IRCC vs CBSA GCMS Notes — Which One Do You Need?
IRCC vs CBSA GCMS Notes — Which One Do You Need?
Your Canadian immigration records can be held by two different federal organizations: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Because they are separate institutions, you request records from each one separately. This guide explains, using official information only, the difference and how to request from each. Every statement below is sourced from IRCC and the CBSA, with references at the end of the page.
IRCC records (GCMS)
IRCC processes immigration applications using the Global Case Management System (GCMS), an integrated, web-based system used for processing applications for immigration, citizenship and passport services, which contains the personal information of clients who have applied.[1] These are the records most applicants mean by “GCMS notes.” You request your IRCC records through IRCC’s Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) process — online through the ATIP Online Request tool or in writing to IRCC’s ATIP Division.[2]
CBSA records
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is a separate federal agency responsible for border services; it operates at ports of entry across Canada with a workforce of approximately 17,000 employees.[3] According to the CBSA, requests for personal information held by the CBSA should be made to the CBSA under the Privacy Act, and this right of access extends to all individuals living in and outside of Canada.[4] The CBSA notes there are no fees for processing a request under the Privacy Act, and requests can be made through the CBSA’s own ATIP Online Request service or in writing using the Personal Information Request form (TBS/SCT 350-58).[4]
Which one do you need?
- To understand how IRCC assessed your immigration, citizenship or passport application (delays, refusals, officer processing) — request your IRCC GCMS records.[1]
- For records about your border interactions or travel history held by the CBSA — make a separate request to the CBSA.[4]
Because IRCC and the CBSA are different institutions, getting a full picture sometimes means requesting from both.
Not sure which records you need?
We help you request your IRCC GCMS notes and CBSA records and act as your authorized representative where required.
Order GCMS NotesFrequently asked questions
Are GCMS notes from IRCC or CBSA?
GCMS is IRCC’s system for processing immigration, citizenship and passport applications.[1] CBSA records are held separately by the CBSA and are requested from the CBSA.[4]
Does it cost anything to request CBSA records?
The CBSA states there are no fees for processing a request under the Privacy Act.[4] (An Access to Information Act request to IRCC has a $5.00 fee.[5])
Can I request CBSA records from outside Canada?
Yes — the CBSA states the right of access under the Privacy Act extends to all individuals living in and outside of Canada.[4]
Official sources
All information on this page is based on official Government of Canada information (IRCC and CBSA):
- Privacy Impact Assessment Summary: Deployment of GCMS and TEMPO — Canada.ca (IRCC)
- How and where do I submit an Access to Information or Privacy request? — IRCC
- What we do — Canada Border Services Agency
- How to make a request under the Privacy Act — CBSA
- What is the fee for an Access request? — IRCC