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ALL ABOUT GCMS - HOW TO ORDER, READ, & GENERAL QUESTIONS ANSWERED

petiterobenoire

Full Member
May 11, 2020
43
15
The 30 days processing time frame is the law.

As per section 7 of the Access to Information Act:



This time can be extended as per section 9, which states:


Whenever an extension is sought, OIC has to be informed.

In March 2020, IRCC has already initiated a systematic inquiry into IRCC handling of ATIP requests.

https://www.oic-ci.gc.ca/en/resources/news-releases/information-commissioner-initiates-systemic-investigation-department

In June July 2020, IRCC sought extensions, and these extensions were invalidated by IRCC, and even the COVID operational difficulties were not found to be an appropriate reason for delaying the release of requested information. In a recent final report this is what OIC stated:



32 days is not too long or unreasonable. Also, how you calculate matters. The 30 days are calculated in accordance with the Interpretation Act:




Do not calculate the day when the processing began, i.e. if you filed your application on November 20, the processing would commence on November 21 if it is a business day, or the following business day. This will depend on the time your request was filed. Further, do not calculate the day when the processing started.

If you have not yet received an extension notice, which has to be sent within 30 days, then your GCMS notes should be released soon.
With respect @legalfalcon, I think the very point is that IRCC is not fully complying with the statute. The screenshot itself says that IRCC is in deemed refusal of requests for information (i.e., has not responded within 30 days).

In documents like this one (https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/oto-boc/migration/rprts/spcl/rprt-ctntp-eng.pdf), the Government notes that deemed refusal rates for some agencies (like the CRA) have tripled in recent years, due to surges in the number of ATIP requests.

The CRA defines the term thus:

A common complaint we have heard from taxpayers is that – in addition to experiencing delays in the processing of their requests – they are not informed when the CRA is unable to meet the extended deadline (when the file falls into deemed refusal status).
Clearly, the statutory requirements have little bearing on operational fact inside IRCC.

But you are right that 32 days (33 now) is not terrible. I suspect I'll hear from them soon.
 

legalfalcon

VIP Member
Sep 21, 2015
19,030
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Montréal, Quebec, Canada
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FSW
Visa Office......
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NOC Code......
4112
App. Filed.......
03-09-2015
Doc's Request.
01-10-2015
AOR Received.
03-09-2015
Med's Done....
17-08-2015
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05-04-2016
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12-04-2016
LANDED..........
05-05-2016
With respect @legalfalcon, I think the very point is that IRCC is not fully complying with the statute. The screenshot itself says that IRCC is in deemed refusal of requests for information (i.e., has not responded within 30 days).

In documents like this one (https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/oto-boc/migration/rprts/spcl/rprt-ctntp-eng.pdf), the Government notes that deemed refusal rates for some agencies (like the CRA) have tripled in recent years, due to surges in the number of ATIP requests.

The CRA defines the term thus:



Clearly, the statutory requirements have little bearing on operational fact inside IRCC.

But you are right that 32 days (33 now) is not terrible. I suspect I'll hear from them soon.

You cannot compare ATIP regimes for different agencies, that is like comparing apples to oranges. This is because when people request information under ATIP from IRCC, it is mostly for the purpose of figuring out the progress of their application. However, inn case of CRA or RCMP the information requested is to defend a case, respond to a notice of assessment etc. which is much graver and serious than just knowing about the status of an application.

For immigration cases, if a case is filed before the Federal Court or the Immigration and Refugee Board (for family cases and refugee claims), IRCC is obligated to provide a copy of the GCMS notes, which is done outside the ATIP regime.

Also, there is a mechanism in the ATIP law, that a complaint can be filed with the Office of the Information Commissioner. If you decide not to exercise your right to file a complaint, then you should be not complaining about the delay in the first place.

As per OIC annual report:

Administrative complaints

Of the new complaints, 76 percent were administrative complaints (largely about delays in responding to access requests and about time extensions).

Most of these (70 percent) were against one institution, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), ranking it first on the OIC’s list of the top institutions that were subject to complaints in 2019–20.

The volume of IRCC complaints has not always been so large. In the two years prior to 2019–20, the OIC registered only 226 and 558 complaints against this institution, respectively. In July 2019, a small number of individuals began submitting large groups of complaints (nearly 70 in one week from one person, for example).
he complaints focused almost exclusively on the fact that IRCC had not responded to access requests within the legislated deadlines (either 30 days or an extended period) for the personal information of foreign nationals seeking to enter Canada either temporarily or permanently. Of particular note was that the number of time extension complaints against IRCC increased from just 12 in 2018–19 to 2,529 in 2019–20.

To better understand and address the root cause of these increases, the Commissioner initiated a systemic investigation against IRCC in March 2020 into the processing of access requests for client immigration files. The investigation will be completed in 2020–21.
The OIC closed 3,479 IRCC complaints in 2019–20, or 63 percent of the total. In many instances, the OIC’s initial inquiries determined that IRCC had already responded to the access requests.
Consequently, the OIC was able to quickly resolve 70 percent of the IRCC administrative complaints.
The things are not as bad as they seem. Also, OIC was a toothless dog until 2019, when it got powers pursuant to Bill C-58. OIC now have new responsibilities and authorities, including the power to order institutions to release records at the end of an investigation when I find that a complaint is well-founded. This is a game changer.

A right is only as good as an individual exercising it. However, if you do not receive your notes within the next few days, do consider filing a complaint.
 

UMalik

Full Member
Mar 3, 2017
28
2
Category........
PNP
Visa Office......
Sydney
App. Filed.......
14-08-2019
Nomination.....
25-07-2019
AOR Received.
27-08-2019
Hi @legalfalcon @caipsnotes. I am seeing the 'Other Reqs: Not Started" field in my gcms notes. does it mean that my application has been selected for enhanced security? I'm worried because my eligibility was passed on 9th of October and no update after that. Criminality is in progress which should have been updated after biometrics.

I received the latest gcms notes today and noticed something new, 'Special Program: PRBIO'. now I read that this is for eye colour, height etc. Does it mean that file processing is close to completion?
???
 

legalfalcon

VIP Member
Sep 21, 2015
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Montréal, Quebec, Canada
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FSW
Visa Office......
Ottawa
NOC Code......
4112
App. Filed.......
03-09-2015
Doc's Request.
01-10-2015
AOR Received.
03-09-2015
Med's Done....
17-08-2015
Passport Req..
05-04-2016
VISA ISSUED...
12-04-2016
LANDED..........
05-05-2016
Hi @legalfalcon . I am seeing the 'Other Reqs: Not Started" field in my gcms notes. does it mean that my application has been selected for enhanced security? I'm worried because my eligibility was passed on 9th of October and no update after that. Criminality is in progress which should have been updated after biometrics.

I received the latest gcms notes today and noticed something new, 'Special Program: PRBIO'. now I read that this is for eye colour, height etc. Does it mean that file processing is close to completion?

No, 'Other Reqs: Not Started" does not mean that you are in enhanced SS.

Other requests pertains to information being requested from other agencies, and most applications will see it as blank or not started and it will remain as is. This does not indicate that your are in enhanced security screening.

PRBIO is usually requested at the end of the processing when the application is about to be finalized. That is a good sign.

If your security on page 2 is blank, then your security may be in progress, or may even have been passed.

To read on security or the security screening manual see https://bit.ly/36Sdw1i
 

mrbhush

Star Member
Jan 10, 2018
71
24
Chennai
Category........
CEC
NOC Code......
2173
Hi @legalfalcon ,

Category: CEC-(PA - Inland, Dependents- Outland [Spouse, 2 children] )
AOR: Aug.09,2020
Medical Passed: Sep.29.2020
Biometrics Completed: Sep 29,.2020 (Biometric exempt)

PR Status:
Eligibility: Recommend Passed
Security: Not started
Criminality: Passed
Medical: Passed
Info sharing: In Progress

Query:
Info Sharing completed for PA(Primary Applicant) and 2 Children, but InProgress for Spouse for USA only and remaining NZL and AUS status shows NRT for Spouse.

Q1. Spouse: Info Sharing (USA) status shows 1. Ready to Access and 2. complete - Not Reviewed. Why two status shows for USA info sharing and what is the meaning for both ?
Q2. Note 2 says: Criminality Review required (statutory questions) spouse. will it be problem for my PR process ?
Q3. Our PR process will get delayed, because of previous visa rejection reasons of Spouse ?
Q4. Note 1: I could not able to understand aboout Integrated Research statement. can you please share your view about it ?
Q5. Can you please share your overall feedback about my gcms notes and anything i need to do from my side ? Please refer my attachments.

<img src="https://i.ibb.co/wynDQnL/CVquery1.jpg" alt="CVquery1" border="0"> CVquery2 CVquery3

<a href="https://ibb.co/yBL03J2">CVquery1
 

legalfalcon

VIP Member
Sep 21, 2015
19,030
9,888
Montréal, Quebec, Canada
Category........
FSW
Visa Office......
Ottawa
NOC Code......
4112
App. Filed.......
03-09-2015
Doc's Request.
01-10-2015
AOR Received.
03-09-2015
Med's Done....
17-08-2015
Passport Req..
05-04-2016
VISA ISSUED...
12-04-2016
LANDED..........
05-05-2016
Hi @legalfalcon ,

Category: CEC-(PA - Inland, Dependents- Outland [Spouse, 2 children] )
AOR: Aug.09,2020
Medical Passed: Sep.29.2020
Biometrics Completed: Sep 29,.2020 (Biometric exempt)

PR Status:
Eligibility: Recommend Passed
Security: Not started
Criminality: Passed
Medical: Passed
Info sharing: In Progress

Query:
Info Sharing completed for PA(Primary Applicant) and 2 Children, but InProgress for Spouse for USA only and remaining NZL and AUS status shows NRT for Spouse.

Q1. Spouse: Info Sharing (USA) status shows 1. Ready to Access and 2. complete - Not Reviewed. Why two status shows for USA info sharing and what is the meaning for both ?
Q2. Note 2 says: Criminality Review required (statutory questions) spouse. will it be problem for my PR process ?
Q3. Our PR process will get delayed, because of previous visa rejection reasons of Spouse ?
Q4. Note 1: I could not able to understand aboout Integrated Research statement. can you please share your view about it ?
Q5. Can you please share your overall feedback about my gcms notes and anything i need to do from my side ? Please refer my attachments.

<img src="https://i.ibb.co/wynDQnL/CVquery1.jpg" alt="CVquery1" border="0"> CVquery2 CVquery3

<a href="https://ibb.co/yBL03J2">CVquery1

Query:
Info Sharing completed for PA(Primary Applicant) and 2 Children, but InProgress for Spouse for USA only and remaining NZL and AUS status shows NRT for Spouse.

Q1. Spouse: Info Sharing (USA) status shows 1. Ready to Access and 2. complete - Not Reviewed. Why two status shows for USA info sharing and what is the meaning for both ?
For info sharing after the info is received it has to be reviewed by the officer and updated in the file. The info has not been reviewed and that is why it shows pending. The complete refers to that the information sharing has been done by transmitting and receiving the info.


Q2. Note 2 says: Criminality Review required (statutory questions) spouse. will it be problem for my PR process ?
If you have answered yes to any statutory question pertaining to criminality, then RR will be there. It will depend on what you answered yes to and the explanation for it.

Q3. Our PR process will get delayed, because of previous visa rejection reasons of Spouse ?
Usually not. A prior visa refusal has no bearing on your PR application unless you overstayed or were asked to leave a country due to a criminal violation.

Q4. Note 1: I could not able to understand aboout Integrated Research statement. can you please share your view about it ?
Integrated search refers to the sear for the individuals in IRCC's systems, i..e Field Operations Support System and Global Case Management System to check for any prior entry and exit into Canada or any immigration violations.

Q5. Can you please share your overall feedback about my gcms notes and anything i need to do from my side ? Please refer my attachments.
Your eligibility is recommended passed, and everything looks in order.
 
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mrbhush

Star Member
Jan 10, 2018
71
24
Chennai
Category........
CEC
NOC Code......
2173
Query:
Info Sharing completed for PA(Primary Applicant) and 2 Children, but InProgress for Spouse for USA only and remaining NZL and AUS status shows NRT for Spouse.

Q1. Spouse: Info Sharing (USA) status shows 1. Ready to Access and 2. complete - Not Reviewed. Why two status shows for USA info sharing and what is the meaning for both ?
For info sharing after the info is received it has to be reviewed by the officer and updated in the file. The info has not been reviewed and that is why it shows pending. The complete refers to that the information sharing has been done by transmitting and receiving the info.


Q2. Note 2 says: Criminality Review required (statutory questions) spouse. will it be problem for my PR process ?
If you have answered yes to any statutory question pertaining to criminality, then RR will be there. It will depend on what you answered yes to and the explanation for it.

Q3. Our PR process will get delayed, because of previous visa rejection reasons of Spouse ?
Usually not. A prior visa refusal has no bearing on your PR application unless you overstayed or were asked to leave a country due to a criminal violation.

Q4. Note 1: I could not able to understand aboout Integrated Research statement. can you please share your view about it ?
Integrated search refers to the sear for the individuals in IRCC's systems, i..e Field Operations Support System and Global Case Management System to check for any prior entry and exit into Canada or any immigration violations.

Q5. Can you please share your overall feedback about my gcms notes and anything i need to do from my side ? Please refer my attachments.
Your eligibility is recommended passed, and everything looks in order.
@legalfalcon Thanks a lot for your information.....:)
 
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legalfalcon

VIP Member
Sep 21, 2015
19,030
9,888
Montréal, Quebec, Canada
Category........
FSW
Visa Office......
Ottawa
NOC Code......
4112
App. Filed.......
03-09-2015
Doc's Request.
01-10-2015
AOR Received.
03-09-2015
Med's Done....
17-08-2015
Passport Req..
05-04-2016
VISA ISSUED...
12-04-2016
LANDED..........
05-05-2016

Aspirant2506

Star Member
Sep 22, 2014
62
13
@legalfalcon .. Need your suggestion. Mine is AOR Mar 2020, Application approved per GCMS notes on Oct 01, 2020 but no PPR. Also, I see a counterfoil and COPR details on my notes. Is it ok to send these details in Webform and ask about PPR ? Or should I just wait ?
Appreciate your response.

Thanks
 

caipsnotes

Champion Member
Jan 10, 2020
2,493
1,059
Canada
Category........
FSW
Visa Office......
Buffalo, NY
@caipsnotes .. Need your suggestion. Is it ok to send approval details from GCMS in a webform and ask about PPR ? Or you would suggest to wait ?

Thanks
Hi, probably should just wait at this stage. You can certainly cite information from the Gcms Notes in your web form and you will likely get a response to wait as well, but you can certainly try if you like. All the best.
 

caipsnotes

Champion Member
Jan 10, 2020
2,493
1,059
Canada
Category........
FSW
Visa Office......
Buffalo, NY
Hi @legalfalcon @caipsnotes. I am seeing the 'Other Reqs: Not Started" field in my gcms notes. does it mean that my application has been selected for enhanced security? I'm worried because my eligibility was passed on 9th of October and no update after that. Criminality is in progress which should have been updated after biometrics.

I received the latest gcms notes today and noticed something new, 'Special Program: PRBIO'. now I read that this is for eye colour, height etc. Does it mean that file processing is close to completion?
Hi. Most applicants don't see any information in the Other Requirements field and it's not related to security screening. For security screening check to see the Assessment section on page 2, if it's blank then it's a good sign meaning it's in progress or even completed. Checkout this online version of the CBSA security screening manual to see the process https://cbsa-screening-manual.gcmsnotes.com/?page=1. Security may likely have passed since you have PRBIO mentioned in your file. All the best
 
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KDM13

Star Member
Apr 8, 2020
82
98
Category........
CEC
I submitted a webform a couple of months ago to update my address but didn't hear anything back. Should this change of information show up in GCMS notes? I received mine recently and don't see it anywhere in there.