jamespianoo said:
I have applied for inland PR and applied for an open work permit at the same time.
My OWP application was returned to me because I accidentally filled the wrong box and now my work permit has expired. Right now I am officially 'out of status'. I am from the UK and living in Quebec.
What is the best course of action to regain my status as a worker while my PR application is in progress?
If you were in Canada legally when you filed the inland sponsorship application, and it is still being processed, then you are still in Canada legally, albeit as a visitor, not as a worker.
I'm not sure what your options are to renew your previous work permit. That would probably depend on the kind of work permit it was. That is probably a separate question from anything to do with family-class applications and can be better answered in another category on the forum.
As for an open work permit, you will be eligible for one when you receive approval in principle (Stage 1 approval) on your inland application. Most people submit the OWP application with the PR application, which is what you did.
I'm not sure what you need to do now to have your application considered by the same officer who processes your PR, as you wanted. I imagine that you can submit a new OWP application to Vegreville with a cover letter explaining the circumstances and that you'd like this application to be considered along with your PR one. Maybe you can check this with the CIC call centre and let us know what they say.
Alternatively, you can submit an OWP application after you receive AIP, but my understanding is that that would add a month or two to your wait.