Request Your GCMS Notes From IRCC
GCMS notes are the notes immigration officers record in IRCC’s Global Case Management System while they assess your application. They can show why an application was refused, delayed or flagged. We prepare and file the request with IRCC for you, and send you the records when the government responds.
GCMS Notes is an independent service. We are not part of the Government of Canada, and you can make the same request yourself (see how to request your notes yourself).
- From $18 CADThe total is shown before you submit
- 1 business dayto file, once we hold your signed consent form
- IndependentNot part of the Government of Canada or IRCC
What are GCMS notes?
When an officer works on your file, IRCC’s Global Case Management System keeps a record of what was done and why. People search for it as GCMS notes, officer’s case notes or, for older files, CAIPS notes. Our guide explains what GCMS notes are and what they contain.
What your GCMS notes can show
- The steps taken on your application and when
- The reasons an officer recorded for a refusal or a decision
- Why an application may be taking longer than usual
- The information and documents the officer reviewed
Our annotated samples show what real entries look like, using made-up examples.
Choose your request
-
GCMS notes
$18 CAD our fee
The case history and the notes written by the officers who assessed your application.
Why people request it: See the status of your application, understand why it was refused or delayed, or check what was recorded about you.
Requested from IRCC
Request GCMS notes -
Complete IRCC file
$32 CAD our fee
The officer notes plus copies of the documents and forms on your IRCC file.
Why people request it: Choose this if you also need to see what was submitted and recorded, for example before reapplying or when preparing an appeal.
Requested from IRCC
Request Complete file -
CBSA notes
$22 CAD our fee
Records held by the Canada Border Services Agency, including entry and exit records and screening notes.
Why people request it: Useful for permanent residence or citizenship applications when you need to confirm your time in Canada, or to see what border officers recorded.
Requested from CBSA
Request CBSA notes
The total is shown again before you pay. Delivery depends on how quickly the government responds (see processing times).
How it works in 3 steps
- Tell us about your application. A short form, about 5 minutes.
- Review the price and submit. You are not charged when you submit. Within 1 business day we email you the payment instructions.
- Sign the consent form we email you. We file your request within 1 business day of receiving it, and send you the records when the government responds.
Current processing time
The government must normally respond to an access to information and privacy (ATIP) request within 30 days and can extend that period in some situations. Details and what to do if yours is late are on the processing times page.
We file for everyone, wherever you live
Whether you are in Canada or anywhere else in the world, we prepare your request and file it for you with your consent.
Request it yourself or with our help
You do not need a service to get your notes. The government has an online request form. Our free guide shows each step. If you would rather not deal with the form, the filing and the follow-up, that is what we do.
Frequently asked questions
What are GCMS notes?
GCMS notes are the notes and case history that immigration officers record in IRCC’s Global Case Management System while they process an application. They can show what was reviewed, what concerns were raised and the reasons behind a decision.
How do I get my GCMS notes from IRCC?
You make a request for your personal information through Canada’s access to information and privacy (ATIP) process. You can submit it yourself through the government’s ATIP online request service, or we can prepare and file it for you.
How much does it cost?
Our fee is shown on the pricing page and again before you pay. The government has its own rules about fees for ATIP requests; our guide explains how to check the current rules.
How long does it take?
The government must normally respond to an ATIP request within 30 days and can extend that period in some situations. We send you the records when we receive them. See the processing times page.
Will requesting my GCMS notes affect my application?
A request for your own records is a separate process from your immigration application. It is not a step in how your application is assessed.