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ATIP Request to IRCC — Step-by-Step Guide

ATIP Request to IRCC — How to Request Your Immigration Records

Your Canadian immigration records — including the notes held in Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s Global Case Management System (GCMS) — are released through an Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) request. This guide explains, using official IRCC information only, which law to apply under, who can request, the fee, how to submit, and how long it takes. Every statement below is sourced from IRCC, with references listed at the end of the page.

Privacy Act or Access to Information Act?

There are two laws you can request under, and the right one depends on what you need:

  • Privacy Act — for your own personal information. According to IRCC, Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and foreign nationals, regardless of where they are located, can request access to their personal information held by federal government institutions under the Privacy Act.[1] Individuals may make a request under the Privacy Act for their personal information held by IRCC.[2]
  • Access to Information Act — for broader government records. Canadian citizens, permanent residents and any individual present in Canada can make a request; if you are none of these, you can ask a representative who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to make the request for you, with your written consent.[3]

IRCC notes that most government information is available, with major exceptions such as Cabinet documents and information that could harm Canada’s security; information about individuals may be disclosed only with their consent or if it is in the public interest.[4]

Is there a fee?

Each request filed under the Access to Information Act requires a $5.00 application fee, paid by credit card through the ATIP Online Request tool, or by cheque or money order made payable to the Receiver General for Canada for requests by mail.[5]

How and where to submit your request

According to IRCC, you can submit your request:[6]

  • Online through the ATIP Online Request tool — the request is then sent automatically to the Access to Information and Privacy Division at IRCC; or
  • In writing, using IRCC’s Access to Information and Personal Information Request Form (IMM 5563), the Treasury Board Access to Information Request Form (TBC/CTC 350-57), or the Personal Information Request Form (TBC/CTC 350-58); or
  • by letter, as long as it states which Act you are requesting under and includes enough detail to identify the records.

Written requests are mailed to: Access to Information and Privacy Division, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 1L1.[6]

Let us handle your ATIP request

We prepare and submit your request to IRCC and, where required, act as your authorized representative.

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How long does it take?

Under both the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act, IRCC has 30 days to respond to a formal request. This period may be extended in certain circumstances — for example, when a request involves a large number of records or requires consultations. IRCC will tell you about any extension, and its length, within 30 days of receiving the request.[7]

Frequently asked questions

Can I request my records if I live outside Canada?
Yes. Under the Privacy Act, foreign nationals can request their own personal information held by IRCC regardless of where they are located.[1] See our guide on requesting from outside Canada.

Do I have to pay?
Requests under the Access to Information Act require a $5.00 application fee.[5]

How do I request records for a family member?
You can ask a representative who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to make a request for you, if you give that person written consent.[3]

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