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MAY 2021 *Outland* Spousal Sponsorship

MBTS

Star Member
Jun 14, 2021
99
36
Would it hurt to request for GCMS notes or ATIP notes just to know the current status of the application? I checked how to request one, and its fairly easy actually. Based on testimonial here, it would take a month to receive an update. I just feel it would be more helpful, compared to having a call with IRCC and not telling you any details. In GCMS, they were supposed to provide electronic notes by the officer, so you would most likely know in detail where you are already in the application.

Any comments? or any experience with this already? How helpful? Thanks!

The reason I asked if it would hurt, is it might probably affect your application process? More importantly if the process timeline is still within the window (12 months). Just wanted to ease the anxiety on everybody else as well, instead of not knowing anything, at least with having an electronic note, you'll have better view of what's happening in the background.

The reason I also asked, is after I received pre-arrival letter, I received 2 ghost updates, but not really sure what's happening. Of course I am hoping for the best, but not knowing what's happening is adding up to the anxiety as well.
 

Rsk123

Star Member
Jun 17, 2017
147
17
Would it hurt to request for GCMS notes or ATIP notes just to know the current status of the application? I checked how to request one, and its fairly easy actually. Based on testimonial here, it would take a month to receive an update. I just feel it would be more helpful, compared to having a call with IRCC and not telling you any details. In GCMS, they were supposed to provide electronic notes by the officer, so you would most likely know in detail where you are already in the application.

Any comments? or any experience with this already? How helpful? Thanks!

The reason I asked if it would hurt, is it might probably affect your application process? More importantly if the process timeline is still within the window (12 months). Just wanted to ease the anxiety on everybody else as well, instead of not knowing anything, at least with having an electronic note, you'll have better view of what's happening in the background.

The reason I also asked, is after I received pre-arrival letter, I received 2 ghost updates, but not really sure what's happening. Of course I am hoping for the best, but not knowing what's happening is adding up to the anxiety as well.
What is your timeline and VO?
 

armoured

VIP Member
Feb 1, 2015
17,288
8,892
Would it hurt to request for GCMS notes or ATIP notes just to know the current status of the application? I checked how to request one, and its fairly easy actually. Based on testimonial here, it would take a month to receive an update. I just feel it would be more helpful, compared to having a call with IRCC and not telling you any details. In GCMS, they were supposed to provide electronic notes by the officer, so you would most likely know in detail where you are already in the application.

Any comments? or any experience with this already? How helpful? Thanks!

The reason I asked if it would hurt, is it might probably affect your application process?
Won't hurt, apply. There is some useful information in there - but manage expectations, it likely won't tell you everything you'd like to know.

But still - useful and often more useful than alternatives. Main thing for most - will likely say whether or not interview recommended or required. (If it doesn't refer to interview, not recommended - that decision can be changed by later officers but not often, it seems)

In your specific case - pre-arrival seems to generally mean no interview will be required; by timeline, don't worry too much, decision made and PPR usually follow in due course, unless some complication like criminality or security. (You probably won't see anything obvious about either of these since those sections usually redacted/withheld).
 
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canuck90

Star Member
Jan 20, 2021
149
73
Brantford, ON
Would it hurt to request for GCMS notes or ATIP notes just to know the current status of the application? I checked how to request one, and its fairly easy actually. Based on testimonial here, it would take a month to receive an update. I just feel it would be more helpful, compared to having a call with IRCC and not telling you any details. In GCMS, they were supposed to provide electronic notes by the officer, so you would most likely know in detail where you are already in the application.

Any comments? or any experience with this already? How helpful? Thanks!

The reason I asked if it would hurt, is it might probably affect your application process? More importantly if the process timeline is still within the window (12 months). Just wanted to ease the anxiety on everybody else as well, instead of not knowing anything, at least with having an electronic note, you'll have better view of what's happening in the background.

The reason I also asked, is after I received pre-arrival letter, I received 2 ghost updates, but not really sure what's happening. Of course I am hoping for the best, but not knowing what's happening is adding up to the anxiety as well.
No, GCMS request won't affect the processing of application. It's handled by different department within IRCC. I have got two GCMS notes so far after the file has been pretty quiet and now I have the exact status of the application without calling IRCC. Yes, you will see electronics notes by the officer and the notes with highest number is recent one. AFAIK, if pre-arrival is received, Eligibility is approved, and now security checks in process. Once its clears, you will receive the PPR. I hope this help! FYI: Now it takes more than 30 days to release the notes (It took 60+ days)
 
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MBTS

Star Member
Jun 14, 2021
99
36
Won't hurt, apply. There is some useful information in there - but manage expectations, it likely won't tell you everything you'd like to know.

But still - useful and often more useful than alternatives. Main thing for most - will likely say whether or not interview recommended or required. (If it doesn't refer to interview, not recommended - that decision can be changed by later officers but not often, it seems)

In your specific case - pre-arrival seems to generally mean no interview will be required; by timeline, don't worry too much, decision made and PPR usually follow in due course, unless some complication like criminality or security. (You probably won't see anything obvious about either of these since those sections usually redacted/withheld).
Thank you very much! This is very good and helpful information.

I am also just trying to ease everybody else's anxiety, I think ATIP notes are really a better option than calling IRCC, as hearing from testimonials here, you don't get that much info really. Although judging by the 30 day processing, or even more, It would be helpful, but not in the immediate time, compared to a direct call.
 

MBTS

Star Member
Jun 14, 2021
99
36
No, GCMS request won't affect the processing of application. It's handled by different department within IRCC. I have got two GCMS notes so far after the file has been pretty quiet and now I have the exact status of the application without calling IRCC. Yes, you will see electronics notes by the officer and the notes with highest number is recent one. AFAIK, if pre-arrival is received, Eligibility is approved, and now security checks in process. Once its clears, you will receive the PPR. I hope this help! FYI: Now it takes more than 30 days to release the notes (It took 60+ days)
Thank you very much. This info helps a lot as well.

I just observed your timeline, meaning in a span of 2 months, you were able to request for 2 GCMS notes already?
 

armoured

VIP Member
Feb 1, 2015
17,288
8,892
I am also just trying to ease everybody else's anxiety, I think ATIP notes are really a better option than calling IRCC, as hearing from testimonials here, you don't get that much info really. Although judging by the 30 day processing, or even more, It would be helpful, but not in the immediate time, compared to a direct call.
I agree. Getting information from the MP's office may be closer to content in the GCMS but without the detail.
 

canuck90

Star Member
Jan 20, 2021
149
73
Brantford, ON
Thank you very much. This info helps a lot as well.

I just observed your timeline, meaning in a span of 2 months, you were able to request for 2 GCMS notes already?
I requested GCMS right after SA approval (Jul 8, 2021) and one after Line 2 (July 28, 2021). I received on Aug 25th and 27th respectively, but nothing has changed drastically. One thing I observed is initially file was transferred to Ottawa IR (Primary VO) and CIO-Sydney (Secondary VO) for Eligibility though my SA says New Delhi but it is transferred to New Delhi for Eligibility again (reason workload redistribution). Criminality is in process, Security and Eligibility is not started while waiting for officer to be assigned in New Delhi but physical file is still in Ottawa IR (that's where my confusion is @armoured any idea??). Once eligibility is cleared by the officer in local VO, lead officer approve it. Then security is initiated and will be cleared for PPR. It's my understanding of how the process works.
 

MBTS

Star Member
Jun 14, 2021
99
36
I requested GCMS right after SA approval (Jul 8, 2021) and one after Line 2 (July 28, 2021). I received on Aug 25th and 27th respectively, but nothing has changed drastically. One thing I observed is initially file was transferred to Ottawa IR (Primary VO) and CIO-Sydney (Secondary VO) for Eligibility though my SA says New Delhi but it is transferred to New Delhi for Eligibility again (reason workload redistribution). Criminality is in process, Security and Eligibility is not started while waiting for officer to be assigned in New Delhi but physical file is still in Ottawa IR (that's where my confusion is @armoured any idea??). Once eligibility is cleared by the officer in local VO, lead officer approve it. Then security is initiated and will be cleared for PPR. It's my understanding of how the process works.
The way I see it, it gives you helpful information, but it could also give you reason to question the happenings and the process. :) When you say the lead officer? Is that from IRCC (in Ottawa?), not from the local visa office?
 

canuck90

Star Member
Jan 20, 2021
149
73
Brantford, ON
The way I see it, it gives you helpful information, but it could also give you reason to question the happenings and the process. :) When you say the lead officer? Is that from IRCC (in Ottawa?), not from the local visa office?
Based on Eagle333 original post, usually there will be two officers works on the file, lead officer who initiate and verifies the eligibility at CIO-Sydney and then it will be forwarded to local VO. If local VO officer doesn't find red flags he will approve and final approval is done by lead officer. If there is any, they will mark as "Interview Required"

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qp2u3X_F10-peLhSZnPwBNAZivuICTZIA2eyB-tOerE/edit#gid=1461086001
 
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Abma

Newbie
Oct 2, 2021
6
1
I did medical and biometric 3 months ago,but nothing is new still.i worried too much.is there any body who can say something
 
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MBTS

Star Member
Jun 14, 2021
99
36
I did medical and biometric 3 months ago,but nothing is new still.i worried too much.is there any body who can say something
Best if you can provide your timeline. But, 2-3 months after completing medical and biometrics, usual or similar timelines suggest you'll here from them soon.
 
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Fieldy

Full Member
Jun 23, 2021
21
9
they have requested pcc from me too, but there is option available to upload it directly in the gc key login where we can submit documents, i should upload it there only and no need to raise a web form?
I was asked to upload my medical receipt but also found no option to upload within GC Key. I went for web upload in the end but got no confirmation or update in GC key that they had got it. I think they are just super busy, I raised a technical query regarding the upload and heard nothing, I also changed my contact address to Canada 6 weeks ago and its not been changed. All a bit worrying.
 

KATHIA08

Hero Member
Jun 15, 2020
205
45
Hi group,


This will help:
Someone who has already met with their partner in Canada in the last few months.


What is the review process for those vaccinated upon arrival in Canada? Is the process long, tedious? Or does it just take a few minutes without so much complication with the officer?


What are those steps when arriving?



Thank you so much,