What is Caipsnotes?

CAIPSNotes (Computer Assisted Immigration Processing System Notes) are detailed records maintained by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regarding an individual's visa or immigration application. These notes provide insights into the application process, including the status, decisions, and reasoning by visa officers. While CAIPS was the older system used for such records, it has largely been replaced by newer systems like GCMS (Global Case Management System). However, the term "CAIPSNotes" is still used informally to refer to case notes for immigration applications.

Information about Caips and GCM

These are the three types of systems (secure online and accessible data collection banks) used by the Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (the IRCC) to electronically store important information about the visa-applicants for current and future references.

• CAIPS (Computer-Assisted Immigration Processing System)
• GCMS (Global Case Management System)
• FOSS (Field Operations Support System)

How to Request CAIPS Notes or GCMS Notes:

Eligibility:
• The applicant or someone with authorization can request the notes.
• A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or individual in Canada must make the request if the applicant is outside Canada.
Process:
• Submit an Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) request online via the IRCC or a related agency's website.
• Provide the required information, including application number and consent form (IMM 5744) if someone else is requesting on behalf of the applicant.
Timeframe:
• It typically takes about 30 days to receive the notes, though delays can occur.