Work permit extension refused but I already had my ITA
I applied for a work permit extension, but unfortunately it was refused within 14 days, even before I could submit my PR application after receiving my ITA. As a result, I am now out of status in Canada.My current plan is to proceed with my PR application and then voluntarily leave for my home country. I only intend to return once I receive my PPR/COPR, since the processing timelines for BOWP and PR are almost similar, so I decided not to apply for a BOWP.
However, I’m now confused about one thing:
Do I need to restore my status or switch to a visitor record before submitting my PR application? I’ve heard mixed opinions saying that PR cannot be applied for while out of status. Or is it acceptable to simply leave Canada first and then submit my PR application from outside Canada? I only have 10 days left to submit my PR application, and all my documents are already prepared, so I’m extremely stressed and trying to make the right decision quickly.
Just to clarify, I received my ITA before my work permit expired. During that time, my passport was under renewal. Without my knowledge or permission, my lawyer went ahead and filed a “dummy” work permit extension instead of submitting my PR application. The only explanation he gave was that my passport was being renewed, so he chose to apply for the extension first. I did not authorize this application, nor did I pay for it, and we are planning to file a complaint regarding his conduct. I genuinely did not try to misuse or scam the system in any way. I’m only trying to proceed honestly and correctly from this point onward.Any guidance would truly mean a lot. Thank you.