Indeed. The man basically sympathized with our situation, but insisted that work permits issued at a port of entry were reserved for those who were new to Canada. He could have done us a favor, but didn't.l.luci said:Really?? I'm so sorry to hear that!! Did they give you any specific reason for not issuing the WP, or just like that, told you to apply online? That's really frustrating...
What jes_ON states is not absolute. My spouse was issued an open work permit renewal at the border after I had obtained a PGWP. Also, I have a friend who received a BOWP at a port of entry after forgetting to apply online. Her case was special, but it just goes to show how much discretion CIC officers have on a case by case basis.
In any case, my spouse went ahead and applied online this evening. At the rate things are going, a decision on our PR application may be made before the BOWP even comes in the mail!