What Are GCMS Notes?
GCMS notes are the notes and case history that immigration officers record in IRCC’s Global Case Management System (GCMS) while they process an application. You may also see them called officer’s case notes. They are part of the personal information the government holds about you.
GCMS notes explained
GCMS is the computer system IRCC uses to manage applications. Each time an officer reviews your file, checks something or makes a decision, the system can hold a note about it. Read together, the notes tell the story of how your file was handled.
What is the Global Case Management System?
The Global Case Management System is IRCC’s case-processing system. It replaced an older system called CAIPS, so very old files can contain CAIPS records. See our CAIPS sample.
What your notes can include
- When your application was received and the steps taken on it
- What the officer reviewed, such as documents, funds and travel history
- Concerns the officer recorded and the reasons for a decision
- Notes about checks or referrals, which can explain delays
Not every file has long notes, and some details can be withheld where the law allows. See the annotated refusal example.
Who can request them
The notes are about you, so you are the person who can ask for them. People often request them after a refusal, when an application is taking longer than expected, or before applying again. Others can act for you with your consent.
How to get your GCMS notes
You ask IRCC for them through an ATIP request. You can make the request yourself, or have us file it for you.
Frequently asked questions
What are CAIPS notes, and are they different?
CAIPS was the system IRCC used before GCMS, so older files can include CAIPS records. When you request your file you receive whatever records exist for your application.
Who should request GCMS notes?
People whose application was refused or delayed, people preparing a new application or an appeal, and anyone who wants to see what is recorded about them.
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.