GCMS Notes and IRCC Immigration Records

GCMS, or the Global Case Management System, is one of the systems used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to process immigration and citizenship applications.

Records obtained through Canada’s Access to Information and Privacy framework may provide useful information about the processing history of an immigration application.

Why Request Immigration Records?

Applicants may consider obtaining their immigration records when they want to better understand:

A previous refusal, the history of an immigration application, issues identified during processing, information contained in an older application, or matters that may be relevant to a future application.

GCMS or ATIP records do not necessarily provide a simple explanation for every decision, and portions of records may be withheld under applicable legislation.

Access to Information and Privacy Requests

IRCC records can be requested through Canada’s Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) system.

Under the Privacy Act, Canadian citizens, permanent residents and foreign nationals can request access to their own personal information held by federal institutions. A consent form is generally required when another person submits a request on the individual’s behalf.

The statutory response period is generally 30 calendar days, although extensions may be permitted in specified circumstances.

More Than Just Ordering the Notes

Obtaining records is only the first step.

Where appropriate, Topic Immigration can review the immigration history and identify information that may be relevant to a new application, refusal response or future immigration strategy.

Need Help Understanding Your Immigration File?

Contact Topic Immigration for assistance requesting or reviewing your IRCC immigration records.