How to Contact IRCC from Outside Canada

If you're applying to come to Canada from abroad—whether for a visitor visa, study permit, work permit, or permanent residence—you may eventually need to contact IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) about your application. But reaching the right department or getting a timely response can be challenging, especially when you're outside Canada.

In this guide, we’ll focus on the IRCC Webform—the most effective way to contact IRCC for applicants outside Canada. We'll explain:

• Why it's the best method

• What types of web forms you can submit

• The importance of submitting the correct one

  
  

Why Use the IRCC Web form?

For applicants outside Canada, contacting IRCC via phone is not always possible or practical. Many toll-free numbers only work within Canada, and wait times can be extremely long.

This is where the IRCC Webform comes in.

Benefits of Using the Webform:

• Free and available 24/7

• Directly linked to your application

• Organized by program and processing center

• You get a confirmation of receipt

• Responses usually arrive via email within 5 to 30 business days, depending on the type of request

  
  

Where to Access the IRCC Web form

IRCC has two main web forms:

1. IRCC Web form – General

Used to contact IRCC inside Canada (not ideal for overseas applicants unless you are dealing with a Canadian processing office).

2. IRCC Web form – Outside Canada

This is the best option for applicants whose files are processed outside Canada, especially for temporary resident visas (TRVs), study/work permits, or family sponsorships.

You’ll need to choose the visa office or region processing your application. For example, “Abu Dhabi”, “New Delhi”, “London”, etc.

Types of Requests You Can Submit via Web form

Here are the most common types of webform submissions:

1. Case-specific inquiries

• Ask about the status of your application (after normal processing time has passed)

• Clarify any confusion regarding a document or request from IRCC

• Report technical issues with submitting forms or linking accounts

  
  

2. Document submission

• Submit additional documents requested by IRCC (e.g. police certificates, updated passport scans, proof of funds, etc.)

• Make sure to upload in the required format (PDF, JPEG, etc.) and include your application number

  
  

3. Change in personal information

• Name change (e.g. after marriage)

• Passport number update

• Address or contact information update

  
  

4. Withdraw an application

• You can formally request to cancel your application (e.g. if you've applied under the wrong stream or no longer wish to proceed)

  
  

5. Submit Letter of Explanation (LOE)

• You can use the web form to submit an LOE explaining complex circumstances (e.g. why a document is missing, or to provide context for a previous refusal)

  
  

6. Report incorrect correspondence

• If you receive a letter or email that seems incorrect, or meant for another applicant

  
  

Why It’s Important to Submit the Correct Web form

Submitting the wrong webform or choosing the wrong visa office can:

• Delay your response by weeks or even months

• Cause your request to be ignored or misrouted

• Lead to missed deadlines, especially if IRCC has asked for specific documents within a certain timeframe

  
  

When submitting your web form, make sure to:

• Select the correct processing office or country

• Include all relevant information: UCI, Application Number, Full Name, and Date of Birth

• Be clear, polite, and professional in your message

• Attach documents only when required

  
  

When to Use the Webform (and When Not To)

Use the web form when:

• You've been waiting beyond normal processing times

• You've received a request from IRCC for more info

• You need to correct/update your application

  
  

Don't use the web form:

• To ask about processing times (check IRCC website)

• To submit documents before they’re requested (unless relevant)

• To apply for a visa – it’s not an application platform

  
  

Pro Tips

• Only one web form per issue is necessary—sending multiple can slow things down

• Save your confirmation email after submitting the form

• Responses may come from an email ending in @cic.gc.ca or @international.gc.ca—check your spam folder