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GCMS Requests: IRCC vs. CBSA in Canada

When and why does it make sense to request GCMS from CBSA?

When it comes to obtaining your GCMS (Global Case Management System) or Entire File, the decision of whether to request it from IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) or CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) is influenced by personal preference. In most cases, requesting from IRCC will meet your needs effectively. However, there are specific circumstances where opting for CBSA may provide distinct advantages.

It is crucial to carefully assess the unique factors and considerations that may prompt you to choose the CBSA route for your GCMS file request. It is important to emphasize that this comparison does not imply superiority of CBSA over IRCC or imply consistent faster processing times by CBSA. If you have concerns regarding processing delays, it is advisable to request your notes from both IRCC and CBSA. This approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of your case, minimizes risk of delay and any potential information gaps.

Govt. Agency	Layout	Delivery Format	Processing Time	Risk of Delay
IRCC	Legacy layout of report	Email / PDF	30-35 Days	Low-Medium
CBSA	New layout of report	Email / PDF	30-35 Days	Medium-High

IRCC vs. CBSA in Canada

Government Agency

IRCC

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is the government department in Canada entrusted with the crucial responsibilities pertaining to immigration, refugees, and Canadian citizenship matters.

CBSA

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is a federal law enforcement agency entrusted with the vital role of ensuring border control, immigration enforcement, and customs services in Canada.

Summary

IRCC

Requesting information from either IRCC or CBSA is a decision influenced by personal preference. In the majority of cases, requesting from IRCC alone will meet the needs of most individuals.

CBSA

Opting to request information from CBSA can be advantageous in certain circumstances:

If you have a deadline to meet and wish to mitigate the risk of delays, obtaining the file from both IRCC and CBSA is recommended.
If your application is in progress and you seek additional details about Security Screening, CBSA can provide valuable insights.
If you have been deemed inadmissible and faced refusal of entry or removal from Canada, requesting information from CBSA can provide pertinent information.
If you desire comprehensive details about your file and wish to obtain information from both IRCC and CBSA, opting for CBSA’s involvement is advisable.

Source of information

IRCC

The Global Case Management System

CBSA

CBSA uses the Global Case Management System as well

Content

IRCC

GCMS Notes encompass the latest status update of the file, the electronic notes made by officers, and the potential reasons for refusal.

The Entire File comprises the status update of the file, the electronic notes made by officers, the reasons for refusal, as well as copies of all forms and supporting documents exchanged with IRCC.

CBSA

In addition to the information provided by IRCC, it encompasses the supplementary details managed by CBSA.

Delivery format

IRCC

IRCC delivers information electronically in the form of a PDF document sent via email.

CBSA

Previously, CBSA exclusively delivered information through postal mail. However, currently, CBSA has adopted the same protocol as IRCC, providing information through electronic means.

Processing time

IRCC

The performance of IRCC exhibits considerable variability, as files from IRCC can arrive well in advance of the due date, on the due date, or experience delays beyond the due date. It is noteworthy that IRCC receives the highest volume of requests among all government agencies and has undergone an investigation by the Information Commissioner of Canada concerning processing delays.

CBSA

While occasional processing delays can also occur with CBSA, overall, CBSA has demonstrated a more favorable track record in terms of on-time performance.

Statistics

IRCC

Requests received and completed

Completion times

Complaint volumes

CBSA

Requests received and completed

Completion times

Out of the 10,015 requests that were processed, CBSA successfully provided responses within the mandated timelines for 90.7% of them, which reflects an improvement compared to the 89.8% achieved in the previous fiscal year.

Complaint volumes

During this period, the number of complaints filed corresponds to 7.5% of the total 10,015 completed access to information requests.

Redaction

IRCC

Both IRCC and CBSA prioritize the non-disclosure of specific information that could potentially pose risks to Canada’s security, economy, federal-provincial relations, and international affairs.

While IRCC may withhold certain types of information, CBSA, in contrast, tends to disclose the same information. For instance, security screening details are consistently redacted in IRCC files. However, in the majority of CBSA files, security screening details are not redacted.

CBSA

Given the disparities in how IRCC and CBSA handle the release of identical information, it can be advantageous in specific scenarios to request your file from both agencies. By doing so, you can obtain the most comprehensive information available about your file, ensuring you have access to the maximum possible details.

Other

IRCC

Consent from both parents is mandatory when it comes to a minor child, specifically for those under the age of 16.

CBSA

Obtaining consent from both parents is a necessary requirement for a minor child as well.

Step 1: Application Details

Begin by accessing our secure and user-friendly online order form. We prioritize the collection of only the essential information necessary to fulfill your request.

Step 2: Payment

Proceed with making your payment using a payment method that is most convenient for you. Rest assured that we exclusively work with payment processors that adhere to PCI compliance standards, ensuring the highest level of security for your transaction.

Step 3: Consent Form & Photo Id

The final step entails filling out the consent form. You have the option to either scan and email the completed form to us or securely upload it through our platform with an attached government-issued photo id.

Canada Visa Status – To obtain the most comprehensive and detailed information regarding a visa application, requesting GCMS Notes is the only reliable method. GCMS (Global Case Management System) provides the most up-to-date and extensive information available, surpassing the level of detail provided by IRCC’s online system. Ordering your GCMS Notes online allows you to access in-depth insights into the status of your visa application or gain a comprehensive understanding of the reasons behind a visa refusal.

Disclaimer – The content on this website is provided solely for informational purposes and is intended to serve the Canada visa applicant community. It is important to note that the materials presented here do not, and should not, be construed as legal advice.