My Work Permit is about to expire, still waiting for LMO

[darkrover]

Hi,

I'm currently working for Toronto based IT Copany, and my boss will apply for work permit in a few days(still advertising the position). It is just that my work permit will expire before the LMO is issued. As I know the LMO takes 4-5 weeks, but I have just 4 weeks left until the expiry of my work permit. I'm a bit confused what to do now - shell I apply to change my status to visitor, or I can apply for work permit extension and write LMO in progress? Both cases have advantages and disadvantages:
1. If I apply for work permit extension, but LMO is negative - I have to leave the country, and my boss won't be able to reapply for LMO
2. I apply for visitor - even if the LMO is refused, my boss will reapply for LMO, so I have better chances for positive LMO. Here's the catch - I need visa to enter Canada, so I won't be able just to go to the border, leave, enter and get the new WP. I'll need visa for the US as well, and I don't have time to get one.

Can you please help me decide what approach to take? May be I should wait for the LMO, and then apply for status restoration, and WP. Thank you in advance.

[rjessome]

Apply before expiry to remain on implied status and continue working.  Advise CIC that your employer has applied for the LMO but you have not yet received it.  Advise them that you will send the LMO file number and positive LMO as soon as you receive same.

[darkrover]

Thanks, sounds reasonable to me. Just one more thing - if my application for work permit extension is refused can I apply for visitor, or I have to leave the country immediately?

[rjessome]

Thanks, sounds reasonable to me. Just one more thing - if my application for work permit extension is refused can I apply for visitor, or I have to leave the country immediately?

You can apply for restoration and a change of conditions to visitor.

[darkrover]

Thanks again rjessome!