FAQ

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) processes immigration and citizenship applications using the GCMS (Global Case Management System). The Canada Border Services Agency also employs it (CBSA).

Each applicant’s file is fully documented in the system, including with contact with and from IRCC, any papers submitted by the applicant, in-depth notes made by the officers who reviewed the file, and other pertinent data.
The most accurate and complete view of an applicant’s immigration file is thought to be only possible with GCMS notes. With the ability to obtain a copy of these remarks, you can stay up to date on the progress of your application and take any required actions to improve your chances of approval.

Recently sent your application: If your Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) has not yet arrived, it is likely that your GCMS Notes have not yet been created, in which case the file request will return a blank. Therefore, it is better to ask for GCMS Notes when you get your AOR. GCMS Notes can confirm whether the Immigration office has begun processing the application or not, however occasionally there might be delays in sending out AORs and getting your GCMS Notes.

Received your Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR): Normally, the GCMS file will contain at least two key details:
• The bring forward date will let you know when your application will be placed formally on the desk of an immigration officer. If an interview waiver has been granted, you will learn about it at this point. Please be aware that the bring forward date should only be used as a guideline for scheduling an interview or selection process.
• If the visa office is interpreting your application as you had anticipated, it will be clear from the preliminary points assessment (recorded by paper screeners at the visa office). Before an immigration officer formally evaluates the file, you have the chance to send in more documentation if a problem arises here.

Invited to an interview: The immigration officer’s notes when he evaluated the file and determined an interview was necessary will be recorded in the GCMS file. You will typically find out why you need to be interviewed in the GCMS notes.

medical exams were successful, and you paid the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): After medical/RPRF, procedural errors or CSIS (Canadian Security and Intelligence Service) security checks typically cause delays. If security checks have been completed, the GCMS file will state this along with any other procedures that may still need to be taken.

You only need to provide your full name and birthdate to request the GCMS file. A GCMS file can still be requested even if you have not received your file number or do not have it available. To request your GCMS file with a file number, though, is recommended.
A file number guarantees that your request is processed more quickly. This number, which is also known as an Application Number, can be found on any official document that was given to you by the visa office where you submitted your application. Your immigration file number or application number is made up of nine (9) numbers or letters that are separated by a letter at the beginning. (Use B-000-000-000 or E-P00-000-000 as examples.)

The Access to Information Act stipulates that requests must be processed within 30 calendar days. The due date is changed to the following business day if the 30-day deadline falls on a weekend or a holiday. Do take note;

• Only during regular business hours, Eastern Time, can IRCC handle orders.
The following business day will therefore be the first day that orders received by the IRCC during regular business hours or on the weekend will be processed. 
• The GCMS remarks are typically created around the time the request is submitted, not when it is made available.
• The 30-day window for responding to a request may be extended by IRCC. If there will be a delay in processing your order, we may be informed within the first 30 days. As soon as we learn more, we’ll let you know as well.

No, you cannot hasten the processing times; they are the same for all requests.
The goal of Get GCMS is to provide you with a streamlined, quick, and efficient service by placing orders the same day they are finished and sending the notes the same day they are issued.

Ordering GCMS notes won’t impede how quickly your file is processed in any manner. An applicant may order as many GCMS notes as he wants, and it has no negative effects on his or her file. In some instances where the file has not moved,

After the GCMS notes were requested, there was a movement. This is due to the fact that an officer must check into your case even if he was not supposed to before the GCMS notes are issued. Ordering GCMS notes is hence secure and occasionally advantageous.

Yes, and we advise you to get in touch with a lawyer if your case processing delays have been longer than usual. However, make sure you have your GCMS notes on hand before speaking with a lawyer so they may assess the current state of your file.