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GCKey VS IRCC Portal

abc12345xyz

Star Member
Mar 28, 2014
154
3
- Can someone please advise what's the difference between applying through GCKey and through IRCC portal?
- Is the processing time the same?
- I heard on GCKey one must submit a lot of documents, whereas IRCC portal is simple version? Is it true?
- I also heard one doesn't have to provide siblings information through IRCC portal for visit visa? Is this true?

Thank you.
 

albloshi_sa

Hero Member
Jul 28, 2019
421
88
- Can someone please advise what's the difference between applying through GCKey and through IRCC portal?
Difference is interface, information needed and few options. Like in IRCC portal things are simpler and easier but limited options to add documents. In GCKey, you can add as much documents as you like. In IRCC portal you have to mention US visa number. etc etc.
- Is the processing time the same?
Yes, same.
- I heard on GCKey one must submit a lot of documents, whereas IRCC portal is simple version? Is it true?
Yes, somehow true.
- I also heard one doesn't have to provide siblings information through IRCC portal for visit visa? Is this true?
Yes, true.

In my opinion, Go for IRCC portal unless you have complex case and want to upload tons of papers.
 

abc12345xyz

Star Member
Mar 28, 2014
154
3
@albloshi_sa thank you very much for your detailed information. You mentioned in "IRCC portal you have to mention US visa number". So, if one doesn't have a US visa then he can't apply under IRCC portal?
 

kimmytrang

Full Member
May 22, 2020
44
6
- Can someone please advise what's the difference between applying through GCKey and through IRCC portal?
Difference is interface, information needed and few options. Like in IRCC portal things are simpler and easier but limited options to add documents. In GCKey, you can add as much documents as you like. In IRCC portal you have to mention US visa number. etc etc.
- Is the processing time the same?
Yes, same.
- I heard on GCKey one must submit a lot of documents, whereas IRCC portal is simple version? Is it true?
Yes, somehow true.
- I also heard one doesn't have to provide siblings information through IRCC portal for visit visa? Is this true?
Yes, true.

In my opinion, Go for IRCC portal unless you have complex case and want to upload tons of papers.
Hi, I have a question regarding the question 3. Yes I also found the ircc portal requires less documents to be submitted. However, I'm wondering if we are not required to submit some docs then how could they clarify the information we fill in the portal such as proof of income, marriage certificate, birth certificate? Will they get back to us to ask for more docs after receiving our ircc portal application?
One of my friends used the portal but she still compressed all the docs into a file and upload into additional documents (optional docs). I know this is to be safe and right way to do but is it necessary? I'm wondering this in the perspective of a person doesn't have much docs to submit or missing a doc such as marriage certificate. If it is really simple like that then those who couldn't find much proof of assets or income for example, will benefit from portal than the gckey, isn't it?
 

albloshi_sa

Hero Member
Jul 28, 2019
421
88
Hi, I have a question regarding the question 3. Yes I also found the ircc portal requires less documents to be submitted. However, I'm wondering if we are not required to submit some docs then how could they clarify the information we fill in the portal such as proof of income, marriage certificate, birth certificate? Will they get back to us to ask for more docs after receiving our ircc portal application?
One of my friends used the portal but she still compressed all the docs into a file and upload into additional documents (optional docs). I know this is to be safe and right way to do but is it necessary? I'm wondering this in the perspective of a person doesn't have much docs to submit or missing a doc such as marriage certificate. If it is really simple like that then those who couldn't find much proof of assets or income for example, will benefit from portal than the gckey, isn't it?
You can add all those documents in 1 pdf and attach it to "Additional Documents" option. But the maximum allowed is 2MB, so you need to compress the files to make them 2MB max.
 

nav_dhamu

Member
Jun 13, 2021
13
2
Thank you for initiating this thread. Is anyone aware of Chinook here? We heard that the new portal is directly linked to Chinook hence giving out more refusals. On the other hand, GC Key applications are going to a human officer. Thoughts?
 

Ramramram

Newbie
Mar 17, 2024
6
1
Category........
VISIT
Hi, I have doubt about question no 3 about sibling information. I already refused visit visa through IRCC New portal. Now I am planning to apply again through GCkey. There is a question in GCkey "Do you have any family member in Canada". My answer is Yes because my real brother is a Canadian citizen. Is Canadian embassy imposed ban upon me of misinformation because in IRCC New portal no any question asked about family member in Canada.

Thanks
 

azzamkc

Hero Member
Apr 2, 2019
506
230
11
Oman
Category........
STUDY
Visa Office......
Abu Dhabi
App. Filed.......
02-09-2020
From my experience of 2 applications (one for my duaghter SP and one for my wife TRV) whereby the former was processed through GCKEY and the latter IRCC, what I can see is that you go through a series of questions and what you answer takes you to one or the other. I am yet to see the outcome of my wife's IRCC application. Heck, I didn't even see a requirement to upload an Application Form or a photograph. Not even a copy of her passport. Let's see what happens.
 
Last edited:

samir23booba

Newbie
May 28, 2024
1
0
From my experience of 2 applications (one for my duaghter SP and one for my wife TRV) whereby the former was processed through GCKEY and the latter IRCC, what I can see is that you go through a series of questions and what you answer takes you to one or the other. I am yet to see the outcome of my wife's IRCC application. Heck, I didn't even see a requirement to upload an Application Form or a photograph. Not even a copy of her passport. Let's see what happens.
Hello any news for IRCC portal application ?
Have you received biometry if yes, when was it please ?
Thanks
 

nai2312

Newbie
Jun 4, 2024
1
0
From my experience of 2 applications (one for my duaghter SP and one for my wife TRV) whereby the former was processed through GCKEY and the latter IRCC, what I can see is that you go through a series of questions and what you answer takes you to one or the other. I am yet to see the outcome of my wife's IRCC application. Heck, I didn't even see a requirement to upload an Application Form or a photograph. Not even a copy of her passport. Let's see what happens.
Hi have you heard back? I applied through gckey feb first week still havent received a final decision. someone suggested to reapply through the new ircc portal as they are faster (14-30days). is that true? have you had any luck?
 

menaka_p

Star Member
Jul 18, 2020
105
36
Hi have you heard back? I applied through gckey feb first week still havent received a final decision. someone suggested to reapply through the new ircc portal as they are faster (14-30days). is that true? have you had any luck?
Did you hear back after applying through GCKEY?