OWP extension

[Coco425]

Hi, I got married a few months ago and just applied for PR under family class a couple weeks ago(inland).
I hold a PGWP and want to extend my work permit but I haven’t gotten AOR yet.
My PGWP will expire next month January 2023 and I am currently working. I would like to continue working but not sure what to do if I don’t get AOR by the time my PGWP expires. Should I extend my status as a visitor?
Any advices are appreciated.

 

[Ponga]

Since you submitted an Inland application, you really have to wait until you receive the AOR email, to then submit the OWP application. However...there has been much discussion/debate here over several years as to whether or not a person holding a PGWP would be able to continue to work while waiting for the OWP to be processed. This is because a PGWP is typically not extendible, which means the Maintained Status (to authorize work) may not apply.

If you have not received AOR within a couple of days of your status expiring, you certainly should apply to extend your stay as a visitor. Otherwise, the [eventual] AOR will be of no value to you; you would not be eligible for the OWP if you lose your legal status.

 

[Coco425]

Thank you for your help!
I see, ok I will wait until last minute. I see a lot of people getting AOR quickly if you apply inland so fingers crossed.
I dont want to quit my job since it looks like would take about 5 months to get OWP if I end up extending my status as a visitor.

 

[Ponga]

Thank you for your help!
I see, ok I will wait until last minute. I see a lot of people getting AOR quickly if you apply inland so fingers crossed.
I dont want to quit my job since it looks like would take about 5 months to get OWP if I end up extending my status as a visitor.

Be very careful, because as mentioned, if your PGWP cannot be extended (even by applying to change your status to visitor), you could be working without authorization if you do!

 

[Coco425]

Okay, do you think I could get the answer for this through Webform or maybe asking a lawyer? They might know..? Because it’s a big thing for me if I have to quit my job or can continue working.

 

[Ponga]

Okay, do you think I could get the answer for this through Webform or maybe asking a lawyer? They might know..? Because it’s a big thing for me if I have to quit my job or can continue working.

I would suggest consulting with a lawyer, since `speaking' to IRCC via a webform may or may not give you an accurate answer; no idea who would be generating the answer and if they are even qualified to make such an answer. This is far too important to gamble on receiving the truth!

 

[Coco425]

Thank you very much!