How to Order GCMS Notes
Requesting your GCMS notes can help you better understand the status, processing history, and officer notes associated with your Canadian immigration or visa application.
GET GCMS makes it easy to request GCMS notes and other available immigration records from Canadian government departments, including Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
Follow the steps below to request your GCMS notes online.
What Can You Learn from GCMS Notes?
GCMS notes can provide information that may not be visible through the standard online immigration application status system.
Applicants often request their GCMS notes to gain a more detailed understanding of their Canadian immigration file, particularly when an application has been
processing for an extended period or has been refused.
Your GCMS records may help you:
Track Your Immigration Application
Review available processing information and better understand where your Canadian visa or immigration application stands.
Review Immigration Officer Notes
See available comments, assessments, and notes recorded by immigration officers while reviewing your application.
Understand a Visa Refusal
If your Canadian visa, study permit, work permit, permanent residence, or other immigration application was refused, GCMS notes may provide additional information about the concerns or assessments recorded during the review.
Investigate Processing Delays
Review your file for available information that may help explain why an application is taking longer than expected.
Prepare for Your Next Steps
The information contained in your immigration records may help you better understand your file before responding to document requests, attending an interview, submitting a new application, or determining what other steps may be appropriate.
Who Can Request GCMS Notes?
GCMS notes are useful for people who want additional information about the processing of a Canadian immigration, citizenship, or visa application.
People commonly request GCMS notes for applications involving:
- Visitor visas and Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs)
- Study permits
- Work permits
- Permanent residence applications
- Express Entry applications
- Family and spousal sponsorship
- Citizenship applications
- Refused Canadian immigration or visa applications
- Applications experiencing lengthy processing times
Applicants located outside Canada can also use GET GCMS to complete the process required to request their immigration records.
How to Request GCMS Notes
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1
Choose the GCMS Notes or Records You Need
Start by selecting the type of Canadian immigration records you need. Options may include IRCC, CBSA, CSIS, or a combination of departments, such as electronic GCMS notes, application documents, or security screening records.
If you are unsure which option is right for you, review the descriptions on our Order page before completing your purchase.
View GCMS Notes Options -
2
Complete Your Payment
Once you have selected the GCMS service you need, choose your preferred currency and complete your payment through our secure online payment system.
We accept multiple payment methods and currencies. After payment, you will be directed to provide the information required for your request.
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3
Provide Your Immigration Application Information
Next, provide information about your Canadian immigration or visa application so we can correctly identify your file and prepare your request.
Please review your information carefully, as incorrect or incomplete details may delay processing. You may be asked for details such as your identity or application file number.
Depending on the type of records requested, you may be asked for information relating to your immigration application, identity, and application or file number.
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4
Review and Sign Your Consent Form
After submitting your information, a pre-filled consent form will be generated for you to review.
Confirm that your information is correct, sign the form, and securely upload the completed copy. We cannot submit your request until your signed consent form has been received.
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5
We Submit Your GCMS Request
Once your order, information, and signed consent form are complete, our team prepares and submits your request to the appropriate Canadian government department.
Depending on the service selected, your request may go to IRCC, CBSA, CSIS, or multiple departments. You can track your order through your GET GCMS account.
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6
Your Request Is Processed
The relevant Canadian government department processes the request and prepares the records that are available for release.
Processing times vary depending on the department, request type, and other factors outside our control. Estimated delivery times are estimates, not guaranteed dates.
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7
Receive Your GCMS Notes
Once we receive your completed GCMS notes or requested records, we make them available to you electronically without unnecessary delay.
Depending on the records requested, your file may contain information such as:
- Immigration application details and processing history
- IRCC or CBSA officer notes and comments
- Application assessments and review information
- Correspondence and documents submitted with your application
- Available eligibility, admissibility, or security screening information
Ready to Request Your GCMS Notes?
Whether you want to check the progress of your Canadian immigration application, review available IRCC officer notes, better understand a visa refusal, or obtain records relating to your application, GET GCMS provides a simple and secure way to submit your request.
Choose the records you need and begin your GCMS request online.