And technically you're not a PR till you have landed, as far as I know. You need to land for your PR to be activated. I landed on the 29th of June, and my PR card says "PR Since: 29 June" on the back.
You should contact your university's admissions office and ask. They may ask you to apply as an international student, with the understanding that your status will change to a PR shortly thereafter. Or perhaps they'll give you an extended deadline. I don't think you can apply as a PR without a SIN number, but who knows, ask them and see.
It's no different than doing a year as an international student and then becoming a PR - your university administration will have a process to handle this kind of status change as well.
Thanks so much guys.
Actually, the university is asking me to state what I am! it's a gray area they don't know about.
Goose, what you say makes sense. However, there is another point:
Once one receives the confirmation of permanent residence, let's assume he re-enters Canada and, instead of showing that confirmation, he still pulls out his post-grad work permit. They won't allow him in I think, because the work permit has been voided by the PR application.
I don't believe the government turns you into an illegal immigrant, so, If the work permit is not valid anymore, your status mush have changed somehow. If it changed, you must be a permanent resident already, because you're neither a student, nor a citizen, nor a visitor.
What about this: could it be considered "implied status"?
Remember, for example, if you're on a study permit and you apply for a work permit? After you have applied, even before that your work permit application is processed, you can work full-time, because, having applied for the work permit, you're under implied status as worker.
What if something similar happens here: once you receive COPR you're a PR under implied status?
Thanks.