IRCC Now Provides More Transparency For Refused Visa Applications

Từ ngày 29/07/2025, những người nộp đơn xin visa tạm trú Canada bị từ chối sẽ nhận được ghi chú quyết định của viên chức xét duyệt hồ sơ kèm theo thư từ chối, giúp minh bạch hơn trong việc hiểu rõ lý do bị từ chối.

1. Who is IRCC?

IRCC là viết tắt của Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada – the agency responsible for processing Canadian immigration, refugee and citizenship applications. When applying for a visa or permanent residence, the outcome of the application is decided by IRCC.

2. Who Will Receive the Officer's Decision Note?

From now on, the following types of temporary residence applications that are refused will be accompanied by Officer decision notes:

• Visa tạm trú (TRV – Temporary Resident Visa), trừ eTA (Giấy phép du lịch điện tử) và TRP (Giấy phép cư trú tạm thời);
• Giấy xác nhận lưu trú (Visitor Record);
• Giấy phép du học (Study Permit);
• Giấy phép lao động (Work Permit).

Note: Applications submitted through the new IRCC Portal will not receive this note at this time. IRCC will expand this form to more application types in the future.

3. How Do I Get the Officer's Decision Note?

When an application is refused, there is nothing further that the applicant needs to do – IRCC will proactively send a note with the refusal letter to the applicant or legal representative.

However, some content in notes may be omitted for security, privacy, or other legal reasons.

4. If You Want More Detailed Information?

In addition to the officer's Decision Notes, applicants can request “GCMS Notes” (Global Case Management System Notes) from IRCC for more detailed information.

5. What is GCMS Notes?

GCMS Notes are documents stored in IRCC's internal system, including:

• Details of submitted application;
• Review officer's comments;
• Update processing progress.

This is the most complete source of information to help applicants understand the reasons for rejection or any problems that may arise.

How Are GCMS Notes Requested?

Must make a formal request through an “ATIP Request” – a Canadian statutory access to information request.

6. Who Can Request GCMS Notes?

• Canadian citizen;
• Canadian permanent resident;
• People who are in Canada legally.

If you are outside Canada, you must have a representative in Canada do it for you and provide a signed authorization form.

7. When Can GCMS Notes Be Requested?

• Only after the application passes the full R-10 review (R-10 Completeness Check – confirm that all necessary documents have been submitted).
• Generally, it is advisable to wait until IRCC begins processing the application for more detailed information.
• Many people request GCMS Notes after receiving results from IRCC.

8. How to Request GCMS Notes

Step 1: Prepare Application Information

Include:

• Full name, date of birth, UCI code (customer code), profile code, contact information.

Step 2: Submit ATIP Request

• Apply online through IRCC or through a representative;
• Pay the fee.

Response time is typically 30 working days, which may be extended if the case is complex.

Conclusion

IRCC’s proactive provision of officer decision notes is a step forward in transparency, helping applicants understand the reasons for refusal and have the opportunity to improve their applications in the future.

If you need to request GCMS Notes or need advice on your application, please contact a reputable service for assistance.