IRCC Tracking IP Address? How Does It Work?

Yes, IRCC tracking IP address is real, and it happens in specific situations. Understanding this process can help you avoid mistakes, prevent application refusals, and stay compliant with Canadian immigration rules.

Why IRCC Tracks IP Address on Their Website

IRCC monitors IP addresses to track website traffic and protect against hacking attempts, technical disruptions, and other malicious activity. By monitoring IP addresses, IRCC ensures a secure application environment for all users.

Reference link here.

IRCC Tracking IP Address to Detect Hidden Agents

A primary reason for IRCC tracking IP address is to identify “hidden agents“, unauthorized representatives who submit applications on behalf of clients without declaring themselves using Form 5476 (Use of a Representative).

Visa officers use IP addresses and credit card information to detect suspicious applications. While this method has successfully caught unauthorized submissions, some false positives can occur.

The following internal documents of IRCC shed more light on this:

 

 

How Hidden Agents Are Caught Through IRCC Tracking IP Address

This tracking has enabled IRCC to catch several applications that were submitted through unauthorized representatives. But there have been some false positives as well.

Your refusal letter may or may not indicate the real reason for refusal. Sometimes it will be refused based on the “purpose of visit”, other times you will see something related to “application lacking credibility”. If it is the second case, you should make an ATIP request to get visa officer’s notes. If there is any mention of hidden agent or A16 refusal, this means that they should you were not honest in your application or you used an unauthorized representative and didn’t declare it. Again, a form of dishonesty.

What to Do If IRCC Tracking IP Address Leads to Application Refusal

If this happens to you, don’t panic. This issue can be addressed through a solid re-application. For example, if you were not aware that you needed an RCIC to file your application, you may be able to explain it in your cover letter. I have experience in such applications. If you need help, feel free to get in touch with me.

The video below explains the concept of “hidden agents” caught rightly or mistakenly through IP address tacking.

Source: Tweet by Will Tao & ATIP request to IRCC.