tecarf said:
Hi ccunnington what's this GCMS notes you're talking about? never heard of this so i'm kind of curious!
They are all the notes made about your file by whoever has been working on it. It has information about medicals, security and police checks, admissability, and any notes or concerns a visa officer might have. It shows when information has been added or requested, what items have been completed, or are in process, or not started yet, etc. You can order them through the freedom of information act. Its only 5 bucks.
Here is the link
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/atip/form-imm5563.asp
You must be in Canada to order them. If it is not the applicant ordering, or you are not currently in Canada, you need to fill out the Authority to Release Information form...you can see on the right side of this webpage the links to both forms. You will need to fill out the authorization form if it is the sponsor ordering the notes for the applicant. Also, for your first time ordering, you need to send in proof of citizenship, such as a copy of the bio-page of your passport. This is all done electronically via email. Easy. You need to pay the fee online, then email the form, or both forms if required, the receipt of payment, and your proof of citizenship. You'll find all the info on that website. There is also a good link on here about how to translate all the information you'll see on these notes. Its great to have them so you can see the process of your file, and if there are any concerns. Its also good to have as preparation for an interview if you are required to have one.
Here is the thread about how to read the GCMS notes
http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/guides-to-gcms-t120758.0.html
