Thanks good to hear stuff like this, makes sense just is hard not to think worst case scenario.
And sorry weegle to hijack your thread, but we have been in your shoes for sure...we weren't pro active enough in getting the sponsorship app in quick enough and falling out of status, I'm sure you will manage to get your app in and status restored.
oldmacwright; do keep me updated how things are going for you. I will keep my fingers crossed! And hijack away! Its good (not the right word but you know what i mean!

) to hear people in similar situations and throw all our worries, wonderments and WTFs in the similar bucket!
It certainly isn't an easy time and my head is spinning with what-ifs, maybes, can-i, probably's.
I guess my worry is that they refused me an extension, why would they just restore me, seems like a pointless step. But as canuck said - i TRIED to keep my status. I didn't just let it lapse because i couldn't be bothered to do anything about it or purposely let it go.
So i guess my plan of action is to get my outland PR application in - i have a little bit of updating things to do and then i can probably get it gone within a week. By the looks of it i will be sending it without my partners 2016 NOA because its still not available to use - i have no other choice.
Then i will apply for my restoration of status? I guess i should do this as soon as possible even though i would prefer to have my AOR first, i guess i cant wait?
Would i just put an explanation in with both my PR application and my restoration application explaining my circumstance in full? I know they will have it all on file but its just knowing which one will be looked at first. I want to do everything possible to put myself in the best position.