bankerguy said:
PGWP does qualify for implied status. Ive spoken with the cic and asked them this. On two different occasions i was told that PGWP is a type of OWP and that DOES qualify for implied status....and i then said "I read on the CIC website that PGWP does not qualify for extensions" and i was then told "being on implied status does not constitute as an extension"
There is another poster on here ...i forgot her name, but she got a letter stating that she can indeed work once her PGWP expires because she's waiting for AIP and she HAS applied for a OWP.
You are right, some folks are indeed getting letters stating they are legal to work. There are others who got denied their PR for working illegally. It's really up to you to choose which you feel is going to be the route to take. PGWP is NOT the same as an open work permit, it can NOT be extended and working on 'implied' status is the same as extending it.
This is something that is brought up at a minimum on a monthly basis and each time folks are urged to follow through with all the information and not just assume those at the CIC call center know what they are talking about. Ignorance of the law is not an acceptable answer to CIC when they ask you why you have worked beyond your expiry date on your workers permit.
Also, you should be aware that CIC handles MANY types of applications and they do NOT differentiate between family class or CEC class applications when getting information to you on the phone.
If you are applying for PR under CEC class, PGWP is certainly extendable, and works quite well under 'implied status' however, it does not work that way for family class. Are you applying under CEC for your PR? If the answer is no then I would suggest you do NOT work past the expiry date or you might find yourself with a PR denial and your spouse under a deportation order for violating her working conditions ....
Some links and information for you to look at this for yourself:
http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/apply-inland-after-iec-expire-keep-working-and-now-aip-refuse-t163087.0.html
direct quote from CIC Canada:
"The PGWPP allows students who have graduated from a participating Canadian post-secondary institution to gain valuable Canadian work experience. Skilled Canadian work experience gained through the PGWPP helps graduates qualify for permanent residence in Canada through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
and some more quotes about 'renewing' or 'bridging' (aka implied status) your PGWP:
"Can I renew my post-graduation work permit in order to keep working while my Canadian Experience Class application is being processed?
The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program is a one-time opportunity for international students who graduate from certain Canadian post-secondary institutions. If you are awaiting a decision on your CEC application and your post-graduation work permit is about to expire, you may be able to apply for a bridging open work permit.
Bridging open work permits allow qualified applicants whose work permits are about to expire to keep working while they wait for a final decision on their permanent residence application.
Find out if you are eligible to apply for a bridging open work permit." information pulled from here
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?q=676&t=6