Abnormal wait time on status update

[chelavnzuo]

My case:

1. Age 55+
2. Submitted in March 2025, AOR'd in April 2025.
3. Tracker shows application filed on Apr 3rd, 2025, and the last status update was on Apr 5th, 2025.
4. Current status shows Language skills, Background verification, Physical presence, and Prohibitions all in progress. I think these 4 have been in progress since day 1.

Questions:

1. Is it normal to wait for 10 months and receive absolute 0 updates via Email or from the tracker? No interview, no addition doc request, no nothing.
2. Is there a meaningful way to contact IRCC if my application is beyond the "Estimated time left" as shown in the current IRCC processing time webpage (currently it says 3 months left)? I tried webform and received generic response saying "your application is in progress, we will let you know if we need anything from you". What if I never hear back from them for another year, or 2 years?

Thanks

 

[m34]

Zero updates is slightly unusual although not entirely surprising from IRCC. Maybe request gcms? It will probably provide you some color on what is going on.

 

[chelavnzuo]

Thanks, is GCMS the $5 ATIP Online Request for "Application Summary - An electronic overview of the application's current status"? I think there's a few other options but I'm not sure which one is the "GCMS notes" in this case

Also is there a way to contact IRCC for case specific update other than GCMS? In the event where my case is stuck for years and no movement?

 

[m34]

Thanks, is GCMS the $5 ATIP Online Request for "Application Summary - An electronic overview of the application's current status"? I think there's a few other options but I'm not sure which one is the "GCMS notes" in this case

Also is there a way to contact IRCC for case specific update other than GCMS? In the event where my case is stuck for years and no movement?

To the first part, yes. You make the ATIP request and you get the notes.

For the second part, I guess you won't get much traction by calling or sending a webform apart from the standard replies. So, I would suggest you contact your MP - it is always preferred to wait after your application has passed the average processing time, but your case is very specific. So, if I were you, I would contact them sooner than later.

 

[Seym]

Thanks, is GCMS the $5 ATIP Online Request for "Application Summary - An electronic overview of the application's current status"? I think there's a few other options but I'm not sure which one is the "GCMS notes" in this case

GCMS is the internal system IRCC uses to process applications. GCMS notes are simply the content of that system regarding your own application.
Also, please note that ATIP requests only require a 5$ fee if you ask for your GCMS notes through the Access to Information Act. As you're asking for personal info, you can do it (through the same portal) with the Privacy Act instead. There will be a section where you select the act, so do yourself a favor and pick the second. It will be free instead.

 

[sean468]

Thanks, is GCMS the $5 ATIP Online Request for "Application Summary - An electronic overview of the application's current status"? I think there's a few other options but I'm not sure which one is the "GCMS notes" in this case

Also is there a way to contact IRCC for case specific update other than GCMS? In the event where my case is stuck for years and no movement?

Order the CBSA notes, not IRCC notes. They both tell you the same thing, CBSA request does not cost you any money and it's quicker

 

[chelavnzuo]

Thanks all for your kind help.
I have contacted MP, submitted the request for CBSA notes, I think it has 2 immigration files - one on security update and the other on GCMS, I checked both.

 

[chelavnzuo]

GCMS is the internal system IRCC uses to process applications. GCMS notes are simply the content of that system regarding your own application.
Also, please note that ATIP requests only require a 5$ fee if you ask for your GCMS notes through the Access to Information Act. As you're asking for personal info, you can do it (through the same portal) with the Privacy Act instead. There will be a section where you select the act, so do yourself a favor and pick the second. It will be free instead.

I have already paid $5 for the "Application Summary - An electronic overview of the application's current status", My concern is whether the free option would provide the same information, and whether the report I paid for is actually the correct one to request?

 

[Seym]

I have already paid $5 for the "Application Summary - An electronic overview of the application's current status", My concern is whether the free option would provide the same information, and whether the report I paid for is actually the correct one to request?

Both options will give the exact same report. The 5$ version is actually meant for the general public to ask for documents and reports from a given federal institution, but it also allows a specific individual to ask for reports on anything directly related to them, while the free version is more limited in scope and specific to personal info. You can just go with that next time if there's need for a next time.

 

[chelavnzuo]

Just got my GCMS notes from the IRCC.ATIP email, a few observations here:
1. CRIMINALITY -> Type: Criminality Clearance -> Status: not started but it's due 2025/06/17
2. ELIGIBILITY ASSEMENTS -> Type: Eligibility - Residence -> Status: not started but it's due 2026/03/29
3. Physical presence: Yes: NPR not verifiable in GCMS. Notes: NPR not verifiable as per XXX. Does not appear to meet the physical presence requirement. Client previously advised of this, but application resubmitted, and client wishes to proceed. File being referred to PS for review/decision. LM31095.

My application in March last year did get returned for additional evidence on physical presence. I made sure the calculation is correct, but I guess it's ultimately their decision on whether it's right or wrong.

However it is the lacking of response that bothers me, if you need to verify, please do, if you need me to provide more info, please ask, if you decide my calculation is incorrect, please let me know where I got it wrong, but instead there's just simply no response. It can be another year or 2, I heard people from 2023 are still waiting. I'm now contemplating on just withdrawing the application and reapplying because as of today my PR days are already more than 1095 days. Would it make the next application easier since they don't need to question about the non-PR days or not?

 

[Seym]

Would it make the next application easier since they don't need to question about the non-PR days or not?

Easier? Yes, absolutely, at least regarding the physical presence assessment. But that is of minimal interest to you VS trying to estimate whether withdrawing will get you to the oath ceremony earlier. And that is impossible to say really.
Maybe IRCC validates the PP in the coming weeks, and maybe they need a long time still, and on the other hand, there's always the possibility that the new application gets stuck on comprehensive security check, which these days often takes 2+ years.
It's mostly a gamble, and unless you end up not withdrawing and the current application is rejected for a lack of PP days, you won't even know whether you should have gone with the withdrawal or not.
You know your situation, you're the best person to assess whether your PP is precise, whether you have proper proof for days spent in Canada before PR. Make your decision based on that. Or, if you think that withdrawing will bring you much needed peace of mind, regardless of how long a second application will take and how close or far from the oath ceremony the current application is, go for it, really.
Also, IMHO, before withdrawing, if you have evidence for your PP that you didn't send IRCC yet, nothing stops you from sending it via webform without even waiting for IRCC to ask for it. You can then follow up on it via call or through your MP. Maybe a nudge is all it takes... Or maybe not, but could be worth a try.
Good luck!