GCMS Notes Explained admin, July 22, 2023July 27, 2023 You can get GCMS notes from IRCC and CBSA to receive comprehensive information about your visa or immigration application status and progress. GCMS notes offer applicants a highly detailed update on their application, including specifics such as the immigration office and officer handling their case, the current status of the application, and the reasons for that particular status. This makes GCMS notes one of the most effective ways for applicants to access granular updates about their immigration process. Contents Overview Introduction to GCMS NotesContents of GCMS NotesWho can apply for a GCMS note?How to get GCMS notes? Introduction to GCMS Notes A Global Case Management System (GCMS) Note is a comprehensive information file that applicants for temporary residence (such as visitor visas, study permits, work permits) or permanent residence (including Express Entry, Provincial Nomination Program, and Family Sponsorship) can request from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) under the Access to Information Act (ATI). The GCMS serves as IRCC’s worldwide internal system for managing and evaluating applications and is also utilized by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). By requesting a GCMS note, applicants can stay updated on the progress of their application. To obtain a GCMS note, applicants should submit their request once their application has successfully passed the R10 completeness check. This check is performed by the processing office to ensure that all necessary documents have been included in the application. It is important to note that this completeness check is separate from the actual assessment of the application and the processing time for this step varies based on the specific application type and its associated processing standard. Contents of GCMS Notes The GCMS note provides applicants with a comprehensive overview, encompassing all the information they have submitted, as well as data collected by IRCC pertaining to their application. This includes: Detailed information regarding their application (such as the date it was received, the date it was opened, the assigned immigration officer’s code, current application status, and the reasons behind that status). Any information that IRCC has collected about the applicant during the processing of their application. Additionally, the GCMS note also includes any information submitted to IRCC by a third-party representative on behalf of the applicant. Who can apply for a GCMS note? Any individual with an active application being processed by IRCC and CBSA, and whose application has successfully passed the R-10 completeness stage, is eligible to potentially apply for a GCMS note. However, to acquire a GCMS note, applicants need to initiate an Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) request under the ATI. To be eligible for submitting an ATIP request, one must fall into either of the following categories: Canadian citizen or permanent resident. An individual currently residing within Canada. For applicants located outside of Canada, they can still apply for GCMS notes by utilizing a representative who is either a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, or a corporation based in Canada. This appointed representative will act on behalf of the applicant and apply for an ATIP request. As part of the process, the representative will be required to complete the Consent for an Access to Information and Personal Information Request form. GCMSApply.com is a highly reputable third-party service that specializes in processing GCMS notes applications. How to get GCMS notes? To obtain a GCMS note, the initial step is to submit an Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) request with IRCC. This can be done online or by traditional mail. During the application process, applicants need to provide their application number, and it is recommended to include their Unique Client Identifier (UCI) for expedited processing. A processing fee of $5 CAD is applicable for the ATIP request, and this fee can be conveniently paid online. According to the regulations of the Access to Information Act, IRCC is required to respond to all ATIP requests within 30 days. However, there are certain situations where the response time might be extended. For instance, if the request involves a significant volume of files to be reviewed, or if the specific nature of the request poses challenges for reasonable processing within the standard 30-day period. In such cases, IRCC will make contact with the ATIP requester to provide an update on the status of the request. GCMS Notes Apply GCMS NotesGCMS NotesGCMS Notes CBSAGCMS notes IRCCGet GCMS Notes