Could you please share the information specifically how you call them outside Canada? I'm eagerly to call them too since I never got the reply of my email. Thanks a lot!
I tried all numbers provided by the forum such as
1 (888) 242-2100 : that is CIC's number but you can only call this number within Canada, I'm from the US and it won't connect me at all. There is no way unless you call them with a fake Canadian number by using Skype or Google.
1 (800) 622-6232 : that is Service Canada number. They won't give you detailed information and will just offer to email you a link to check your status online.
+1 (613) 944-4000 : that is Global Affairs Canada number, but they have the option to be transferred to CIC by pressing 1 for English, 1 for CIC services, then 1 to be transferred. Your call will be rerouted to (888) 242-2100 and you won't be able to be connected because you're not calling from within Canada. The trick to be connected is to hide your number when you call Global Affairs Canada (by adding *67 if calling from the US, or whatever number in your country), that way when Global Affairs Canada transfers you to CIC, it probably defaults to GAC phone number and you will automatically be connected to CIC.
Now you're connected to CIC you will be required to enter your application number and year of birth then you will hear your information from your account, then at the end you have to press 0 to talk to an agent. You will likely be transferred to an automatic message stating that they are too busy to accept calls due to a high call volume and suggest you to call back later and disconnect your call automatically. The only way to skip that message or even the line is to press 2 at the beginning because there is litterally no wait to speak with a French or bilingual CIC agent.
