Q. I intend to come to Canada as a visitor for several months. If I find a job during that time, can I change my status while in Canada?

Answer: Specific provisions to ‘change’ status under such circumstances do not exist, but an applicant can apply for a work permit or for permanent resident status while within Canada. Such an application would have to be submitted to a visa office outside of Canada, and to which the applicant is entitled to submit the case, however.

If your Canadian status expires during the time that you were seeking such authorization to live and work here, you may still be required to leave while the decision is pending. Such an application would not, in itself, be grounds for extension of status in Canada.