GCMS Notes for Spousal Sponsorship
GCMS Notes for Spousal Sponsorship Applications
Family sponsorship of a spouse or partner is a permanent residence program processed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in the Global Case Management System (GCMS). 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 the program covers, how to request your records, and your options after a refusal — including the right of appeal, which differs by class. Every statement below is sourced from IRCC, with references at the end of the page.
What this program covers
According to IRCC, this is a program to sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner or dependent child to become a permanent resident of Canada.[1] IRCC notes that processing times vary based on factors including the type of application, whether the application is complete, how easily IRCC can verify your information, and how quickly you respond to any requests or concerns.[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 sponsorship 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] 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 sponsorship file
We submit the request to IRCC on your behalf and, where required, act as your authorized representative.
Order GCMS NotesIf your sponsorship application is refused
According to IRCC, if it refuses your family member’s permanent residence application, it will tell you why it was refused and how to appeal the decision (if this applies).[8] Importantly, IRCC states that you cannot appeal the decision if you are sponsoring them under the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class.[8]
Separately, 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 decision was not fair or reasonable, or that there was an error.[9] Reviewing your full records first helps you understand the reasons before choosing a path.
Frequently asked questions
Can I appeal a refused spousal sponsorship?
IRCC will tell you how to appeal the decision if it applies; however, you cannot appeal if you are sponsoring under the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class.[8]
What can I do if I have no right of appeal?
You can ask the Federal Court of Canada to review the decision through its leave and judicial review process.[9]
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:
- Sponsor your spouse, partner or child — 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
- Sponsor your spouse, partner or child: After you apply — Canada.ca
- Apply to the Federal Court of Canada for judicial review — Canada.ca