When you apply to an open deal, the brand sees your profile, Artec Score, and content stats, and either partners with you or declines.
When applying, you choose how long your application stays valid: between 3 and 60 days (14 by default). If the brand hasn't accepted by then, the application expires automatically and you're notified: you're never left waiting forever.
Once accepted, a chat thread with the brand opens automatically and the deal moves to partnered.