open work permit for my wife

[washwood]

I will be entering Canada on temporary student visa to study in Vancouver for 2 years. I understand that my wife is eligible for an open work permit for the period of time I am studying. I will be entering Canada in about a week and she will be entering from Japan in about 3 weeks. Does anyone know what the quickest and easiest process for obtaining the open work permit? Is it better for her to file from Japan or wait until she is in Canada and do a change of status? Or can she apply directly at the border? Thanks!