How to Make an ATIP Request to IRCC
An ATIP (access to information and privacy) request is how you ask the Government of Canada for the records it holds about you. Your GCMS notes are part of those records. You can make the request yourself, and this guide shows how.
What is an ATIP request?
Canada has two laws about government records. The Access to Information Act covers records in general. The Privacy Act covers your own personal information. A request for your own immigration file is normally handled as a request for personal information.
ATIP and GCMS notes: how they connect
IRCC records what officers do on your application in its Global Case Management System. Those records are your GCMS notes. There is no separate “GCMS notes form”. You ask for them through an ATIP request addressed to IRCC.
Step by step: the ATIP online request
- Gather your details. Full name as on your application, date of birth, UCI, application number, what the application was for, and roughly when you applied.
- Open the government’s ATIP online request service. It is at the ATIP online request page.
- Choose the institution. Choose IRCC for GCMS notes and your immigration file. Choose CBSA for border records.
- Describe what you want. Be specific. For example: “I request a copy of all personal information held about me by IRCC, including all GCMS notes, for application number [number], UCI [number].”
- Submit and keep your request number. Save the confirmation. You will need the number if you ask for an update.
- Wait for the response. The government must normally reply within 30 days and can extend that period.
- Review what you receive. Some parts may be blacked out where the law allows information to be withheld.
Fee
Fee rules have changed over the years and depend on which law applies. Check the current rules on the government page before you start, and do not rely on older articles, ours included.
If you would rather not do it yourself, we file requests for everyone, wherever you live. We prepare the request and file it for you with your consent.
Common mistakes
- Asking for “my file” without a UCI, application number or dates
- Sending the request to the wrong institution (IRCC and CBSA keep different records)
- Spelling your name differently from your application
- Losing the request number
- Making one request for several people (each person needs their own)
Do it yourself or with help
| Doing it yourself | With GCMS Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | No fee from us. Check the government fee rules. | Our fee, shown before you pay. |
| Forms | You complete and submit the online request. | We prepare and file the request. |
| Consent | Not needed for your own request. | You sign a consent form so we can act for you. |
| Follow-up | You contact the institution about delays. | We follow up for you. |
| Best if | You can use the government’s online service and are comfortable with online forms. | You want it handled for you, from anywhere in the world. |
Frequently asked questions
Is an ATIP request the same as requesting GCMS notes?
In practice, yes. Your GCMS notes are part of the personal information IRCC holds about you, and an ATIP request is how you ask for it. You can ask for your GCMS notes specifically or for your whole file.
How long does an ATIP request take?
The government must normally respond within 30 days and can extend that period in some situations, for example when many records are involved or other organizations must be consulted.
Do I need a service to make the request?
No. You can use the government’s online request service yourself. A service can prepare the request, handle consent forms and follow it up for you, but it is optional.