Extending stay from worker to visitor

[Xanadu2011]

Hello everybody,

I have a problem that really worries me. At the moment I am on implied status as I am waiting for my new work permit - same employer (submitted online within the deadline). I have found out that there is a problem with my new LMO and that there is a chance it might get refused, just a couple of days ago. The problem is that my current WP/VISA has already expired. I have read, that an application to extend the stay as a visitor is only possible 30 days before the WP/Visa expires.

If my WP application does get refused, my common-law partner (permanent resident) and I are planning to move to another city. My spouse owns a house there so we have a lower cost of living there. I already have started to look for a job at the new location but I want/have to keep my status legal.

My question is, should I take the chance and wait until my WP application may get refused or should I file a new online application for an extend of stay as visitor in addition to the pending WP application immediately?
Thank you very much in advance

*edit* - In the case I would find a job soon and get an LMO, could I cross the border with that LMO and get a new WP quicker than applying from within Canada? What kind of paperwork would I need to do that? I am from a visa exempt country - Can I also go to an airport and do it there or do I have to drive down to the US?

[ae03yy]

Xanadu

In case you get a job before receiving a negative response from HRSDC, I highly advise you to ask new employer to file a LMO. Upon filing ask him for reference number and contact CIC with this info as to update your case with them. Hopefully, it will work out. Otherwise, should you get denied WP and have no Study Permit/ Visitor status only one thing will be needed for you to do : leave the country.
Going to any aeroport or border won't help unless you have a valid LMO from either current or new potential employer because you will not be able to re-enter as WP.
However, you can
(1) apply for jobs and get LMO, then ask CIC Centre if they caan update your application right away
(2) wait for denial and go to the border or embassy in US to apply for visitor visa and come back
(3) look for a college, a language school, or any sort of program that is still accepting applications and get yourself accepted and file for SP. Meanwhile keep looking for an employer who's willing to do LMO
These are all the possibilities I see for you, unless (4) your spouse sponsors you which could also resolve the problem if he's eligible

Hope this helps, and/or others will provide more comments on your sensitive case
all the best

[Xanadu2011]

Thank you for the quick reply.

So basically I have 90 days plus the extension (if granted) and then leave the country in the worst case.

Will the visitors visa at the border be processed immediately or do you have to wait a while for it to be processed?

Xan