I got the same answer when i called too. And an email from the agent that states:
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Implied status - IEC
If you are a participant in the
International Experience Canada (IEC) program and you apply for:
- A subsequent work permit (WP) under one of the IEC eligible categories, you cannot continue working after the expiration of your current WP until you obtain the new one,
- if you want to stay in Canada during the process of your subsequent WP under IEC, you need to apply to extend your stay in Canada as a visitor or student at the latest on the expiry date of your existing WP,
- Another type of WP at the latest on the expiry date of your WP under IEC, and it expires before a decision is made, you can continue working under the same conditions as your existing WP, as long as you remain in Canada.
For more helpful information, we invite you to consult the
Extend or change your work permit - International Experience Canadapage.
Leaving and re-entering Canada while under implied status:
You may be authorized to re-enter Canada:
- As a temporary resident, if your application to extend your stay has not yet been approved (if applicable, it will be important to wait until you receive your new permit before you start to work/ study):
- this applies to you if, among other things:
- you are temporary resident visa (TRV) exempt,
- you hold a valid multiple-entry visa, or
- you have travelled only to the United States (including its Territories and Possessions) and/or St.Pierre and Miquelon,
- As a worker or student:
- if the officer determines that your application to extend your WP was approved while you were outside Canada, or
- if you are eligible to apply for a new work or study permit at your arrival in Canada.
An officer will ask you questions to see if you meet all of the requirements before allowing you to come back to Canada.
Proof of implied status:
It is recommended that you provide these documents to prove that you have implied status:
- Your expired immigration document,
- (If the application was submitted by paper) A copy of the application to extend your stay sent to the Case Processing Centre before the expiration date of your status,
- (If the application was submitted online) A copy of the Confirmation of Online Application Transmission message in your online account,
- A copy of the fee payment receipt included with the application, and
- (If applicable) A delivery confirmation from the postal service provider used to send the application.
More information on implied status is also available on our
website.
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I've seen this information given out to other people on this forum as well, even as far as a year back. People are still saying this is bogus information given by CIC agents, but surely someone would have told them that by now after giving it out for a year or more... so I'm not so sure it is bogus is this is the information they've clearly been told to give out if someone asks this question. Maybe the laws have changed, maybe this now has more clarity to immigration than it did years ago and they've finally made sense of the situation.
Good to hear that you kept working, as I'm probably going to do the same.