Skilled worker app being processed, visitors visa expires; can I stay in Canada?

[SeddyB]

For the last year I have been living in Canada (AB) on visitors visas (an initial 6 months plus a 6 month extension) with my Canadian girlfriend and have recently submitted a skilled worker visa application. 

My visitors visa will expire during the processing period so I need to know if I am able to say in Canada whilst it is being reviewed or if I need to return to Great Britain and await their response.  Does anyone have any ideas?  Any info will be much appreciated! 

[PMM]

Hi

For the last year I have been living in Canada (AB) on visitors visas (an initial 6 months plus a 6 month extension) with my Canadian girlfriend and have recently submitted a skilled worker visa application. 

My visitors visa will expire during the processing period so I need to know if I am able to say in Canada whilst it is being reviewed or if I need to return to Great Britain and await their response.  Does anyone have any ideas?  Any info will be much appreciated! 

You either get an extension of your status or leave Canada.

[SeddyB]

Thanks for the response, I was struggling to find a definitive answer either way.