Under the Access to Information Act, the Government of Canada is legally required to respond to ATIP requests within 30 calendar days. However, actual processing times vary:

• Through OfficerNote.ca: Approximately 20 days — we submit your request promptly and follow up to ensure timely processing
• Direct ATIP request: 30 days to several months, depending on IRCC workload
• During peak periods: Processing may take longer due to high volumes of applications and requests

Important: The 30-day deadline is enforced by law. If IRCC cannot meet this deadline, they must notify the requester and provide an estimated completion date.

Several factors can influence how quickly you receive your GCMS notes:

• Volume of requests — IRCC processes thousands of ATIP requests monthly; high volumes lead to delays
• Complexity of your file — Applications with extensive documentation or multiple entries may take longer to compile
• Type of request — Complete File requests (which include copies of all documents) take longer than standard GCMS notes
• IRCC vs. CBSA — Processing times may differ between agencies
• Accuracy of submitted information — Incomplete or incorrect details (UCI number, name spelling) can cause delays
• Time of year — Certain periods see higher request volumes

• IRCC GCMS Notes — Typically processed within 20-30 days. Covers immigration applications processed by IRCC offices in Canada and abroad
• CBSA GCMS Notes — May take slightly longer. Covers border-related records, security screenings, and enforcement actions
• Combined IRCC + CBSA — Two separate requests processed independently; you may receive them at different times

For most applicants, requesting IRCC notes alone is sufficient. If your case involves border security concerns, CBSA notes may provide additional context.

When you order through OfficerNote.ca, tracking your request is simple:

• Dashboard access — Sign in to your account to view real-time status updates
• Email notifications — Receive automatic updates when your notes are ready
• Support team — Contact us anytime for a status check on your request

If you submitted directly through the ATIP portal, you can check your request status online at the Government of Canada's ATIP Online portal using your confirmation number.

If IRCC does not respond within the statutory 30-day deadline:

• Time extension notice — IRCC may send a notice extending the deadline, which is permitted under the Act under certain circumstances
• File a complaint — You can file a complaint with the Office of the Information Commissioner of Canada if you believe the delay is unreasonable
• Follow up — When using OfficerNote.ca, our team proactively follows up with IRCC on your behalf to minimize delays

Our commitment: We monitor every request and escalate when necessary to ensure you receive your notes as quickly as possible.

• Provide accurate information — Ensure your name, date of birth, and UCI number are exactly as they appear on your immigration documents
• Use the correct UCI format — ##-####-#### or ####-####
• Choose the right agency — Request from IRCC unless you specifically need CBSA records
• Use a professional service — Services like OfficerNote.ca submit properly formatted requests, reducing the chance of rejection or delays
• Submit early — If you anticipate needing GCMS notes (e.g., for an appeal), request them as soon as possible

Request your GCMS Notes now with OfficerNote.ca →