I'm an American citizen living in Winnipeg and I recently received first-stage approval for permanent residence in Canada. Now Ineed to apply for my open work permit (which unfortunately I did not do when I first applied for PR).

I am being interviewed for a job in a week, so it would be to my and my potential employer's benefit to get approval for my open work permit quickly. Can I apply for my open work permit at the border? Since I'm in Winnipeg, it's an hour long drive...better than waiting for 35 days...or more.

If so, which application do I use? IMM1249 or IMM1295B (in other words, the in-country or the out-of country application)?

Thanks!

I am an American citizen as well, living in Toronto. I was told that the only way to apply for a work permit if you have submitted the PR application from inside Canada is to fill out the work permit application for inside Canada. I was given this information by the CIC call center. I sent my application on June 17 and received the open work visa on August 5.