BOWP with/out AOR, opposite answers from IRCC Reps

[RoTaBl]

I'm a PNP nominee who mailed out my PR application to IRCC back in August, did not yet receive AOR which we know takes 6~7 months to get.

One day, I called IRCC to discover my option of extending my work permit, Rep Lisa was very confident that I am eligible to BOWP with AR after I confirmed with her at least twice. She also said 'not having an AOR is not my fault and a mail tracking number of the AR is a substitute which I should attach. She told me 'do not apply for a close work permit'.
However, I did not feel confident about BOWP according to things I read or heard. So I called IRCC another day to see what this Rep say. However, I got the opposite answer from Rep Jessica which I cannot apply for BOWP due to the lack of AOR. If I do so, there is a risk if an officer opened my WP application without seeing my AOR, then I'm screwed. Unless I can upload AOR before that happens which is a possible scenario. But who knows what will happen.

What do you think?
I can write an explanation letter with my BOWP application, but it might be risky. I will probably get my AOR in late Jan/ somewhat in Feb 2021.
If I extend to a close WP, then I lost the option of unrestricted employers, but it is a safe route.

Note: the names of Representatives are not real but were made up by me.

 

[Indian5183]

I'm a PNP nominee who mailed out my PR application to IRCC back in August, did not yet receive AOR which we know takes 6~7 months to get.

One day, I called IRCC to discover my option of extending my work permit, Rep Lisa was very confident that I am eligible to BOWP with AR after I confirmed with her at least twice. She also said 'not having an AOR is not my fault and a mail tracking number of the AR is a substitute which I should attach. She told me 'do not apply for a close work permit'.
However, I did not feel confident about BOWP according to things I read or heard. So I called IRCC another day to see what this Rep say. However, I got the opposite answer from Rep Jessica which I cannot apply for BOWP due to the lack of AOR. If I do so, there is a risk if an officer opened my WP application without seeing my AOR, then I'm screwed. Unless I can upload AOR before that happens which is a possible scenario. But who knows what will happen.

What do you think?
I can write an explanation letter with my BOWP application, but it might be risky. I will probably get my AOR in late Jan/ somewhat in Feb 2021.
If I extend to a close WP, then I lost the option of unrestricted employers, but it is a safe route.

Note: the names of Representatives are not real but were made up by me.

I am surprised to see how much misunderstanding exists on this subject. I've posted on other forums, and I will do it once again to help you out.
So here it is: You cannot apply for a BOWP without AOR, but if your work permit is expiring within 4 months, you CAN apply for an OPEN WORK PERMIT. Just go through the CIC questionnaire and in that it will ask if you have been nominated by a province, when you select yes, it will ask follow up questions. Then it gives you a check list, where you must include your Nomination Letter + your WP Support Letter which you would have. The permit option you select is Open Work Permit, even if you are on a closed work permit for now. This is subject to 'Restrictions on Employment' section saying NO on your certificate.

Hope this helps. Please let others know too. BOWP is just one option. The other straight forward option is OWP. I got mine the same way.

 

[canuck78]

I am surprised to see how much misunderstanding exists on this subject. I've posted on other forums, and I will do it once again to help you out.
So here it is: You cannot apply for a BOWP without AOR, but if your work permit is expiring within 4 months, you CAN apply for an OPEN WORK PERMIT. Just go through the CIC questionnaire and in that it will ask if you have been nominated by a province, when you select yes, it will ask follow up questions. Then it gives you a check list, where you must include your Nomination Letter + your WP Support Letter which you would have. The permit option you select is Open Work Permit, even if you are on a closed work permit for now. This is subject to 'Restrictions on Employment' section saying NO on your certificate.

Hope this helps. Please let others know too. BOWP is just one option. The other straight forward option is OWP. I got mine the same way.

OWP is probably not an an option unless he/she has a partner on a WP, is an international student or they're applying for inland spousal sponsorship.

 

[canuck78]

I'm a PNP nominee who mailed out my PR application to IRCC back in August, did not yet receive AOR which we know takes 6~7 months to get.

One day, I called IRCC to discover my option of extending my work permit, Rep Lisa was very confident that I am eligible to BOWP with AR after I confirmed with her at least twice. She also said 'not having an AOR is not my fault and a mail tracking number of the AR is a substitute which I should attach. She told me 'do not apply for a close work permit'.
However, I did not feel confident about BOWP according to things I read or heard. So I called IRCC another day to see what this Rep say. However, I got the opposite answer from Rep Jessica which I cannot apply for BOWP due to the lack of AOR. If I do so, there is a risk if an officer opened my WP application without seeing my AOR, then I'm screwed. Unless I can upload AOR before that happens which is a possible scenario. But who knows what will happen.

What do you think?
I can write an explanation letter with my BOWP application, but it might be risky. I will probably get my AOR in late Jan/ somewhat in Feb 2021.
If I extend to a close WP, then I lost the option of unrestricted employers, but it is a safe route.

Note: the names of Representatives are not real but were made up by me.

What province have you applied for.

 

[Indian5183]

OWP isn't an option unless he/she has a partner on a WP, is an international student or they're applying for inland spousal sponsorship.

im afraid that’s incorrect my friend. I’m in neither of the categories you listed. There is no such pre-requisite. The very reason you are issued a work permit support letter from the province is to ensure that you keep your status in Canada legal while a decision is made on your permanent residence application. It is not in your control when you will receive the AOR, and if you choose to let your status expire (current WP), you will need to first apply for restoration of status which is highly unadvisable.

If one cannot apply for BOWP, you must use the online CIC checklist (which gets populated as you select various options) and apply for an OWP.

please consult a good immigration lawyer should you have doubts on what I’m saying instead of letting your current WP expire, while you wait for AOR.

 

[RoTaBl]

What province have you applied for?

Manitoba / MPNP

OWP is probably not an option unless he/she has a partner on a WP, is an international student or they're applying for an inland spousal sponsorship.

I'm currently on PGWP who's single.