Work permit extension while applying for sponsorship

[LDBrazil]

Hi! I'm currently married to a Canadian citizen and we have 2 Canadian citizen children. I've been in Canada for the last three years first on a student visa and now on a work permit that expires in January 2017. My husband is applying for my sponsorship but we are not sure if we should go with the inland or outland process. My questions are the following:
1. Will I able to extend my work permit or continue working while the family class sponsorship process is going on? FYI I don't have the open work permit.
2. Is it possible that I apply for the outland process without leaving Canada? I mean, I'll have to re-enter the country eventually or go for an interview if necessary, but is it advisable for me to stay in Canada while the outland process is going on?
3. I'm currently on maternity leave. Can I still apply for the outland process and keep my benefits?
Thank you.

 

[floomy]

1. OWP is only for inland app. so if you apply for outland (normally outland process faster ), you have to apply for work permit separately.
you need to send your company LMIA with your renewal app. so you should ask your company if they have LMIA or can apply for it (it takes time and money for company).


2. you do not need to leave Canada to apply for outland, you can keep your permit and renew when it is expired.
if you can not renew your work permit and don't have your PR by the time your work permit expired, you can apply for change of status as a visitor then you can legally stay in Canada.
VO would request to interview when they have suspicion of your relationship (fraud/ red flag) so i would not worry much about it.

3. yes and yes.

4. assume you are on PGWP and not sure where your VO would be.
but if you send your app early of next year, you might get your PR before your work permit expired.

Good Luck.