Guidelines to call IRCC CIC from US

[Aryabhatt]

This is what I followed:

Call +67-613-944-4000 from Google hangout dialer.
67 masks the ID.
These are the menu options.

1- English
1 - Immigration, passport, VISA
1 - IRCC
Call transferred to CIC.

1- Check processing
1 - application
2- become a PR
2 - application starts with E
enter application followed by #
1 - to ensure what your application is correct
enter date of birth
1 - to ensure what your application is correct
1 - to proceed to status
0 - agent

If you call at the right time, then you get transferred to the agent and out in queue. If the call volume is really high then you may need to wait.

I tried with +676139444000 on Hangouts but it says “ correct the number to call “ and not even allowing me to dial. Could you please help’?

 

[USProgrammer]

I tried with +676139444000 on Hangouts but it says “ correct the number to call “ and not even allowing me to dial. Could you please help’?

1. They meant *67 (blocks caller ID), not +67 like an international dialing country code.
2. That no longer works, since the 613 number won't connect you to the 888 number.
3. The new instructions will have you get an app and dial the number directly from a virtual Canadian number. Follow my directions there and dial the IRCC 888 number directly with the app.
4. Follow the rest of the instructions from after the "call connects to CIC" since you're calling them directly. i.e 2-1-1-0 (family sponsorship option to quickly get to a representative)

 

[cadence]

I can confirm that *67 613 trick no longer works...I kept pressing 1 and got into some emergency hotline for Canadian citizen only...trying textnow trick.

I strongly recommend the main post to be edited something like "old trick no longer works, see new instruction at xxx"...

 

[cadence]

Holy...I got through the number, and a female machine voice told me this: for application submitted after Oct 22, 2019, processing time is ~116days; for after Oct 26, 2019, time is ~112 days. Anyways, it's not helping me because I submitted on Aug 15, 2019.

I doubt I can receive call back at Textnow number so I will continue wait ...anyone tried call back at Textnow number?

 

[USProgrammer]

Holy...I got through the number, and a female machine voice told me this: for application submitted after Oct 22, 2019, processing time is ~116days; for after Oct 26, 2019, time is ~112 days. Anyways, it's not helping me because I submitted on Aug 15, 2019.

I doubt I can receive call back at Textnow number so I will continue wait ...anyone tried call back at Textnow number?

The textnow number is a real number and works for callbacks.

 

[cadence]

The textnow number is a real number and works for callbacks.

Thanks for reply and I should thank you for updating the phone call instructions.

It's my first time using Textnow. Although I chose 416 as area code, but it gave me a 647 number. I put in the 647 number, and IRCC told me this number cannot be used for call back...

 

[USProgrammer]

They may know it's a VoIP number. Does it not allow you to just hold? 647 shows as a Toronto area code.

 

[cadence]

They may know it's a VoIP number. Does it not allow you to just hold? 647 shows as a Toronto area code.

OK I typed a few times and it seems to work. Waiting for call back.

 

[USProgrammer]

OK I typed a few times and it seems to work. Waiting for call back.

Just FYI in north america we only do area code + phone number with normal usage. e.g. 647-222-2222

 

[cadence]

Just FYI in north america we only do area code + phone number with normal usage. e.g. 647-222-2222

Call back worked!


The agent told me that "everything looks good, just in queue to be reviewed by an officer". This is the same when I got reply from IRCC Ottawa email.

Then I asked did the application pass eligibility, criminality, and security? The agent said it passed the first two, but still in process for security. This somewhat worries me because my app is almost 7 months now. Not sure if I'm in the black hole security that can take more than one year!

 

[USProgrammer]

Call back worked!


The agent told me that "everything looks good, just in queue to be reviewed by an officer". This is the same when I got reply from IRCC Ottawa email.

Then I asked did the application pass eligibility, criminality, and security? The agent said it passed the first two, but still in process for security. This somewhat worries me because my app is almost 7 months now. Not sure if I'm in the black hole security that can take more than one year!

Try my tool https://pprdays.glitch.me for people from/in the same country to see historical data.

 

[aall]

These instructions no longer work since Global Affairs no longer transfers to IRCC.

The good news is that you can still call. Get the TextNow app and do not let it auto select an area code. Use 416 for the area code and it will give you a Canadian number. You can then dial the 888 IRCC number using data/WiFi in the app from any country.

This definitely works. just got through. The call was clear and agent was very polite.

 

[cadence]

Today I called IRCC again, it said "we are unable to transfer your call to an agent due to high volume" then the call was hung up. Very disappointed. My AOR is 8/15/2019.

 

[USProgrammer]

Today I called IRCC again, it said "we are unable to transfer your call to an agent due to high volume" then the call was hung up. Very disappointed. My AOR is 8/15/2019.

That doesn't really surprise me with the virus going on. Probably lots of people are trying to find out how it impacts them and especially their landings, since Canada just closed their border to non-citizens/non-PRs.

Edit: They've provided more info: https://www.cicnews.com/2020/03/new-canadian-immigration-instructions-during-coronavirus-pandemic-0313909.html

 

[Milehighguy]

Seems like the number listed specifically mentions that they dont provide information about IRCC or transfers call to the IRCC. This number is for Global Affairs Canada. Can some one share the information to contact IRCC other than email ? I have a trip planned to Vancouver in April to complete the PR process, my one time visa expires on April 22. Wanted to check with them if there is a possibility of extension of the visa because of the ongoing issue around the world. Anyone can help me out how to proceed ?