Canadian Immigration Government Agencies
Learn more about the agencies responsible for immigration and immigration policy in Canada, from application processing to border security.
The Canadian federal and provincial governments are constantly updating their immigration policies and programs to ensure that those who want to immigrate to Canada are successful. There are three main governing agencies that control much of the immigration programs, policies, and security throughout Canada: IRCC, IRB, and CBSA. These agencies play a key role in the immigration process from application processing to ensuring the safety of the Canadian borders.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada facilitates the arrival of immigrants, provides protection to refugees and offers programming to help newcomers settle in Canada. It also: grants citizenship and issues travel documents (such as passports) to Canadians. The Canadian federal government department that used to be called Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has been renamed Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Local Phone Number
1-888-242-2100
Address for IRCC Offices
Outside Canada: Visa offices
IRCC visa offices are located in Canadian embassies, high commissions and consulates. They process applications for:
- permanent immigration
- visitor visas (temporary resident visas)
- study permits
- work permits
- refugee resettlement
- travel documents for permanent residents abroad
Find your IRCC visa office *link to embassy page*
Offices Inside Canada
IRCC has offices across Canada as well as temporary offices that open in various locations.
These offices are not open to the public and are by appointment only.
Find your IRCC visa office in Canada
Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB)
The Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada are a federal institution that operates at arm’s length from the Government of Canada. The Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) is Canada’s largest independent administrative tribunal. It is responsible for making well-reasoned decisions on immigration and refugee matters, efficiently, fairly and in accordance with the law. The IRB decides, among other responsibilities, who needs refugee protection among the thousands of claimants who come to Canada annually.
IRB Phone Number
1-833-534-2292
IRB Mailing Address
Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada
Minto Place, Canada Building
344 Slater Street, 12th Floor
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada
K1A 0K1
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) facilitates the flow of legitimate travellers and trade. The Agency also enforces more than 90 acts and regulations that keep our country and Canadians safe.
CBSA Email Address
They will not open emails that include attachments, nor will they open any links provided in an email. contact@cbsa.gc.ca
CBSA Email Address
Within Canada
Toll-free
1-800-461-9999
TTY (for those with hearing or speech impairments)
1-866-335-3237
Outside Canada
Long distance charges apply
1-204-983-3500
1-506-636-5064
CBSA Mailing Address
Canada Border Services Agency
Ottawa, ON
Canada
K1A 0L8
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Other Immigration Related Resources and Organizations
There are a number of non-governmental immigration organizations in Canada that work to provide immigration information, along with resources to help newcomers settle. Learn more about these organizations, and what they do!