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...
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.
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!