GCMS Notes for Express Entry Applications
GCMS Notes for Express Entry Applications
Express Entry is the online system Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses to manage permanent residence applications under three economic programs. If your application is delayed or refused, your IRCC records contain more detail than the online status tracker. This guide explains, using official IRCC information only, what Express Entry covers, how to request your records, and what options exist after a refusal. Every statement below is sourced from IRCC, with references at the end of the page.
What Express Entry covers
According to IRCC, Express Entry is an online system used to manage immigration applications for three programs:[1]
- Canadian Experience Class — for skilled workers with eligible Canadian work experience;
- Federal Skilled Worker Program — for skilled workers with eligible foreign or Canadian work experience; and
- Federal Skilled Trades Program — for skilled workers who are qualified in a skilled trade.
Eligibility uses standard measures including the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) for language ability and the National Occupational Classification (NOC) with its TEER categories for work experience.[1]
The status tracker vs. your full file
In the IRCC application status tracker you see only high-level statuses — for example, “Received” or “In progress” — together with review sections such as background verification.[2] Your full personal records held by IRCC contain much more than these high-level statuses, which is why many applicants request a complete copy of their file.
How to request your Express Entry records
Your own personal information held by IRCC can be requested under the Privacy Act — available to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and foreign nationals regardless of where they are located.[3] Broader records are requested under the Access to Information Act ($5.00 fee),[4] where an applicant who is not a citizen, permanent resident, or present in Canada must use a representative who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, with written consent.[5] This is the role we perform for clients outside Canada. Requests can be submitted through IRCC’s ATIP Online Request tool or in writing,[6] and IRCC has 30 days to respond to a formal request.[7]
Get your complete Express Entry file
We act as your authorized representative and submit the request to IRCC on your behalf.
Order GCMS NotesIf your application is refused
The options after a refusal depend on the type of application. Under Canada’s immigration law, you can ask the Federal Court of Canada to review immigration decisions through a two-stage process (a leave stage and a judicial review stage); at the leave stage you must show the Court that the decision was not fair or reasonable, or that there was an error.[8] There are deadlines to apply, so IRCC suggests getting legal advice as soon as possible.[8] Reviewing your full records first helps you understand the decision before deciding your next step.
Frequently asked questions
What programs does Express Entry manage?
The Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program.[1]
Can I challenge a refusal?
You can ask the Federal Court of Canada to review an immigration decision; the Court first decides whether to grant leave, then conducts the judicial review.[8]
How long does it take to get my records?
IRCC has 30 days to respond to a formal request, though this may be extended in certain circumstances.[7]
Official sources
All information on this page is based on official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) information:
- Express Entry: Who can apply — Canada.ca
- What does my status mean in the application status tracker? — IRCC
- Who can make a request under the Privacy Act? — IRCC
- What is the fee for an Access request? — IRCC
- Who can make a request under the Access to Information Act? — IRCC
- How and where do I submit an Access to Information or Privacy request? — IRCC
- How long does the Department have to respond? — IRCC
- Apply to the Federal Court of Canada for judicial review — Canada.ca