Looking for advice about my status in Canada, thanks on advance.

[Daniel_GG]

Hi guys:

It is awesome to have this source of information, it really helps.

I would like to get advice about my situation/status in Canada.

First I want to give you some info:

Right now I am in Canada with a working holiday visa, this work permit expires on the 7th of July, of 2016, next week.

I sent today the Spousal Sponsorship in-land, my wife(permanent resident) is sponsoring me, we get married past January here in Canada YAY!!

I didn't know that I have to attach the Open Work Permit, so I gather all the documents today and I plan to send them tomorrow with a note asking them to take them in consideration with my sponsor application.

I know that they are not going to the same address, but I hope they can do something with them

Now my question is, knowing that my work permit expires next week, I though that applying to the spousal sponsorship will allow me to stay in Canada.

Then I read on the forum that applying does not guarantee you any status, but by sending the Open Work Permit you get the Implied status.

I am confused because I don't know if I have to come back as a visitor until I receive notification from the PR application of the Open Work Permit application.

What will be the best way to proceed?

I hope there is a way to stay in Canada.

Thanks in advance for your answers.

Best Regards, Daniel.

 

[Aquakitty]

The general rule of thumb is to apply for these status extensions a month before your current one expires. It's too late for that, but you're still ok. If you want to rely only on the WP for your status, your WP application MUST get to CIC before midnight of July 7th. Be sure to send it by courier, not Canada Post as they may be going on strike (good timing, eh?).

I highly suggest spending the extra money and applying immediately to "Change conditions or extend your stay as a visitor". You can do this online. Because, if your main application is sent back for any reason, or your WP application doesn't arrive in time, you'll be out of status, and by the time you find out it might be too late to restore your status.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/visitor.asp