There is a lot of GCMS misinformation online. Disturbing tendency to recommend or apply for GCMS notes first without being patient.
This post will explain need to pause and think a hundred times.
First critical question: why is GCMS needed?
Second critical question if you still want to do GCMS (for outland applicants): are you comfortable sharing your most intimate private information with a random person/entity?
Immigration applications are like a full body exam. All of your family's most sensitive data is in there. Its a trove which identity thieves will pay big money for.
Don't be misled by armchair experts. Applying for GCMS is valid from a transparency standpoint. Don't misuse it as a status check tool. Do your homework and submit a good application. And then WAIT. Monitor trackers and other people's statuses online. Patience is the key. You have gotten so far. Another 3-6 more months should not matter. You are playing the long game with immigration, right?
This post will explain need to pause and think a hundred times.
First critical question: why is GCMS needed?
- You can get sufficient status information through the webform or the call center. Why do you need more detail?
- If you think you can address any visa officer concerns, why didnt you think about it before submitting your application? Or what is stopping you now from addressing any probable concerns through the webform?
- Look at the refusal stats on myimmitracker for some idea. Canadian VOs are not demons. Very small % of people run into problems. If there is a problem, they will do an ADR and you can clarify. Worst case you can still use GCMS after refusal to appeal.
Second critical question if you still want to do GCMS (for outland applicants): are you comfortable sharing your most intimate private information with a random person/entity?
Immigration applications are like a full body exam. All of your family's most sensitive data is in there. Its a trove which identity thieves will pay big money for.
- Do you want to take the word of a random entity online before turning over all your information to them? Who all have access, how is it stored/encryption etc, is the info deleted and when?
- How do you know if their systems, processes, computers etc. arent compromised? or wont be compromised in the future?
- Your signed authorization can be used in future to grab other data too. Who is auditing all this?
- There will be bad apples among the many third party GCMS services
- Wouldn't it be infinitely more secure to do this through a trusted friend/family/relative or a reputed and well established law firm?
Don't be misled by armchair experts. Applying for GCMS is valid from a transparency standpoint. Don't misuse it as a status check tool. Do your homework and submit a good application. And then WAIT. Monitor trackers and other people's statuses online. Patience is the key. You have gotten so far. Another 3-6 more months should not matter. You are playing the long game with immigration, right?
