Refused candidates will now get extra transparency from IRCC…

Some candidates going through refusals of their functions to work, research, or go to Canada can now count on extra element concerning the determination—straight from the reviewing officer.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has already begun together with these new “officer determination notes” together with refusal letters for sure candidates, as of 29 July 2025.

At present, these refusal notes are solely accessible for non permanent resident functions. Moreover, overseas nationals who utilized utilizing the brand new IRCC Portal won’t obtain officer determination notes presently.

Seek the advice of with an skilled immigration consultant

Which functions will obtain officer determination notes?

Software refusals are at present accessible for the next sorts of functions (together with extensions):

The division expects so as to add officer determination notes to extra utility sorts over time.

How will candidates obtain their officer determination notes?

If an utility is refused, IRCC will proactively embody officer determination notes with the refusal letter—candidates would not have to make any further requests.

Nevertheless, IRCC does advise that it might omit “sure parts of the notes on a case-by-case foundation” on account of safety, privateness, or different issues.

IRCC sends the refusal letter and officer determination notes to the applicant or to the applicant’s approved consultant.

How else can I obtain detailed data on my utility?

Candidates who want to get extra detailed details about their utility, and probably a refusal determination, can request World Case Administration System (GCMS) notes from IRCC.

These notes are initially saved in IRCC’s World Case Administration System. In contrast to the brand new officer determination notes, GCMS notes should be requested by candidates by way of an Entry to Info and Privateness (ATIP) request.

GCMS notes are essentially the most detailed data on IRCC’s determination making accessible to candidates.

What are GCMS notes?

GCMS notes are official data stored by IRCC about an immigration utility, and some other data that the division has collected on the applicant.

They embody utility particulars, officer observations, and processing updates, offering perception into the progress or potential points together with your case.

GCMS notes are obtained by means of an ATIP request, which is Canada’s equal of a Freedom of Info request.

By Canadian legislation, IRCC and the Canada Border Providers Company (CBSA) are usually required to reply inside 30 days of such a request however can request further time primarily based on the complexity of the case.

Who Can Request GCMS Notes?

GCMS notes might be request by:

Candidates outdoors Canada should use a consultant (comparable to a Canadian citizen, everlasting resident, or Canadian-based group) and supply a signed consent type.

When within the utility course of can GCMS notes be requested?

You may request GCMS notes as soon as your utility passes the R-10 completeness verify, which is a affirmation on IRCC’s finish that each one required paperwork have been submitted. That is the earliest that an applicant can request GCMS notes.

Ready to make this request till after the appliance processing has began will often yield extra detailed notes, nonetheless. Many individuals request their GCMS notes after receiving a call on their utility from IRCC.

The best way to request GCMS notes

Requesting GCMS notes usually entails three steps:

• Collect related utility particulars that may assist IRCC establish your utility:
  • Full identify, date of start, Common Consumer Identifier (UCI), utility quantity, and speak to data.
• Submit an ATIP request:
  • On-line or by mail by means of IRCC (or by means of a consultant if outdoors Canada).
• Pay the $5 price (on-line or by cheque/cash order if mailed).

For extra data on requesting your GCMS notes, go to our devoted webpage.

Seek the advice of with an skilled immigration consultant