Change status to visitor after WP expires?

[Malin]

Hi everyone,

As always, after searching and reading everything I can find there is still confusion.
I'm in Canada on a Working Holiday Visa, a one-year open work permit that expires in October. I applied for PR in Jan/Feb (outland spousal sponsorship). The WP might expire before PR is approved, so I'd like to extend my stay but change status to visitor when that happens. I'm from Sweden which is visa exempt. Can I do this without having to go to Sweden and back to Canada to re-enter as a visitor? Would I have to apply for a permit even though I don't need a visa to visit? Is it the same forms as for "Change conditions, extend my stay or remain in Canada as a visitor or temporary resident permit holder"? If so, would I check off "Extension of my temporary resident status" or "Initial temporary resident permit or extension of temporary resident permit"?

 

[amikety]

Yes it's the same and yes, you check off extension of temporary resident status (even though you aren't a temporary resident).

You can also visit the nearest USA/Canada border and cross over into the USA briefly to get a new passport stamp 1-2 days before your IEC visa expires. That will reset your visitor status. If you do this, just make sure to carry proof you have filed for PR, such as AOR, Sponsor Approval letter, etc.

Whichever way you do this, CIC will want to know how you plan to support yourself. Make sure to bring proof of financial support, whether that's paystubs from your spouse's job or bank statements showing your savings (bring at least 3 months worth of statements to show the money is normally in the account).

Good luck

 

[Malin]

Aah, I guess I could just (well... it's a bit of a drive) cross a border... Good idea. Thanks!