Timeline help: VR pending + PR AOR received + SOWP pending. Am I safe?

[Tingra]

Hi everyone,

I would appreciate some advice regarding my current status in Canada. Here is my timeline:

• Mar 17, 2025: Entered Canada as a visitor.
• Aug 19, 2025: Submitted Visitor Record (VR) application to extend my stay. (Status: Still processing)
• Oct 1, 2025: Submitted PR application (In-Canada Spousal/Common-law Sponsorship).
• Oct 30, 2025: Received AOR
• Oct 31, 2025: Submitted Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) application. (Status: Still processing)

I understand I am currently on "Maintained Status" because of my VR application. However, I have two concerns:

1. Under what specific circumstances would my legal status become invalid (out of status)? (For example, if my VR is refused, does my SOWP application keep me in status?)
2. If I do lose my status (e.g., VR refusal), what immediate steps should I take to restore it?

 

[rasputinsminion]

Hi,

1. Until you get rejected for both the VR and SOWP (which is highly unlikely unless you are inadmissible; out of status aren't grounds for inadmissibility), you will have status. So yes if your VR is refused, your OWP application will keep you in status.
2. On the off-chance you do get rejected for the said applications (again pretty unlikely unless you are inadmissible), you can apply for restoration of status.

 

[Bruce1109]

Hi,

1. Until you get rejected for both the VR and SOWP (which is highly unlikely unless you are inadmissible; out of status aren't grounds for inadmissibility), you will have status. So yes if your VR is refused, your OWP application will keep you in status.
2. On the off-chance you do get rejected for the said applications (again pretty unlikely unless you are inadmissible), you can apply for restoration of status.

Hi, I am facing the same situation here. My husband's spouse open work permit expired June 2025 and he applied for VR in March 2025 to maintain his status in Canada but it's still pending a final decision until now. Recently I found a TIER 1 job and I want to apply open work permit for him. But since his VR is still pending final decision and it has been more than 90 days since his previous OWP expired. what should I do now? Waiting for VR to be approved and then apply for OWP or what? Thank you!