I'd like to share my experience.
I submitted my work permit restoration on Aug 11, 2015.
Then, I went to the border yesterday (Emerson, MB) to ask can I get a work permit at the border.
I am from a visa exempt country, and I didn't leave Canada, just drive slow then turn to the CBSA office.
I ask can I get a work permit when I am in restoration status at the border.
They say I have to provide the "current job offer" to get a work permit, but they can't give me any guarantee.
Besides, my employer compliance fee receipt is too old (the date is August), I have to call CIC to check did CIC use the receipt or not, the receipt is one time use only.
I don't have any "current job offer"... I already stop working for 5 months...., so I didn't get work permit at the border.
When I came back home, I got an e-mail.
It's CIC's agent replying my question for how long I have to wait for my application.
They said "Currently, your file is still in process and there is no maximum timeframe to finalize an application."
Ok, continue waiting............... :'( :'(