How do I get a copy of my IRCC file and officer notes?

You can request a copy of your IRCC immigration file, including officer notes and any Global Case Management System (GCMS) notes, through a federal Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) request. This is a federal process — you submit your request to the Privacy Commissioner-designated unit at IRCC under the federal Privacy Act or Access to Information Act.

IRCC ATIP requests can be submitted online through IRCC's ATIP portal. There is generally a processing time of several months, though it can vary. The records you receive may be partially redacted for reasons such as law enforcement or third-party information. Despite redactions, the officer notes often reveal the specific concerns that led to a refusal, which is invaluable for responding on reapplication, preparing an appeal, or assessing whether a judicial review challenge has merit.

Some immigration practitioners recommend requesting your GCMS notes as early as possible after a refusal, since IRCC officer notes are the closest thing to an explanation of the decision-maker's thinking. You can also authorize a third party such as a lawyer to request your file on your behalf. Starting the ATIP process does not stop the clock on appeal or judicial review deadlines — pursue those in parallel.