How to Apply for GCMS Notes (Step-by-Step Guide)

You can apply for GCMS notes online through trusted service like GCMS Notes Request. The process only takes about 10 minutes: choose your record type (IRCC, CBSA, or both), complete payment, sign a consent form, and your request is submitted to the government the same business day. You will receive your notes as a downloadable PDF within 15 to 35 days.

What Are GCMS Notes and Why Should You Apply?

GCMS notes are internal government records from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). They contain officer assessments, processing updates, and decision rationale for your immigration application. Applying for these notes gives you direct visibility into what is happening with your case.

Whether you are waiting on a study permit, work permit, visitor visa, or permanent residence application, GCMS notes show you exactly where your file stands. This information helps you understand delays, prepare for interviews, or identify issues before they become problems. You can learn more about what they contain in our complete guide to GCMS notes.

How to Apply for GCMS Notes: 4 Simple Steps

Step 1: Choose Your Record Type

Decide which department’s records you need. IRCC GCMS notes include officer notes, processing history, and decision rationale. CBSA GCMS notes cover security screening and admissibility checks. You can also order from both departments together, or request your entire case file, which includes all submitted forms and correspondence alongside your notes.

Not sure which to order? Read our guide on the difference between IRCC and CBSA GCMS notes for a clear breakdown. For pricing on each option, visit our order page.

Step 2: Complete Your Order Online

Visit gcmsnotesrequest.ca and select your preferred service. Payment can be completed using any major credit card, debit card, Google Pay, Apple Pay, or PayPal.

Step 3: Sign Your Consent Form

After payment, you will create an account and receive a pre-printed consent form with submission instructions. The consent form authorizes the release of your personal records under Canadian access to information laws. Sign the form and upload it through your account. This step is mandatory for all requests.

You will need your full name, date of birth, and Unique Client Identifier (UCI) number. Your UCI is an 8- or 10-digit number found on correspondence from IRCC.

Need help filling it out? See our GCMS notes consent form guide, for step-by-step instructions.

Step 4: Track Your Request and Receive Your Notes

Once your consent form is submitted, your request is sent to the government the same business day. You can track your GCMS notes through your account dashboard. When the government releases your records, you will receive them the same day as a downloadable PDF. The typical timeline is 15 to 35 days, though extensions can occur. Learn more about GCMS notes processing time.

Can You Apply for GCMS Notes from Outside Canada?

Yes. You can apply for GCMS notes from anywhere in the world. The entire process is completed online, and your notes are delivered digitally as a PDF in your secure account. So, there are no residency requirements for making an access to information request. For more details, see our page on ordering GCMS notes from outside Canada.

Does Applying for GCMS Notes Affect Your Application?

No. Requesting your GCMS notes is your legal right under Canadian access to information laws. It does not delay, pause, or negatively affect your immigration application. Also, Immigration officers do not see that you have requested your notes, and it has no impact on their decision-making process.

Can You Apply for GCMS Notes for Someone Else?

Yes. You can order GCMS notes on behalf of another person, as long as the consent form is signed by the individual whose records are being requested. This is common for immigration consultants, lawyers, and family members helping with applications.

What Do You Need to Apply for GCMS Notes?

You need three things: your full legal name as it appears on your immigration application, your date of birth, and your UCI (Unique Client Identifier) number. Your UCI is found on letters and emails from IRCC. Also, you also need a valid payment method and the ability to sign and upload a consent form.

Which Type of GCMS Notes Should You Apply For?

If you want to see your application’s processing history and officer assessments, start with IRCC GCMS notes. If you suspect security screening is causing delays, add CBSA notes. But for the most complete picture, order from both departments together. And if you need a full record for legal purposes, choose the entire case file option.

For a detailed comparison, read our guide on IRCC vs CBSA GCMS notes.

GCMS Notes for Specific Visa Types

The application process is the same regardless of your visa type, but what you will find in your notes varies. We have dedicated guides for: GCMS notes for study permit, GCMS notes for visitor visa, GCMS notes for Express Entry, GCMS notes for PR application, GCMS notes for citizenship, and GCMS notes for work permit. Each guide explains what to expect in your notes based on your application type.

Frequently Asked Questions About Applying for GCMS Notes

Ready to Apply for Your GCMS Notes?

Start your request today at gcmsnotesrequest.ca. Choose your service, complete payment and consent in minutes, and receive your immigration records as a secure PDF. See pricing on our order page.