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Top 10 Things to Remember Before Visiting an IRCC Office
If you follow these 10 tips you will help Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada staff provide you with efficient and helpful service.
General Information
1. The IRCC Call Centre (1-888-242-2100) is the first point of contact for questions about citizenship and/or immigration files. IRCC's front counter staff does not provide general information or updates on specific files.
2. IRCC is modernizing the way it does business to better serve applicants. For forms and information about programs, visit the Forms and Guides page on the IRCC website.
3. Minors under 14 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian with a birth certificate and/or legal guardianship papers when visiting a IRCC office.
4. Clients unable to communicate in English or French must bring an interpreter who speaks either official language when visiting a IRCC office.
Collecting Permanent Resident Card
5. Generally, Permanent Resident (PR) cards are mailed to clients. They can only be mailed to addresses in Canada.
6. Some clients are invited to collect their PR card at a local office. In this case, they should remember to bring the required documents (from the last 5 years) specified in the PR invitation letter from the Department. Required documents include: passports, health cards, driver's licenses, Revenue Canada Notice of Assessments and T4 slips, etc. If clients are unable to make the appointment to collect their PR card, they should visit the IRCC office specified in their invitation letter within 180 days from the day the invitation letter is dated. The pickup date cannot be extended.
7. If clients require their PR card urgently, or have missed their appointment, they should contact the IRCC Call Centre (1-888-242-2100).
Interim Federal Health Program
8. Interim Federal Health Program applications are processed by mail or online. Clients should mail extension requests at least 6 weeks prior to the expiry date on their current Interim Federal Health document.
9. If a client must be seen by a dentist or doctor immediately due to an emergency, clients may apply in-person to process their application at their nearest IRCC office. In addition to the required documents, clients must provide a letter from a doctor or medical institution stating if applicable: "the Interim Federal Health document is required immediately due to an urgent medical or dental emergency."
Verification of Status
10. In Ontario Region, Verification of Status documents are only processed by mail, with the exception of urgent cases. For a list of offices that process urgent Verification of Status documents and to find out what is deemed urgent, please call the IRCC Call Centre (1-888-242-2100).
Please note the above article is general in nature. Clients are assessed and assisted on a case-by-case basis. Before visiting an IRCC office, clients should check IRCC's office hours as they may vary.
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Last updated:
June 23, 2021
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