ATIP Request to IRCC — How to Request Your Immigration Records
ATIP Request to IRCC — Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about submitting an Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) request to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to obtain your immigration records, including GCMS notes.
What Is an ATIP Request?
An ATIP request (Access to Information and Privacy request) is the formal legal mechanism under Canadian law that allows individuals to access government records about themselves. Under the Privacy Act and the Access to Information Act, you have the legal right to request copies of any personal information the Government of Canada holds about you — including your complete immigration file.
When you submit an ATIP request to IRCC, you can obtain:
- GCMS Notes: The detailed officer notes, assessments, and processing history of your immigration application
- Complete Application File: All documents in your file, including forms submitted, correspondence, and internal memos
- CBSA Records: Border services records including entry/exit history and security screening notes
Who Can Submit an ATIP Request?
Under Canadian law, the following individuals can submit an ATIP request:
- Canadian citizens — regardless of where they currently reside
- Permanent residents of Canada
- Any individual or corporation present in Canada — including temporary residents with valid status
Important: If you are outside Canada and are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you cannot submit an ATIP request directly. However, you can authorize a representative in Canada to submit on your behalf. This is exactly what OfficerNote.ca does — we act as your authorized representative and handle the entire ATIP process for you.
How to Submit an ATIP Request — Two Methods
Method 1: Through the Official Government Portal (DIY)
- Visit the Government of Canada ATIP Online Request portal
- Select "Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)" as the institution
- Choose "Privacy Act Request" for your personal records
- Provide your personal details: full name, date of birth, UCI number, and application number
- Pay the $5 CAD processing fee online
- Wait 30 days for the response
Method 2: Through OfficerNote.ca (Professional Service)
- Submit your order on our website with your basic information
- We prepare and submit the ATIP request on your behalf
- We monitor the request and follow up with IRCC
- Your records are delivered to your secure dashboard
ATIP Request Fees
- Official government fee: $5 CAD (for Privacy Act requests)
- Access to Information requests: Free since 2024
- Through OfficerNote.ca: Starting at $19 CAD (includes government fees, preparation, submission, and delivery)
Processing Time
By law, IRCC must respond to ATIP requests within 30 calendar days. However, in practice, complex requests or high-volume periods may result in extensions. The current average processing time is approximately 20-30 days.
When you use OfficerNote.ca, we submit your request promptly and track its progress. You will receive a notification when your records are ready to download from your secure dashboard.
Let us handle your ATIP request
Skip the paperwork. We submit and track your ATIP request professionally.
Order GCMS NotesFrequently Asked Questions
Does an ATIP request affect my immigration application?
No. It is your legal right and has absolutely no impact on your application.
Can I request someone else's records?
Only with their written consent (using form IMM 5744 or equivalent).
What if IRCC does not respond within 30 days?
You can file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.