Here is what happens in 30 days with a GCMS request

The legislated time frame for processing a request under the Access to Information Act is 30 calendar days. Here is an example of what happens in 30 days. Even a routine request takes as much as 9 days as per the information below.

How long does it take IRCC to process a GCMS request?

How long does it really take to process a GCMS request?

In reality it takes IRCC far less time to process a GCMS request. Internal documents obtained from IRCC reveal some details as to how IRCC processes requests. Below are some Q&A’s between the IRCC processing team and IT staff. These questions were asked by the IT staff in order to automate some processing tasks. Have a look. You will see that these tasks take only minutes to complete!

You will see below that IRCC makes mention of Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3; these are classifications given to GCMS requests based on the level of complexity and effort involved in processing a request.

How long does it take IRCC to process a GCMS request?
How long does it take IRCC to process a GCMS request?

So, why does it take so long to process a GCMS request?

It boils down to having the capacity to process requests.

A snapshot from an operations report at IRCC that shows capacity constraints.
A snapshot showing the daily average requests received per week at IRCC

With finite resources and an ever-growing demand for GCMS notes at IRCC, deadlines are not always met. Mitigation measures are being put in place, but it will take time for it to play out.

Thank you for reading!
Canada Visa Status – The only way to know the most detailed information of an application is by requesting GCMS Notes. GCMS is the most comprehensive and up-to-date information that can be obtained to understand the status of a visa application or to learn the details about a visa refusal. It offers far more detail than IRCC’s online system and you can order your GCMS Notes online
Disclaimer – Material contained within this website is intended for informational purposes only and is provided as a service to the Canada visa applicant community. These materials do not, and are not, intended to constitute legal advice.