GCMS/CAIPS Notes Applications

CAIPS is short for ‘Computer Assisted Immigration Processing System’. It is the computer system historically used by Citizenship & Immigration Canada to process visa applications outside of Canada. However, this system is being superseded by the newer GCMS system. At BIC-Canada, we routinely request both CAIPS and GCMS files to ensure that we receive the current and relevant file for our clients’ applications.

FOSS is the computer system historically used by CIC offices in Canada to track all immigration-related information, but like the CAIPS system is being superseded by GCMS.

GCMS is short for ‘Global Case Management System’, and is a newer computer system that CIC have nearly completed rolling out across their offices.

The Importance of CAIPS Notes

There are many situations where you may want to apply for your CAIPS notes. If you have been asked to attend an interview, then you may wish to obtain your notes to find out why the interview was requested so that you can be well prepared when the time of the interview arrives.

Furthermore, if you feel that your application is taking longer than usual, or you have not heard anything from the visa office for a surprisingly long time, then you may consider requesting your immigration file so that you can check if your application is still on track. We have often tracked unexplained delays down to missing letters or documents, which have been highlighted as soon as the file is obtained. For example, CIC may have written to an applicant requesting additional references, educational transcripts or language tests, but the applicant’s address was incorrect or outdated.

Finally if you have any additional worries about your application status or progress, or are just generally curious as to what has happened so far, then you can obtain your CAIPS notes to put your mind at ease.