Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is the final word when it comes to immigrating to Canada. A wall that receives, controls, and monitors immigration-related applications, document processing and activities. With the mammoth levels of immigration ; IRCC is working hard to reduce the delays but the number of applicants has gone crazy these days. When delays occur; applicants panic! When you’re panicking you can’t think straight. There is no need to panic. IRCC can be reached via a variety of mediums. This blog post will explain the ways through which prospective applicants can reach IRCC without the help of any third party and clarify their doubts.
The Current scenario:
If you take a look at the contact statistics between April and October of 2022 (As per the most recent data) the department received a collective 8.3 million contacts both phone (6.6 million) and email (1.5 million) correspondence. These figures are expected to be increased in the upcoming years.
1) IRCC Web Form
IRCC web form is used when your application has exceeded the normal processing times and also when you want to make important changes to your application such as modifying personal and application-related details. If you wish to change the contact details, email, and phone number; this process normally takes 5 working days. This web form can also be used when you need urgent processing of your renewal/replacement Permanent Resident card. At this point, it may take up to 30 days to receive a response from IRCC depending upon the complexity of the request submitted via web form. For detailed information on how to use the form and requirements, please use this link.
2) Email
IRCC has a dedicated FAQ section where the applicants can find answers to common questions. You have the option to access various questions falling under categories such as Application status, Citizenship, Visiting, Applying,– General Work permits, and Sponsoring your family. If you cannot find the information you’re looking for you can always contact IRCC support via email. Most of the emails will be answered within 2-5 business days.
General questions: questions@cic.gc.ca
Technical questions: web-tech-support@cic.gc.ca
3) Phone:
IRCC has both human-operated and automated phone support options available. The phone support can be only accessed within Canada. People who have already go someone staying in Canada can make use of this provision. The human-operated line works from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday and the automated line is available 24*7*365. People make a note that the agents cannot make any decision about your application nor they can’t expedite the process. They can only share the most recent status of the application or make any changes.
To contact IRCC (from within Canada only): 1-888-242-2100.
4) Canadian Visa Application Centre (CVAC)
They do not have any direct connection with IRCC but are authorized by the Canadian government to process Canadian visa applications. CVACs like VFS Global have their customer support if you have processed the applications via them. Make a note that, even CVACs cannot make any decision about your application; however, they might be able to help you with the tracking update regarding your application. Applicants from India can contact VFS by phone: 18002668858, 022-67866002, 912262018404
Contact VFS by Email
Live Chat Support
5) IRCC Social Media
There have been incidents where IRCC directly replied to tweets tagged to their official handle. You can also try the same method. You can also stay updated with the recent developments in immigration policies by following their social media handles.
6) GCMS – Global Case Management System
GCMS Global Case Management System is the centralized repository of all the applications processed via IRCC. GCMS notes one of the most effective mediums to stay uptodate with the most recent update regarding your application including the status, immigration office and officer who is in charge of your application.
7) Online Account:
I’ve saved the best for the last! The primary and most recommended method is through your online account on the IRCC website. You can log in to your account to check the status of your application, receive messages, and submit inquiries.
