How do I contact Canada Immigration - phone number doesn't work, and no offices

[molinari]

Hi there

I'm in Canada as a tourist on the visa waiver program.

I need to talk to Immigration about how long my passport stamp allows me to stay. I know it's supposed to be 6 months, but in my case there's a couple of extra considerations that may make that shorter, and I need to discuss with an immigration officer.

However, I can't contact anybody.

Note: I have replaced "." in the following links with "-" in order to be able to post them.

www-cic-gc-ca/english/contacts/index.asp#callcentre lists the phone number 1-888-242-2100, and states that agents are available between 8am and 4pm Monday to Friday, but that number is 100% automated. I'm calling at 10am, and have tried all the options, and there is no way to speak to an agent. It appears it MAY be possible to speak to an agent if you have an application number, but that doesn't apply to me, because I've arrived on the visa waiver program and thus don't have an application.

www-cic-gc-ca/english/information/offices/help.asp lists visa offices, but the only office that allows in person help is in Vancouver, but I'm in Montreal, so that's CAD$1000 return flights from here.

It appears I have two options:

1. take the 7 hour, CAD$100 return journey to Quebec city from Montreal by train, to the office there that offers "Emergency Services for temporary residents", and try to see someone (even though my question isn't an emergency)

2. OR probably first bet, the Montreal office - even though they only deal with refugee claimants. And hope someone will talk to me anyway.

I've also called Service Canada, on 1-800-622-6232, and they tried to help, but all the guy could do is read me the same information on the cic.gc.ca website, that I already had.

Anybody got any better ideas?

[steaky]

Yes the toll free number is automated at first, but after you patiently entered the correct digits, a human representative will answer your call.  Try again.

[molinari]

I figured it out. Posting here for the benefit of others.

As at 24 May 2011, there is a secret option that they don't actually tell you about.

To get an agent, you need to call the number and then dial the options 1100.
(1 for english, 1 for visitor enquiries etc, then 0 for an agent).

They don't actually tell you to press 0 for agent, it's not one of the announced options.

I guessed, as I can press 0 for an agent when calling my bank.

The agent I spoke with was very, very helpful, but I must say - that is the most retarded, anti-customer-help automated option line I've ever called. They HIDE the option of getting help. CRAZY.

For other people googling:
1-888-242-2100
18882422100
1 888 242 2100