Contacting CIC from the US

[DEBBIEG]

So now the phone number I used in January to contact the Ottawa office (613-944-4000) doesn't work from outside Canada.

Does anyone know of a number that can be used from the US? I don't mind sitting on hold for an extended period of time.

I submitted the paperwork to appoint myself as a representative for my husband's application (I am the sponsor, but they still wouldn't talk to me) and now that they have received it, I suddenly can't call them. Very, very frustrating.

I know I used the 613-944-4000 number a couple of times before from the US. Now it seems the only way to contact them is through email. Honestly, the Pony Express would be faster!! I understand they get a bazillion calls, but still....

 

[danawhitaker]

So now the phone number I used in January to contact the Ottawa office (613-944-4000) doesn't work from outside Canada.

Does anyone know of a number that can be used from the US? I don't mind sitting on hold for an extended period of time.

I submitted the paperwork to appoint myself as a representative for my husband's application (I am the sponsor, but they still wouldn't talk to me) and now that they have received it, I suddenly can't call them. Very, very frustrating.

I know I used the 613-944-4000 number a couple of times before from the US. Now it seems the only way to contact them is through email. Honestly, the Pony Express would be faster!! I understand they get a bazillion calls, but still....

When you say that it doesn't work from outside Canada, can you elaborate? I called the number and was able to get to the point of getting transferred to IRCC, and then hung up because I didn't actually want to talk to anyone. Is it further along in the process that you're unable to progress?

 

[DEBBIEG]

Yes, I followed the prompts up until the second choice where you have to choose between immigration and passports. At that point (I chose immigration) a different recorded voice comes on telling me the toll free number I dialed cannot be used outside of Cananda.

I did not dial the toll free number, I used the 613 area code number. And just for thouroughness, I also tried the hearing impaired number - it doesn't work for regular phones and I tried the in Canada toll free number, which of course did not work.

???

 

[CDNPR2014]

yes, the 800 number kicks you over the 613 number at some point (or vice versa), and any call from outside Canada will be disconnected. Some people have had luck using skype to call, or they had their canadian sponsor/family help them with a 3 way call.

 

[Omegabyte]

When you say that it doesn't work from outside Canada, can you elaborate? I called the number and was able to get to the point of getting transferred to IRCC, and then hung up because I didn't actually want to talk to anyone. Is it further along in the process that you're unable to progress?

It's right after that, when you're supposed to be transferred to IRCC, that a recording comes on saying your call can't be completed from your area.

I have a Telus phone that uses my T-Mobile US sim. I can contact IRCC if I turn off WiFi calling and use Telus, but calling through T-Mobile WiFi gets the recording.

 

[danawhitaker]

Yes, I followed the prompts up until the second choice where you have to choose between immigration and passports. At that point (I chose immigration) a different recorded voice comes on telling me the toll free number I dialed cannot be used outside of Cananda.

I did not dial the toll free number, I used the 613 area code number. And just for thouroughness, I also tried the hearing impaired number - it doesn't work for regular phones and I tried the in Canada toll free number, which of course did not work.

???

Tried again. I just didn't stay on the line long enough. I was worried about getting an actual person and having to tell them I was basically conducting a forum experiment. Called back again and got the message.

 

[simpsol22]

I never had issues with it calling from my cell phone while in the states. Maybe a strange glitch?

 

[DEBBIEG]

Well, I am happy to report that Skype worked. ;D I also fudged a little: the first time I called on Skype I chose the prompt for those who applied outside Canada. After going through a few steps I received a recorded message that said (I am paraphrasing here) "We are too busy. Call back later"

So I called back and chose the prompt for "Applications Being Processed Inside Canada". Technically, our application is being processed inside Canada - Ottawa. Even though it originated from outside Canada.

At any rate, I did finally get through and spoke to an actual human. She was able to answer one of my questions. We are still playing the waiting game, but since I have totally given up on trying to link my application, this is actually a positive thing.

Thanks for all the replies!! I appreciate the help!!