My dialog about the CAIPS notes
Erin.Seeds@cic.gc.ca
Dear Erin Seeds,
I am writing to order a CAIPS notes for my case. The form is attached.
Sincerely,
xxxx
Dear Mrs. XXXX, I have a couple of concerns with the personal information request you sent me;
First, only persons physically present in Canda, Permanent Residents and Canadian Citizens may access their records under the Privacy Act. Please show proof of which of these categories you belong to. If you are not any of the above, your spouse will have to apply under the Access to Information Act and pay the $5 fee. Please let me know whether you will proceed under Access or Privacy and I will give you the appropriate file number.
Second, we need a signed letter giving your consent to your husband to have access to your records. I've attached a form that you can fill out to this end. At this time, we must have a physical signature, so your e-mail will not suffice, however, a simple letter stating you give your husband consent to access your records with the date and your signature scanned and returned to me will do just fine.
Erin.Seeds@cic.gc.ca
Government of Canada | Gouvernement du Canada
Dear Erin Seeds,
Sorry for the mix up. I was a little confused as to how to fill out the form. I am in Canada visiting my husband right now, but I'm not yet a permanent resident. Does that count present in Canada? If not I will mail the consent form and the $5 fee tomorrow. Can I send a personal check or does it need to be from a bank? What address do I send this information/check to?
xxxx,
Dear Mrs. xxxx,
Yes, if you are in Canada, you can use the Privacy Act and not pay the $5. The catch is, we need some sort of proof that you're in Canada right now (Unfortunately, tracking the IP in your e-mail will not suffice). A copy of your passport with the visa stamp on it is acceptable. I still need your letter of consent, because it's technically your husband making the request (his name is on the form). We unfortunately get claims of spousal fraud here, so we do need expressed consent. Please let me know if anything is still unclear. Also, anything to be mailed should be mailed to the address in my signature.
Regards,
Erin Seeds
Sorry to bother you again Ms. Seeds, but could you please tell me if this enquiry will slow down my permanent residency application in any way?
Thank-you,
xxx
Mrs. xxxx,
The name of the person requesting the information is protected under the Privacy Act (though we presume it is being done with the knowledge and consent of the person the files belong to). I can also tell you that the immigration officers almost never retrieve the files, the people responsible for ATIP requests at the department usually just photocopy the file, then return it. I suspect there are also internal policies preventing requests from impeding the immigration process.
Erin Seeds