The IRCC call centre is made up of a network of call centres through out the country. They are not all set up exactly the same way. Sometimes, if I get through, I will get a message of estimated wait time, and other times I have had the option to enter my phone number and get a call back.
Today I started at 8am, called over 60 times and got through after an hour. I was offered a call back option that was estimated at 65 minutes, but it took 90 minutes. The agent was very polite and helpful but limited in the info he had access to.
When I call IRCC at 1-888-242-2100, after the long introductory announcements, I select:
1-UCI-#-(pause until next option just starts )-1-(pause until next option just starts)-1-2-0
More detail, for those who need/want it:
- After the long, unstoppable intro, enter: '1' then enter 8 to 10 digit 'UCI' number followed by '#'
- Briefly pause for the next option to just start announcing, then enter: '1' (to confirm the UCI you just entered)
- Briefly pause again for the next option to just start announcing, then enter: '120' (these you can enter quickly)
If you select either or both of the '1' options too rapidly after your UCI and #, it can put you into the Abuse line where you will wait on hold until they come on & try to validate you and they might answer a simple question or two, but then they will send you back to the regular line where you started, or put you on a wait-on-hold in another line, or ask you to hang up & re-dial. During 60 tries today, I got the Abuse line 2 times by entering selections too fast. Slow down. Patience is a virtue.
Best wishes!