hey everybody, am new to this forum but have found some very useful information on here (a lot more helpful then the cic website) and so i thought i'd ask you guys for some guidance.
i have kind of a complicated case - well its not so much complicated as i made a small mistake at the beginning of the process, i.e i dint apply to extend my temporary resident visa and assumed that application for permanent residency would be sufficient, so technically am "out of status" ??? . (been kicking myself over the silliness of it ever since) :-[
However, CIC is still processing my application and i received my AIP on October 16th 2012.
When i got my letter notifying me of AIP, it also said i could apply for my OWP, which i was thrilled about, however when i tried online, it said i wasn't eligible for the OWP, a call to the CIC "confirmed" that i wasn't eligible because i was "out of status" :'( . i recently passed the 8 month mark, and called CIC to get any info on the hold up and was advised, like everyone else "that is just a guideline, its not set in stone" at which point i asked the agent of any options i may have to work while i wait (am going stir crazy) - now this is where things get really "interesting" the agent told me that irrespective of being 'out of status' i was still eligible for the OWP and that if it dint allow me to complete the process online, there maybe a problem with the online process and i should submit the applications in paper