ButterflyChemist said:
I've been out of the loop for awhile so I could be wrong but the border doesn't renew permits they can only issue permits once CIC has approved your application for an extension based on your wife's newly issued PGWP. You need to apply to CIC for a new open permit and once approved then go to the border.
That's a bit off ButterflyChemist. Renewal is basically a new permit even if it is in continuation of the same grounds.
Firstly, if you are in land and apply to CIC, you don't have to go any where. Work permit is mailed to you.
This is completely different from the case when some is not present in Canada, applies to CIC, gets an approval for work permit (called letter of introduction) and the actual work permit is issued upon landing in Canada. You don't need to do that if you are present in Canada.
Secondly, if you go to border there are two scenarios
A) You are from a visa exempt country and you have some grounds for getting work permit. You could actually have done this first time too i.e. being visa exempt you never apply to CIC, just land in Canada and can get a work permit at airport / border.
B) You are NOT from a visa exempt country. But you are already present in Canada on a valid work / study permit. So you can go to US border, flag pole, and on the way back get work permit. Since you are already admitted to Canada as a worker and are returning from US ONLY (while work permit is valid), you do not need a visa to enter Canada. Since you are visa exempt in this case, you can apply for work permit at the border. I recently posted the sections of IRPR and CBSA manual which permits these for some one, let me know if some one needs those for verification.
To be clear, it is option B we are talking about here and I have done that first hand.