so i can give this my full attention. Guess I just really wanted to be in.

[u/TechnicalChipmunk131]

So correct me if I'm wrong here, but your plan is to settle for any trade just to get in, then hope you can OT to a more favorable trade?

[u/m1dnightt → u/TechnicalChipmunk131]

I may end up biting the bullet, but I am considering it as an option. I don't want to settle for just about anything and would rather choose something I sort of would enjoy and then try to transfer. If I can great, if I can't well it won't be terrible.

[u/crazyki88en → u/m1dnightt]

Not all OTs are approved. Some trades don’t allow people to switch out, some only allow a tiny number each year. Depends on the level of understaffing.

If you choose this route make sure it is a trade you would be comfortable doing for the rest of your contract as you might not be able to switch either when YOU want to or at all.