GCMS Notes

Even if you have 'Paid' Representative for IRCC's application, you can still apply for GCMS Notes yourself. You don't need your representative to apply for GCMS Notes. These notes are sent by ATIP (not IRCC).

CAIPS

CAIPS is short for "Computer Assisted Immigration Processing System". It is the computer system historically used by CIC to process visa applications, and holds all the information on the current status of every immigration application being processed by overseas offices (ie. those outside of Canada), other than new applications at offices which have switched to using the "GCMS" system.

GCMS

GCMS is short for "Global Case Management System", and is the newer computer system that IRCC is using out across their offices around the globe. It supersedes CAIPS & FOSS ... and manages all info under one umbrella. Applicants can request for their entire file of ‘Immigration Notes’ which includes detailed notes of Visa Officer.

What are GCMS notes?

GCMS notes is a complete and most recent information from your Canadian immigration/visa file. GCMS stands for the Global Case Management System, which is used by the Government of Canada to store and process all immigration and visa applications worldwide.

How to read GCMS notes?

Lookup for DETAILED A, B, C & D mentioned above to understand GCMS Notes.

http://paktocanada.blogspot.com/2013/07/how-to-read-gcms-notes.html

https://www.gcmsnotes.com/Sample_GCMS_File.pdf

What is 'Bring Forward Date' (BF'D)?

BF'D is an acronym for "Bring Forward Date" in the Canadian PR processing system. Usually our file moves from BF'D to BF'D, as it is the day/date next earmarked by our VO to check our file. This actually serves to eliminate unnecessary clogging of the system... that if there is nothing further to add in a particular file, the VO moves to another case file to work on, rather than holding onto the same one.

What is 's15' and 's16' on GCMS Notes?

Section 15 pertains to “International affairs and defence;” and

Section 16 pertains to “Law enforcement and investigations”

Q33) How do I order GCMS Notes?

Scroll up and Click on “GCMS Notes GUIDE”.

If Principal Applicant (PA) is living in Canada, they can apply for themselves under Privacy Act (No Fees). If PA is living outside Canada, there are two ways you can request for your GCMS Notes under Access to Information Act.

a) Through ATIP Online Request for CAD$5 (faster) by giving consent to Sponsor

b) Through Lawpoint's VisaFile for CAD$25 (slower, other websites also offering similar service)

- If applying from outside Canada, Principal Applicant must give consent to a Canadian Citizen or Resident (Permanent/Temporary) or a Canadian firm to request notes on PA’s behalf by filling Consent Form (IMM 5744e).

- Choose “Notes in Electronic File” and “Case Files” when asked upon. PA will receive Notes via Email in PDF format.

- Canadian Resident must provide Any Canadian issued immigration document (Passport OR Visa OR PR Card)

- You do not have to be physically present in Canada to order your GCMS NOTES; However, you need to be either a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident in order to request notes on Applicant's behalf!

- If you have paid representative in your file, you can still apply for notes yourself without even informing your representative.