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    What do you need to apply for GCMS Notes?

    You will need your application number and the optional Unique Client Identification (UCI) number to apply for GCMS Notes.


    Beginning a path of higher education in Canada provides opportunities for excellent academic institutions and a world-class education system. At ECEN Immigration, we recognize the value of following your academic goals and offer thorough advice and direction to assist you in obtaining a student visa that is suitable for your requirements. Our team of experts is dedicated to simplifying the complicated process and providing an easy adjustment to academic achievement in Canada.


    The Global Case Management System (GCMS) is a digital data management system utilized by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to handle domestic and international applications. Immigration officers input their observations and concerns regarding applications into GCMS.


    Typically, refusal letters issued by the IRCC are generic and provide limited information about the officer's concerns. Therefore, the GCMS notes are crucial in understanding the reasons for application rejections.


    The Access to Information and the Privacy Act gives people the right to view government records in Canada. To obtain access to these documents, you must make an ATIP request. In addition, you must be a Canadian Citizen, a Canadian Permanent Resident, or an individual or company currently present in Canada to apply for GCMS notes from IRCC.


    The GCMS notes tracking system contains the following information:

    • Correspondence to and from IRCC
    • Detailed notes from the IRCC immigration officers who reviewed the application
    • All supporting documents submitted by the applicant

    Why should you request GCMS Notes?

    Depending on your situation, there are several primary reasons why you should request your GCMS Notes:

    • Gain a better understanding of the status of your IRCC application. This knowledge can help you proactively prepare for document requests from IRCC or upcoming interviews.
    • A comprehensive explanation will be provided in the case of visa rejection. However, if you decide to reapply, this information can help you prepare a more robust application and improve your chances of acceptance.
    • With GCMS Electronic Notes, you can verify if any errors were made in your application by yourself or your representative (e.g., immigration consultant, lawyer, etc.).
    • By reviewing GCMS notes or document requests, you can ensure that you or your representative have submitted accurate application documents.

    When should you apply for GCMS notes?

    The optimal time to request GCMS notes depends on the type and stage of your application. Remember that there is no limit to how many times you can receive GCMS notes. However, the following information might help you decide when to order your GCMS Notes:

    • If your application is taking longer than usual, applying for GCMS notes will help you identify the cause of the delay.
    • If your application has been refused, the GCMS Notes will provide insight into the reasoning behind the immigration officer's decision.
    • For Permanent Residence (PR) applications, requesting your GCMS notes once your application passes the R10 completeness checks stage is advisable. R10 refers to Regulation 10 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), which involves a thorough review of your application's completeness by an immigration officer. Typically, this phase is completed within one month of applying to IRCC. Therefore, the ideal time to order GCMS Notes for PR applications would be the second or third month after submission.

    How long does it take to receive the GCMS Notes?

    IRCC typically processes GCMS note requests within 30 days. However, extensions may be granted in certain situations for specific reasons listed in Section 9 of the Access to Information Act and Section 15 of the Privacy Act.