How to Contact Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

Learn why, when, and how to contact IRCC

Written by: BorderPass Corp.

Last updated:

March 2024

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is responsible for a wide range of services and programs that include citizenship, passports, refugee protection and settlement, temporary residence, and permanent residence.

Drawing from our experience, utilizing the appropriate method or communication channel can be significantly helpful in addressing your issues and concerns as smoothly as possible.

Stay up-to-date on the latest and most efficient ways to contact IRCC by reading this article because it provides clear instructions, along with crucial details for a wide spectrum of inquiries.

This guide functions as a complete reference to communicating with the IRCC. It will break down and share useful insights into the following aspects:

What is Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)?
How to contact the IRCC
Specific services and queries

Are you looking for comprehensive information on how to contact IRCC? Let’s get started!

What is Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)?

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is a Canadian federal department that is in charge of facilitating the arrival of immigrants, offering programs to help new settlers in Canada, and providing protection to refugees.

Overview and purpose of IRCC

IRCC took on its name after formerly being known as Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). The new name for this department began after a new government took office in November of 2015. This Canadian federal department is led by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.

It’s vital to note that IRCC and CIC are not two separate departments. Publications or documents that refer to IRCC in one case and CIC in another actually pertain to the same federal department.

To avoid confusion, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is not considered a new department but rather the successor to CIC which has existed for many years prior.

Immigration

This portion of the department is directed toward the country’s efforts to build and develop policies that welcome immigrants in ways that are advantageous to both Canadians and newcomers. Immigration continues to play an integral role as Canada addresses demographic challenges and works to build stronger security and economic growth.

Refugees‍

The ‘refugees’ component of IRCC has to do with the current Canadian government’s compassionate approach to handling issues on the increasing number of families that are forced out of their homes due to instability and conflict in some areas of the world.

Citizenship‍

One of the most defining features of the immigration policy in Canada is that it provides a path toward Canadian citizenship for individuals who make the major decision to immigrate to Canada. It continues to be a vital portion of IRCC, just as it was before the department was renamed.

Services offered by IRCC

The services you can expect from IRCC are primarily concerned with immigration programs, refugee protection, issuing Canadian travel documents, and citizenship services. Let’s run through each service on their website.

Please also note that if you’re a BorderPass member, you can submit applications for your study permit, work permit, and permanent residence through your BorderPass account—easily and with fair, transparent pricing.

Applications: You can create an account, sign in, find forms, check application status and processing times, pay fees, or get information on medical and police checks.
Visit: Identify whether you need a visa to visit, transit, or do business in Canada. You can also find out how to extend your stay as a visitor.
Study: Submit an application for a student work permit or study permit extension.
Work: Submit an application for a work permit extension, get your credentials recognized, hire foreign workers, or learn about being a caregiver.
Immigrate: Sponsor your family and use a representative, or find out the immigration programs that you can apply for.
Citizenship: Submit an application for, resume, or give up Canadian citizenship. You can also get proof of citizenship and prepare for the citizenship test.
Services for new immigrants: Find immigrant services in your area, get a permanent resident card, submit an application for citizenship, or learn about your first tax year in Canada.
Services for Canadian citizens: Get proof of citizenship, travel and work abroad, adopt a child from abroad, sponsor your family or a refugee, get a passport, or take part in citizenship celebrations.
Refugees and asylum: Sponsor a refugee, claim refugee protection, or find services for refugees in Canada and appeal a refugee claim.
Enforcement and Violations: Learn about immigration violations, the detention review process, immigration admissibility hearings, or why you may not be allowed in the country.

How to contact IRCC

To contact Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regarding concerns and inquiries, the department is reachable at a number of places. You can open and submit an application form on their Help Centre page or if you want direct contact, the IRCC has a helpline for inquiries and is accessible via the following:

Phone (calls from within Canada): 1-888-242-2100, open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm local time throughout Monday to Friday except for statutory holidays
Phone (calls from outside Canada): 1-613-944-4000‍
Visit an IRCC office in Canada ‍
Visit a Canadian Embassy or Consulate

Additionally, the IRCC can be contacted through direct message (DM) on their official Facebook page and other official social media platforms.

Importance of using the right contact method for specific queries

Our thorough assessment revealed that utilizing the proper methods that the IRCC communicates through can ensure that you receive help as quickly and as smoothly as possible.

For specific queries, you can reach out to IRCC online if you want to inquire about your application, change your contact information, report a technical problem, enquire about a service or program in general, and more.

Contacting IRCC through BorderPass resources

Based on our first-hand experience, many individuals who try to contact IRCC often have difficulties due to processing delays, understanding IRCC requirements, and preparing documentation.

If you are looking for transparent, affordable, and trusted services, BorderPass offers end-to-end support for international students and workers in each step of the Canadian immigration process.

With a dedication to consistently providing world-class services, BorderPass uses Canadian immigration lawyers to guide you through your immigration journey.

Using the IRCC web form for online queries

If you have questions about a specific case, you can fill out and send an IRCC Webform online for the following queries. Please note that if you are a BorderPass member, you can contact us for help.

Applications that have exceeded normal processing times
Reporting important changes in contact information and circumstance
You want to add, change, or cancel a representative
Urgent processing of renewal or replacement permanent resident cards
Reporting a technical problem with IRCC online services.

Reaching out to your country’s visa office

To contact your country’s visa office, you can search the IRCC website to either find Canadian visa offices outside Canada or find visa application centers outside Canada.

IRCC visa offices can process applications for visitor visas, permanent immigration, work permits, study permits, refugee resettlement, and travel documents for permanent residents abroad.

Key takeaways

From general inquiries and first-time applications to urgent concerns and reconsideration requests, you need to contact Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for anything that has to do with traveling, studying, working, or immigrating to Canada.

As per our expertise, using the most precise, appropriate, and up-to-date method and communication channel to contact IRCC will ensure that you receive immediate assistance regarding your concerns.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How do I check the status of my application with IRCC?

With BorderPass, it's easy! Simply log into your BorderPass account and see your application status under My Applications. BorderPass Members also receive regular updates about their application status.

What should I do if I encounter technical issues while using IRCC online services?

For general issues, you can check out the IRCC ‘Report a technical problem’ page.

Are there any specific contact methods for emergency situations or crises?

For emergency situations that require urgent attention, you can visit the IRCC crisis situation page online and select the category of your situation using the ‘Please select an option’ dropdown bar.