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worse case scenario would be visitors for 6 months but then again there is nothing saying anywhere on their website that it can't be done what were doing. I believe we meet the requirements for BOWP but I guess thats me being positive and it looks like thats all i can be. I dont see how it is different to if we had stayed in Canada.
 
Hi jkgoulds,

there are chances you will be allowed into canada as a visitor since the main applicant's work permit is closed and has been out of the country for a long time so the POF officer( CBSA officer) will surely ask why you are coming back to canada.
if you get lucky and enter the country without being given a visitor permit then you can apply for BOWP but make sure you include a cover letter and explain to them that you are presently in canada and this is your address,without doing this the officer will assume you are applying while out of the country and hence your BOWP application will be approved.

good luck.