Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Here you can learn more about the agency that manages immigration applications and the protection of refugees plus more. This is what you need to know about Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
What Is The IRCC?
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada facilitates the arrival of immigrants, provides protection to refugees, and offers programming to help newcomers settle in Canada. The IRCC also grants citizenship and issues travel documents (such as passports) to Canadians. This Canadian federal government department was formerly known as Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).
If you are interested in learning more about Canadian Visas and how to immigrate, visit our main Canada Visas page or our 5 Easiest Ways to Immigrate to Canada page.
How to Contact the IRCC
Local Phone
1-888-242-2100 (in Canada only)
Hours
Monday to Friday 8 am to 4 pm local time
IRCC Canada Visa Offices
IRCC Canada visa offices are located in Canadian embassies, high commissions, and consulates and process applications for:
- permanent residency
- visitor visas (TRVs)
- study permits
- work permits
- refugee resettlement
- travel documents for permanent residents abroad
Canadian Embassies, High Commissions, or Consulates
Canadian embassies, high commissions, and consulates provide services to Canadian citizens outside Canada or the United States who want to:
- Get proof of citizenship (citizenship certificate)
- Give up citizenship
- Search citizenship records
Additional IRCC Online Services
Check Application Status
Due to COVID-19, the IRCC is experiencing processing delays. We’re prioritizing applications from people who are currently exempt from travel restrictions. Check your application status here!
Change Address or Contact Information
Contact International Experience Canada (IEC)
When applying for the International Experience Class (IEC) which is a program for young adults looking to work and travel to Canada. Individuals needing assistance with their IEC application will need to call:
Phone
1-877-461-2346 (within Canada only)
Get Help With Your Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) Application
To recieve help from the IRCC for your eTA application also known as your electronic travel authorization, you must answer a few questions regarding your case. Click here to get help with your eTA application!
Top Asked IRCC Questions
What is a complete application package?
Oftentimes when applying for a visa, you will receive an application package with includes everything you will need to apply! Your application package is complete when you have:
- answered all of the questions on the application form
- submitted all the necessary documents along with your application.
If you forget to send a document, your application may be returned to you, the processing of your application may be delayed, or your application may be refused.
How do I help a family member or friend apply to visit Canada?
Anyone who plans to visit Canada must apply from outside of Canada before they travel. What your friend or family member needs depends on:
- the type of travel document they will be traveling with
- the country that issued their travel document
- their nationality
- how they will travel to Canada
Before you apply, it's important to find out what documents are needed. If family member needs a visitor visa, you may provide your family member or friend with a letter of invitation in support of their visa application. A letter of invitation can help, but it does not guarantee the person will get a visa.
How long will it take to process my application?
Due to the impacts of the coronavirus disease COVID-19, the IRCC is experiencing delays, processing applications differently, and cannot provide accurate processing times. Don't worry! We've gathered Canadian visa processing times here.
How do I ask for a refund if I paid my fees online or at a bank in Canada?
You can request a refund online if you have your receipt number. After submitting a request, the IRCC will contact you if we need more information and to update you on the status of your request. If you used a credit card or a prepaid card to pay, the refund will be issues to the same card. If refunding your payment to your credit card is not possible, a check will be issued. You can submit a refund request here!