HOW tO ACCESS TO INFORMATION AND PRIVACY ACT (GCMS, CAIPS)

The wait time for a Canada visa application (temporary or permanent), before receiving a decision, can vary from a few weeks to several months. It can therefore become nerve wracking to not be able to know the progress of the application and to know if there are any problems with it. Others receive a refusal on their application, and cannot know the details that led to the decision.

The only way to know the most detailed information of an application is by requesting GCMS Notes.

What is GCMS?

GCMS (Global Case Management System) is a software system used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to process immigration and citizenship applications. GCMS is a single integrated system designed to process applications both inside Canada and outside.

The system contains a detailed record of each applicant’s file, including correspondence to and from IRCC, documents received from the applicant, detailed notes from the officers reviewing the file, and other relevant information.

Before 2010, the system was split into two, called CAIPS and FOSS:

CAIPS or Computer Assisted Immigration Processing System was the computer system used by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (now IRCC) for application processing outside Canada. CAIPS is now replaced by GCMS which was introduced in 2010. FOSS or Field Operations Support System was the system used by Canadian immigration officials as well as customs officials within Canada to process applications. It too has been replaced by GCMS.

FACTS Transcripts : Applying GCMS/ATIP Notes Online Service

We will apply for your GCMS Notes within 24 hours of receipt of your consent form, even on weekends. And you will be provided with your GCMS Notes request tracking number from IRCC.

We will also email your GCMS Notes to you the same day we receive it from IRCC. Usually, within 30 to 40 calendar days from the date of request, as per IRCC’s timeline.