✅ Fact-checked & Reviewed by Rajibul Hasan
Ever applied for a Canadian visa or immigration status?
If so, you must know about the long and intricate process you have to go through. The Canadian immigration system is a complex web of rules, regulations, and paperwork.
Let’s be honest- Sometimes it can be overwhelming for many of you, as they have a bad reputation for delaying the application process.
Most of the emails you send to IRCC regarding the status of your applications go unanswered, or you can’t find out the exact stage of your application over email.
Also, there is another problem with visa refusals. Once they refuse a visa application, be it a temporary resident visa or a permanent one, they give you some generic refusal reasons on the refusal letters, without addressing the exact underlying reasons why the visa officer refused your visa application.
For most applicants, when their visa is rejected, they have no clue what’s going on.
As noted, Canadian visa refusal letters are not as described in other countries.
So, what are the solutions to the problem mentioned above?
Thankfully, they have GCMS notes. (that can be collected online from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada -IRCC). GCMS Notes are electronic notes that are added to an applicant’s file in the GCMS system by immigration officials throughout the application process.
Still didn’t get it?
Can’t blame you. It sounds too complex. Allow us to explain what GCMS Notes is and how to apply for them.
So, what is GCMS Notes?
GCMS stands for Global Case Management System, the central database used by the Canadian government’s immigration department to manage and process immigration applications. The applicant can request a temporary or permanent residence permit in Canada. For temporary residency, it could be for…
- Work Permit
- Study permit
- Or a Visit permit
For permanent residence, it could be-
- Provincial Nomination Program
- Family Sponsorship
- Express Entry
So, what is GCMS Notes then?
After submitting the application to the CBSA or IRCC, Applicants can request a note from their file on the GCMS to get updates on their application. It is a kind of detailed e-note that will give an applicant the most granular updates on their application process.
Who can apply for GCMS notes?
Technically, anyone who has an application with IRCC and CBSA.
But the first rule is…..
Your application has passed the R-10 completeness stage. You can request the note only after that stage. Another thing is, the GCMS notes are issued under the Access to Information and Privacy Act (ATIP). And to submit that e-note, you should have either-
- Residing in Canada at that time
- Or a permanent citizen of Canada
For those who want to ask for a note from outside Canada, they can apply through their representative, who could be an authorizing corporation or someone who has Canadian citizenship.
How do you apply GCMS notes step by step online?
Step 1: File an ATIP with IRCC
Download and fill out the ATIP Request Form from the official immigration website. Provide all of your necessary information like.
- Title:
- Family Name:
- Given Name(s) (First Name):
- Mailing Address:
- Telephone No.:
- E-mail Address:
- Requesting information on your own behalf? Yes / No
- Category of Requester: Member of the Public
- The right of Access:
- Method of Delivery
- Act & Record Selection
- Act: Privacy Act / Access to Information Act (if applicable outside of Canada)
- The language of records: English
- Type of Records:
Step 2: Pay the processing fee
Pay the required fee for your ATIP request. How much do GCMS notes cost? The processing fee is 5 Canadian dollars.
Step 3: Submit & wait
After checking all the information you provided, submit your completed ATIP Request Form and the payment receipt to the Canadian immigration department.
So, how long does the GCMS process take?
According to the Access to Information Act, they respond to the application within 30 days. For some special cases, it could be extended.
How To Collect GCMS Notes If You Don’t Have Relatives in Canada?
If you don’t have friends and family in Canada who can apply for your GCMS notes online, you can apply from the following websites.
Also, VisaProcessingCenter.com provides this service to our honourable clients. If you want to get your GCMS notes with our assistance, please feel free to contact us.
Conclusion
We know the Canadian visa and immigration process is complex and takes time. Don’t be stressed over it, but apply for a GCMS note, and then find out exactly where you are!