I applied to OINP back in March 2016 and my PGWP is expiring in mid-July. I don't think I'll get AOR before my PGWP expires and it's very frustrating as I can't even apply for BOWP and will need to stop working ...
Has anyone applied for Visitor Visa to stay in Canada while your application is being processed? I know I won't be able to work but I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions... please share any thoughts!
Hey
I am in the exact same situation as you - I will be applying for a visitor status so that I will be able to stay in the country while waiting for OINP's decision.
My application is in the system, but my legal status in Canada is expiring. Will the OINP process these applications first?
Please note that it is your responsibility to maintain your legal status in Canada throughout the period that your application is being processed.
Applications will not be approved if the applicant does not hold proper legal status (if they are in Canada).
Any question about your legal status should be directed to the federal government.
There are exceptional circumstances in which the OINP will prioritize nominee applications when the applicant’s legal status in Canada is due to expire within 90 days (such as international students and temporary foreign workers).
The OINP will make every effort to identify those applications in the current inventory where an applicant’s legal status in Canada is at risk of expiring. They will be processed first.
I have very similar situation. When I applied to the OINP master stream in Jan, my PGWP was already about to expire, so I had no choice but to switch to a visitor record and sent it to the OINP office as soon as I got it. Unfortunately, my application was returned yesterday because of one BLANK PAGE of my entirely new passport was missing, which totally ruined my plans..... :'( :'(
So right now I guess I will have to wait for the re-open of the program in November....with a visitor record which expires by the end of this year....And I will have to find good reasons to extend the visitor record in the entire PR application process.
The best option for you to apply for visitor visa but be cautious it will be for 6 months and as OINP does not follow its timeline you might need change your status in coming months.
Other option is if you are married and you have spouse in Canada.
