GCMS Notes: See Inside Your Canadian Immigration Application

GCMS notes are internal government records from IRCC and CBSA. They contain officer assessments, processing updates, and decision reasons for every Canadian visa and immigration application. You can apply for GCMS notes online through a secure ATIP request, whether your application is in progress, delayed, or refused.

Order Your GCMS Notes →Learn What GCMS Notes Contain

What GCMS Notes Show

Your Officer's Full Assessment

15-35 days

days typical delivery after submission

How it works

How to Request GCMS Notes

GCMS notes are released through Canada’s Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) Act. Any person with a Canadian immigration file can request their own records. When you apply for GCMS notes through GCMS Notes Request, we handle the ATIP submission for you. Here is how the process works.

Step 1: Choose Your Record Type

Select IRCC notes, CBSA notes, or both. IRCC records cover processing details and officer decisions. CBSA records cover security screening and border-related information.

Step 2: Complete Your Request

Place your order, provide your application details, and upload your signed consent form. We submit your ATIP request to the government the same business day.

Step 3: Get Your GCMS Notes

Once IRCC or CBSA releases your records, we deliver them to you as a downloadable PDF. Most requests are completed within 15 to 35 days.

Order Your GCMS Notes

Secure and Lawful GCMS Notes Requests

All requests are submitted under Canada’s Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) Act. Your information is handled securely and used only to process your request.

Not sure which option to choose?

Learn the difference between IRCC vs. CBSA GCMS notes

Fast and secure request

Order GCMS Notes Online

Request GCMS notes from IRCC, CBSA, or both. Choose the ATIP notes option that fits your situation and submit your request online in minutes.

GCMS Notes from IRCC (CAIPS Notes)

Requested from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

CA $ 20

✔ Best if you want detailed processing information, officer notes, and reasons for delays or refusals
✔ Includes complete processing details and officer’s notes
✔ Available for up to 10 years after the last administrative action by IRCC
✔ Electronic notes ordered from IRCC
✔ Notes delivered in a PDF file format
✔ Same-day submission
✔ Estimated delivery: 15–35 days

GCMS Notes from CBSA

Requested from Canada Border Services Agency

CA $ 25

✔ Best if you suspect security screening or travel history is causing delays
✔ Includes complete processing details and officer’s notes
✔ May also include information which may be redacted by IRCC under statutory exemptions
✔ Available for up to 10 years after the last administrative action by CBSA
✔ Electronic notes ordered from CBSA
✔ Notes delivered in a PDF file format
✔ Same-day submission
✔ Estimated delivery time: 15–35 days

Complete Application File from IRCC

A copy of your full IRCC-held application, including submitted documents and correspondence

CA $ 30

✔ Best if you need copies of the documents you submitted to IRCC, or want to compare with a new application for consistency
✔ Includes a summary report, all submitted forms, supporting documents, and attachments
✔ Includes all letters, correspondence, and notices issued by IRCC
✘ Does not include GCMS notes or officer comments
✔ Available for up to 2 years after the last administrative action by IRCC
✔ File ordered from IRCC
✔ Notes delivered in a PDF file format
✔ Same day submission
✔ Estimated delivery time: 35–45 days

GCMS Notes from IRCC & CBSA

If you’re in a hurry, request your GCMS notes from both IRCC and CBSA to ensure timely receipt from at least one source

CA $ 40

✔ Best if you’re in a hurry, and want to increase the chance that at least one source responds to the request sooner
✔ Provides you a complete picture of your application
✔ Ideal if your case is stuck and you want both – IRCC processing details and CBSA security screening updates
✔ Electronic notes ordered from IRCC & CBSA
✔ Includes complete processing details and officer’s notes from both IRCC and CBSA
✔ Available for up to 10 years after the last administrative action by IRCC or CBSA
✔ Notes delivered in a PDF file format
✔ Same day submission
✔ Both files delivered separately
✔ Estimated delivery time: 15–35 days

GCMS Notes & Entire Case File

Complete IRCC case file, including submitted forms and correspondence

CA $ 50

✔ Best if you need everything related to your application
✔ Includes copy of your entire application, submitted forms, supporting documents, and all correspondence with IRCC
✔ Includes your complete processing details, immigration officer notes, internal documents, and decisions
✔ Useful for legal purposes or if you need a full record of your immigration case
✔ Available for up to 2 years after the last administrative action by IRCC
✔ Electronic notes and application file ordered from IRCC
✔ Notes and file delivered in a PDF file format
✔ Same day submission
✔ Estimated delivery time: 35–45 days

Need more clarity?

Understand GCMS Notes Before You Order

Ordering GCMS notes can be an important step in your immigration journey to Canada. Whether you are in Canada or apply from outside Canada for a visitor visa, study permit, work permit, or permanent residence, these notes can help you understand your application’s progress.

We’ve put together a complete guide covering what they are, why they matter, how to choose between IRCC or CBSA notes, what happens behind the scenes when you order them, and how to read them once you receive them.

If you want to understand what’s included, when to choose IRCC or CBSA notes, and how to read them once delivered, see our detailed guide.

Learn How GCMS Notes Work