CIC TOLL FREE NUMBER

[mpa]

I have been trying to call CIC lately but I get a voice prompt telling me to check the number and try again. Can somebody give me the new number? I used to call 1-888-242-2100. Thank you for your time.

 

[scylla]

That's the right phone number. Are you trying to call it from within Canada?

 

[mpa]

Absolutely, precisely from Edmonton. I have been trying it since last week. Is there anything i have to do that i am not doing right?

 

[MadeInCanada]

That is the same number I have used and gotten through to. I have not called for awhile, but I can't see that the number would have changed or anything.... ???

I have just called it and gotten through, although I know the call center is closed. I was able to get the automated jargon.

 

[amikety]

By chance, are you using VOIP or Skype to make the call? I've noticed those calls never go through.

 

[mpa]

I am using magic jack and that is internet phone. I remember i was able to call through some time back to follow up on my AIP but that was sometime last September. I have called them again ever since.

 

[amikety]

I've never gotten through using internet phone. I've tried Skype and Google calling. It rings a few times, then just hangs up on me. It's something to do with their VRU (the recording) not being compatible with the internet phones.... but I don't know exactly what.

Try calling from a real, honest to goodness phone - landline if possible.

 

[mpa]

Thank you all for your responses. I will try with a real phone then.

 

[fandv]

I've never gotten through using internet phone. I've tried Skype and Google calling. It rings a few times, then just hangs up on me. It's something to do with their VRU (the recording) not being compatible with the internet phones.... but I don't know exactly what.

Try calling from a real, honest to goodness phone - landline if possible.

Well....the CIC call centre only accepts calls from Canadian landlines....and as such, Skype and Google calls are probably treated the same as any other foreign calls. Afterall Skype is a Swedish-American company, and Google is American......so the call centre's phone system can probably detect that... .

I have no idea whether the CIC phone system determines whether a call is foreign based on its origin (I don't know....may be a phone call has a unique ID just like an internet IP address?!) or based on its number....(i.e.: if a Canadian area code is detected, then the call goes through, else rejected).
A Skype subscription allows us to attach a local number to it.....so I don't know, may be someone should experiment to test whether it works

 

[amikety]

Well....the CIC call centre only accepts calls from Canadian landlines....and as such, Skype and Google calls are probably treated the same as any other foreign calls. Afterall Skype is a Swedish-American company, and Google is American......so the call centre's phone system can probably detect that... .

I have no idea whether the CIC phone system determines whether a call is foreign based on its origin (I don't know....may be a phone call has a unique ID just like an internet IP address?!) or based on its number....(i.e.: if a Canadian area code is detected, then the call goes through, else rejected).
A Skype subscription allows us to attach a local number to it.....so I don't know, may be someone should experiment to test whether it works

The Google calls give a California area code - I only know because my husband used to call me with it.

I downloaded the Canadian version of Skype, though. I called myself, just for giggles. The "number" that came up isn't even recognizable as a phone number.... (10000123456).