ATIP and GCMS Notes

ATIP stands for Access to Information and Privacy. It refers to the Canadian legal framework that gives you the right to access government records about yourself, including your immigration file. You obtain GCMS notes by submitting an ATIP request to IRCC or CBSA. Services like GCMS Notes Request handle the entire ATIP submission on your behalf, so you skip the paperwork and receive your notes faster.

What Does ATIP Stand For?

ATIP stands for Access to Information and Privacy. Two federal laws make up this framework: the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act. Together, these laws give every Canadian resident and citizen the right to request personal records that federal government departments hold about them.

For immigration purposes, this means you can request your GCMS notes, the internal records that IRCC and CBSA maintain about your application. Because these records contain personal information, your request falls under the Privacy Act specifically. However, most people still refer to the overall process as an “ATIP request.”

How Does ATIP Connect to GCMS Notes?

GCMS stands for Global Case Management System. IRCC uses this internal database to manage all immigration applications. When you submit an ATIP request for your immigration records, the government pulls the relevant data from GCMS and sends it to you. That output is what everyone calls “GCMS notes.”

In other words, ATIP is the legal process, and GCMS notes are the specific records that process produces. People often swap these terms, but understanding the distinction helps you know exactly what you are requesting and why.

How Does the ATIP Process Work?

The standard ATIP process has five steps. First, you complete the correct government request form. Second, you provide identification and a signed consent form to authorize the release. Third, you submit the request to the right department (IRCC, CBSA, or both). Fourth, the government processes your request, typically within 30 days. Finally, you receive the records.

Each step requires attention to detail. If you fill out the wrong form or send your request to the wrong department, the government returns it, and you start over. This is why many people choose a service to handle the process instead.

GCMS Notes Request simplifies this entire workflow. You provide your details and consent, and the service manages everything else. Your request goes out the same business day, and you receive your notes as a PDF the same day the government releases them. For the full step-by-step process, see our guide on how to apply for GCMS notes.

Privacy Act vs Access to Information Act: Which One Applies?

This distinction confuses many people, so here is the simple version. The Privacy Act covers personal information, such as your own immigration file. The Access to Information Act covers government records that are not personal, like internal policies or statistics.

Because GCMS notes contain your personal immigration data, they fall under the Privacy Act. Why does this matter? Requests under the Privacy Act carry no government application fee, while Access to Information requests sometimes do. When you use GCMS Notes Request, you do not need to worry about which act applies, because the service handles everything correctly on your behalf.

Can You Submit an ATIP Request Yourself?

Yes. The Government of Canada offers an ATIP Online portal where you can submit requests directly. However, this route requires you to identify the correct form, fill it out accurately, submit to the right department, and follow up if issues arise. Mistakes lead to delays, and the government does not walk you through corrections.

Using GCMS Notes Request saves time, reduces errors, and adds same-day submission and delivery. Most applicants find the convenience well worth the service fee, especially when they feel anxious about their application and want results quickly. For current service fees, visit our GCMS notes fees page.

What Is the Difference Between ATIP and CAIPS Notes?

CAIPS (Computer Assisted Immigration Processing System) was the older system IRCC used before switching to GCMS. Some people still search for “CAIPS notes” when they actually want GCMS notes. The process and the information you receive are essentially the same; only the system name changed. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on CAIPS notes vs GCMS notes.

How Long Does an ATIP Request Take?

Under the law, government departments must respond within 30 days. However, they can apply extensions when they need more time. In practice, most GCMS notes arrive within 15 to 35 days after submission. Extensions push this timeline further, sometimes by 30 to 60 additional days. GCMS Notes Request monitors your request throughout and updates your account with any changes. For current processing averages, visit our GCMS notes processing time page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get Your GCMS Notes Through ATIP

Skip the government paperwork. GCMS Notes Request handles your ATIP submission from start to finish. Visit gcmsnotesrequest.ca to place your order and receive your immigration records as a secure PDF.