Refugee Claim in Process?

Yes. You do not have to wait for a final decision. You can request your GCMS and ATIP notes at any point during the processing of your refugee claim to see the most current updates on your file.

POE stands for Port of Entry. These notes are the written transcripts and summaries created by the border officers during your very first interview when you arrived in Canada. They are a critical piece of evidence used by the IRB to judge your consistency.

POE stands for Port of Entry. These notes are the written transcripts and summaries created by the border officers during your very first interview when you arrived in Canada. They are a critical piece of evidence used by the IRB to judge your consistency.

No. Requesting your ATIP or GCMS records is a completely separate administrative process. It does not pause your refugee claim processing, nor does it push your hearing date further back.

The public-facing online tracker provides very limited information. A file can remain “in process” while moving through dozens of internal stages—from fingerprint verification to complex security screenings. Only your internal notes reveal the actual stage your file has reached.

Under the Access to Information Act, the government must process ATIP requests within 30 days. However, refugee files often involve multiple departments (IRCC, CBSA, and CSIS), which can occasionally push processing times to 35 to 40 days.

Absolutely not. Requesting your own immigration records is a fundamental legal right in Canada. It is standard practice for refugee claimants and their lawyers, and decision-makers do not penalize applicants for requesting their information.

The notes will not give you a future hearing date if one has not been scheduled yet. However, they will show if your file has been marked as “ready for scheduling,” giving you a clear indication of your current standing in the queue.

When you submit an ATIP request, you can ask for the complete physical file, which will include the internal status of your Immigration Medical Exam (IME). If you specifically need the clinical notes from the panel physician, a specialized medical ATIP request is required.

We are a fully digital e-services company and do not offer in-person appointments. This allows us to process requests rapidly and securely for applicants all across Canada without geographical limitations.

You simply need your UCI (Unique Client Identifier), your application number, and a signed consent form. Our fully online system at gcmsfile.ca securely handles the rest, ensuring your request is routed to the exact federal department holding your records.