I know I know that CIC call reps are not always right BUT when I called them regarding my husbands Visa extension (Example- We applied for renewal- his expires in 5 days, but have NOT had a response regarding his extension)
the Call centre told me that as long as we had our paperwork in process, he can stay, but if he leaves the country he might not be able to come back in (without proper visa anyways) call center advised that he just stay put here. and he can't get his work permit until after the first phase is done ...
So I'm going with that lol ... I took the call center guys first and last name, and the date and time we talked, if we ever have any issues that's what I'm rolling with lol