What are GCMS Notes?

Global Case Management System (GCMS) notes offer a detailed snapshot of your Canadian immigration application, essential for tracking its progress and, in the case of a refusal, understanding the reasons behind this decision. These notes, accessible through the Access to Information Act (ATI), are a key part of the internal system used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

​

When you request GCMS notes, you receive an in-depth report of your application. This report includes every interaction with IRCC, the documents you've submitted, detailed annotations made by officers reviewing your case, and other pertinent details. Essentially, these notes are the most thorough and accurate means to gauge where your application stands at any given moment, including after a decision has been made. 

 

Accessing your GCMS notes can be particularly helpful if your application has been delayed or refused. These notes may provide clarity on the reasons behind any setbacks, or on aspects that led to the refusal of an application. However, it is important to note that in the case of a refusal, GCMS notes are not guaranteed to offer extensive additional insight into the decision or reasons for refusal, beyond what was included in the decision letter provided by IRCC. While the level of detail and usefulness of these notes can vary from case to case, if your notes contain helpful information, you can take informed steps to address any issues, thereby improving your chances of success in the future.

​

Eligibility for Requesting GCMS Notes

​

To access GCMS notes, one must first file an Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) request under the ATI Act. Eligibility for submitting an ATIP request includes:

• Being a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, or

• Residing within Canada.

​

Applicants outside Canada can still apply for GCMS notes through a representative in Canada, who is either a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, or a corporation based in Canada.

 

This is where we can come in to help! 

​