Help! OWP to Student Visa

[jen2810]

Im currently on an IEC visa and I doubt I will be invited through express entry before October when my permit expires. I figured the only option would be to become a student to buy myself more time in the country before being invited to apply. The course I wish to do starts in January, so I'd have 3 months to tie me over. Is there a way I can continue working in this time? If I apply to extend my stay and then that gets rejected, can I then apply as a visitor? Does a study visa only activate from when the course starts or would they be able to do this from October to allow me to work 20 hours a week in the meantime? Any help would be great

 

[scylla]

IECs cannot be extended and don't benefit from implied status. The only way you can keep working past the expiry of your IEC is if you have a new approved work permit in your hand on or before the day your IEC expires. If you want to continue working your employer will have to obtain an approved LMIA and then you'll have to obtain a closed work permit.

You cannot work on a study permit until your courses actually begin (for you - this would be January). Doing so earlier is working illegally.

You can convert your status to visitor during the three month period but won't be able to work.