As they move through the immigration process, many applicants find delays in the processing of their applications. Here’s how you can contact IRCC about delays/ new info in the application.

While IRCC has made headway in trying to reduce these delays, long waiting periods are often a common experience. However, there are official routes that candidates can contact IRCC about delays/ new info in the application. Well, this has proven to be quite effective for applicants in the past.

The Present Situation 

IRCC’s client support center presently handles a massive number of correspondences via numerous channels. Between April & October of 2022, IRCC fielded a collective 8.3 million inquiries, including both phone & email correspondence. This number is expected to increase in the subsequent years. 

The Webform 

The IRCC Webform is an online form that the immigration department uses to answer applicants’ queries regarding their application. 

This route is specifically for people who wish to enquire regarding a submitted application that has exceeded processing times & those who wish to update significant details of their application. Moreover, the form can be used by those who: 

  • Wish to add/ update/ update their use of a representative in an application, & are ready to submit supporting documents to do so
  • Need urgent processing/ replacement of their PR card
  • Want to support a technical issue with IRCC online services 

On average, it takes around 30 days to receive a response from IRCC through this channel. IRCC will not respond to your webform request if your application is still within official processing time limits. Also, note that it might take up to five business days for the department to update your application using the information submitted through the webform. 

Email 

In order to contact IRCC about delays/ new info in the application can be done by email. This method is for those who have general/ technical questions that they would like to ask the department. 

IRCC usually recommends checking their popular questions webpage before contacting IRCC by email. Significantly, this mode of communication can be a common target for scammers, who look to trick newcomers into giving personal information by posing as IRCC. Newcomers must remember that there are specific things IRCC will never ask for via email. 

It generally takes 2.5 business days to get a response from IRCC by email. However, it must be noted that their ability to answer specific questions regarding your case is limited through this channel. 

Phone 

The final method of reaching IRCC is via phone – however, this alternative is available to those within Canada. IRCC has both an automated & human-operated phone line, which have different availability & conditions.  

Client support center agents can be accessed from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. This line is available in both English and French, thus allowing candidates to get help with general & case-specific inquiries. Immigrants must remember that client support agents cannot make decisions on your applications, nor can they help process applications faster if you aren’t eligible for urgent processing. 

On the contrary, the automated telephone service is available 24 hours a day & 7 days a week, thus allowing applicants to check the status of their application & listen to pre-recorded information regarding IRCC’s programs.  

For Information On Your Application 

Candidates can also order documents called GCMS, i.e., Global Case Management System notes. GCMS is IRCC’s universal software system for storing & processing applications that IRCC receives. 

Moreover, GCMS notes are the information saved on this software, both automatically by the software itself. However, immigration officers also process the application. GCMS notes can, therefore, give applicants detailed information regarding the following: 

  • A specific application (including when the application was obtained when it was opened, the code of the immigration officer who is assigned to the application, application status, reason for the status, etc.)
  • Any information IRCC has gathered about the applicant    
  • Any information submitted by a third-party representative to IRCC

GCMS is a form of ATIP request. ATIPAs are the Canadian government’s vehicle for Canadians or those in Canada to access information collected about them by the government. 

All ATIP requests to the government should obtain a response within 30 days. However, the response might be that the department required additional time to process the request. 

If individuals outside of Canada wish to apply for GCMS notes, they must have a representative apply on their behalf, who is either: