Applicants can contact IRCC about application updates and other concerns in a few effective ways. When applicants undergo the Canadian immigration application procedure, they tend to face processing delays at times. Even though IRCC has taken several initiatives to reduce the processing times, there have generally been longer waiting periods.
Ways for applicants to contact IRCC about application updates
However, there are official pathways that applicants must consider raising their application concerns before IRCC. Previously, these pathways have proved advantageous for former applicants.
IRCC’s Client Support Center
At present, IRCC’s Client Support Center tackles a significant figure of applications via several platforms. The latest existing data revealed that IRCC managed a total number of 8.3 million inquiries, such as by phone or email, between April and October 2022. Nearly 6.6 million queries came through the phone, while 1.5 million came via mail. In the forthcoming years, this number will only increase.
The Webform
IRCC uses its Webform, which is a digital form, to answer the applicant’s specific application queries. This type of pathway is explicitly for those who seek to enquire about an application they have submitted. Essentially, this might be about the delayed application’s processing or updating the latest information within an application. Additionally, the following applicants can use the form:
- Those seeking to update, add, or modify their representative usage within an application must submit supporting documents.
- The applicants who demand urgent processing or replacement of PR cards. However, they will need to fulfill specific criteria.
- Those who would like to inform IRCC about the technical glitches within their online services.
Typically, IRCC takes nearly thirty days to respond through this digital platform. However, the exact time the department takes to respond depends on the intricacies of the request and if they need any more information from the applicant. IRCC only answers your question if your application is within the standard processing time. Additionally, it will take at least five days for IRCC to update the application through the Webform information submission.
Correspondence via Email
Applicants can also connect with IRCC via email regarding general or technical queries. Usually, IRCC suggests applicants check its official questions webpage before they contact the immigration department via email. However, if applicants fail to respond to their webpage query, they can email IRCC.
Essentially, this online communication channel is a standard tool for scammers to lure newcomers into providing their personal information. These could be details related to their bank, and scammers might pretend to be from IRCC. However, to remain safe, applicants must not forget that IRCC will never request certain details from them via email, such as the following:
- Basic details to confirm their personal information submitted on their application form.
- Credit card or banking details for payment via email.
- Exchange visas, certificates, permits, or any other immigration documents.
- Special offers, time-constrained promotions, or even cash deals concerning visas, permits, or Canadian citizenship.
In addition, IRCC might take at least two days to respond to your queries via email. Moreover, their ability to respond through email, depending on your individual case, will be limited through this digital medium.
Phone – Another channel to contact IRCC about application updates
IRCC’s last method of accessing IRCC is through the phone. However, only those within Canada will have the chance to avail this option. The department comprises two phone lines; one is human-operated, and the other is an automated phone line. Both of these have varied availabilities and conditions.
Canada’s applicants can access the Client Support Center Agent between 8 am and 4 pm from Monday to Friday. This is the human-operated phone line. This type of line applies to English and French and enables applicants to get assistance through general and particular individual inquiries.
New immigrants must remember that client support agents must not make decisions on applications. In addition, they can’t even expedite the application processing if your case doesn’t fall under the urgent processing category.
On the other hand, an automated telephone service is prevalent 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Furthermore, applicants can check their application status and perceive already recorded details about IRCC’s program.
Newcomers within Canada can connect with IRCC at 1-888-242-2100. This applies to both lines.
GCMS Notes
Global Case Management System Notes are documents within IRCC’s universal software system. They are meant to keep and process applications that IRCC receives.
The software has these GCMS notes saved by immigration authorities processing an application. The software saves these notes on its own, and they are saved by default, too.
GCMS notes provide significant information to applicants about the following:
- A particular application and the details associated with it. This includes the date of receiving the application, the date on which IRCC officials opened it, an immigration officer’s code who is reviewing the application, the application status, and the reason behind it.
- All the information collected by IRCC about the applicant.
- Information submission to IRCC through a third-party representative.
GCMS notes are a type of request under the Access to Information and Privacy. The Canadian government uses the ATIPs to collect information about Canadians or those in Canada. Furthermore, the Canadian government has a response period of 30 days for the ATIP request. However, IRCC might respond that it needs extra time to proceed with the request.
On the other hand, if candidates outside Canada seek to apply for these GCMS notes, they must have a connection with a representative to apply for them, and they must be:
- Canadian citizenship holders;
- A Canadian permanent resident; or
- A person or organization within Canada.
Looking for more information on Canadian Immigration? Get all your doubts clarified with our Make Home Canada expert guides through their years of knowledge in this field. Email us your queries at [email protected].
