OWP for Spousal sponsorship cannot be delivered at the border, because one of the conditions is that you have a status IN Canada. When at the border, technically you're not in Canada and thus don't have a status. Several people tried to get it at the border and they almost all failed.Hello!
I submitted the application on Dec.7th, 2023. Until today (Dec. 21st), I have not received the AOR yet which is normal.
My open work permit will expire on Jan.05th, 2024. This Saturday (Dec. 23rd, 2023), I am planning to go to the border (Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle). I hope that I could apply for sponsored OWP without AOR at the border. I know the chance is almost zero...But I still want to try it. If impossible, I will apply for a visitor record at the border. Then I will apply OWP online without AOR which is allowed. I will keep you updated...
What you can do is wait until your current work permit is expiring in less than 2 weeks then apply for the OWP with your email receipt stating you submitted your application. There's a new public policy that enable you to do so without the AOR if your current document expire in less than 2 weeks (it is detailed at the bottom of the guide for the spousal sponsorship open work pemit: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/family-sponsorship/spouse-partner-children/spouse-common-law-partner-canada-open-work-permit.html )
This way you'll have maintained status and can continue working as your current work permit will be maintained until a decision is made on your new request.