GCMSApply.com, a leading service provider dedicated to assisting clients in obtaining their GCMS notes from IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) and CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency). Our goal is to offer an easy, efficient, and secure method for individuals to access their GCMS notes that encompass information such as the reason for refusal, status updates, and more.
Today, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) initiated the initial wave of invitations to skilled individuals in the health care sector who have applied for Express Entry. This marks the commencement of a series of category-specific selection rounds that will persist throughout the year.
Introduction: Canada introduces a new streamlined work permit for H-1B specialty occupation visa holders in the United States (US) to work in Canada. The initiative aims to improve labour mobility, particularly in the high-tech sector, and foster economic growth within Canada.
Key Points:
Eligibility and Benefits: Starting from July 16, 2023, H-1B visa holders in the US, along with their immediate family members, can apply for an open work permit in Canada. The permit is valid for up to three years, allowing work for any employer in Canada. Spouses and dependents can also apply for temporary resident visas, including work or study permits.
Objectives: The streamlined work permit aims to enhance labour mobility and talent retention by providing skilled workers with opportunities to advance their careers in the high-tech industry. It promotes economic growth and collaboration between Canada and the US.
Duration and Application Cap: The initiative will be effective for one year or until the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) receives 10,000 applications. Only principal applicants count towards the application cap, not their accompanying family members.
Canada has invited 4,300 candidates to apply for permanent residence in the second Express Entry draw of June 2023. The draw was held on June 27, 2023, and was an all-program draw, meaning that candidates from all three Express Entry programs were eligible.
Minimum CRS 486
CRS Cut-off Score and Tie-breaking Rule
The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required to receive an invitation to apply (ITA) in this draw was 486. Following the most recent draw on June 8, where 4,800 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 486 were invited in an all-program draw, this marks the second draw of June 2023. Notably, the minimum CRS score requirement of 486 in this draw is same as in the previous all-program draw on June 8th 2023.
The tie-breaking rule for this draw is June 21, 2023 00:57:04 UTC. This means that candidates with a CRS score of 486 or higher who submitted their profile before this date and time received an ITA in this draw.
The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, the Honourable Sean Fraser, has introduced a new rule that lets temporary foreign workers study in Canada without a study permit for as long as they want. Before, there was a limit on how long they could study without a permit. But now, they have the chance to get more education and training to help them in their careers. This change will also increase their chances of becoming permanent residents in the future. It’s a temporary rule that will last for three years.
Introduction: In Canada, temporary foreign workers contribute significantly to the economy and fill essential gaps in the labor market. However, these workers often face limitations when it comes to pursuing their desired study programs, hindering their ability to create new opportunities and achieve their dreams. In response to this challenge, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, has announced a new temporary measure that removes the restrictions on the duration of study programs available to temporary foreign workers without a study permit.
Details of the Measure: Effective immediately, foreign workers holding valid work permits or pending work permit extension decisions as of June 7, 2023, will have the opportunity to pursue additional training and education without the need for a separate study permit. This measure enables foreign workers to expand their career prospects, enhance their skills, and increase their chances of transitioning to permanent residence.
Previously, foreign workers could engage in studies while working, but only in programs lasting six months or less. This limitation posed a barrier for individuals seeking to improve their education, gain additional training, or validate their foreign credentials through specific programs. However, with the implementation of this three-year temporary measure, foreign workers can now enroll in study programs of any length, either on a full-time or part-time basis, for as long as their work permits remain valid or until the policy expires.
Importance and Implications: This policy change recognizes the vital role played by temporary foreign workers in the Canadian economy and aims to empower them to pursue their career goals and aspirations. By removing barriers to skills development, the measure seeks to address critical labor shortages and provide opportunities for foreign workers to contribute to sectors such as healthcare and construction. The initiative also benefits employers, workers, and the economy as a whole, while fostering the growth of Canadian communities.
Potential Benefits for Permanent Residence: While Canadian work experience gained during full-time studies does not count toward eligibility for the Canadian Experience Class, this temporary measure can positively impact foreign nationals’ chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence through the Express Entry system. By undertaking further studies, individuals may increase their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, for example, by acquiring a higher level of education, improving language proficiency, gaining qualifying work experience during part-time studies, or obtaining higher-skilled employment opportunities. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will evaluate the outcomes of this policy and utilize the findings to inform potential future policy changes.
Conclusion: The extension of study authorization for work permit holders marks a significant step in enabling foreign workers to pursue their educational aspirations and unlock their full potential in Canada. By removing limitations on the length of study programs, the government aims to enhance the skills of temporary foreign workers, address labor market gaps, and create a pathway for them to contribute more effectively to the Canadian economy. This policy change aligns with Canada’s reliance on immigration for labor force growth and highlights the country’s commitment to fostering a robust and inclusive society.
GCMS stands for Global Case Management System, which is an internal system used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to manage immigration and visa applications. GCMS notes, also known as CAIPS (Computer Assisted Immigration Processing System) notes, are detailed records of an individual’s immigration application stored in the GCMS database.
GCMS notes contain a comprehensive record of the processing of an immigration application. They include information such as the application forms submitted, supporting documents, correspondence between the applicant and IRCC, internal notes made by immigration officers, and any decisions or actions taken regarding the application.
GCMS notes are highly valuable for individuals who have applied for immigration or visa programs in Canada, as they provide insight into the status and progress of the application. These notes can be requested by applicants or their authorized representatives through an official request process, typically known as an Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) request.
Obtaining GCMS notes allows applicants to review the details of their application, identify any errors or discrepancies, understand the reasons for a decision, or gather information for an appeal or legal purposes. It provides a comprehensive overview of the immigration officer’s assessment and reasoning behind the application’s processing.
It’s important to note that GCMS notes are considered confidential and are provided only to the applicant or their authorized representative. They are not publicly accessible and can only be obtained through a formal request to IRCC.
To request GCMS notes for an immigration application, the process varies depending on whether you are making the request from inside or outside Canada. Here’s a step-by-step guide for both scenarios:
Start a New Request: Click on the “Start a new request” button to begin the request process.
Select the Appropriate Options: Choose the applicable options for your request, such as “Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada” or “Canada Border Services Agency” as the government institution.
Provide Personal Information: Fill in your personal details, including your full name, date of birth, immigration application number, UCI, Address, Contact number, Email Address.
Submit the Request: Review the information you provided, ensure it is accurate, and submit your request. You may be required to pay the processing fee at this stage.
Pay the Fee: Process the payment of the CAD $5 fee through the online payment options available on the portal.
Wait for Processing: After submitting your request and payment, the ATIP office will process your request. The processing time may vary, but you should receive a response within a 30 to 60 days.
Access the GCMS Notes: Once your request is processed, you will receive the GCMS notes either by email or through the ATIP portal, depending on the communication method you selected during the request process.
How to apply GCMS notes if you are outside Canada?
If you are located outside Canada, you are unable to directly request GCMS notes from IRCC or CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency). Instead, you can apply for your GCMS notes with the help of someone you know who is a Permanent Resident or Citizen of Canada. The fee for this service remains the same at CAD $5. To proceed, you will need to complete the consent form, which allows the individual in Canada to request the GCMS notes on your behalf.
In case you don’t have any contacts in Canada, there are third-party service providers available who can assist you in obtaining GCMS notes from IRCC and CBSA. These service providers will handle the process of requesting the GCMS notes on your behalf, and once they receive the notes, they will provide them to you. Typically, the third-party service providers charge a fee for their assistance. Ensure you understand their pricing structure and pay the applicable fee.
It is important to exercise caution when utilizing third-party services and ensure you choose reputable providers to safeguard the security and privacy of your personal information.
Fulfill all the specified requirements mentioned in the instructions for that particular round.
During a category-based round of invitations, the following actions will be taken:
Candidates in the pool who meet the category requirements will be ranked.
Top-ranking candidates will be invited to apply for permanent residence.
Requirements for the French-language proficiency category eligibility are as follows:
Possess French-language test results indicating a minimum score of 7 in all four language abilities as per the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens.
Fulfill all the requirements specified in the instructions provided for that particular round.
For comprehensive details regarding eligibility, please refer to the instructions accompanying each round.
Requirements for eligibility in the healthcare occupations category are as follows:
Acquire a minimum of six months of continuous work experience (either in Canada or internationally) within the past three years in a single occupation listed in the provided table.
Satisfy all the requirements mentioned in the instructions for the specific round.
Comprehensive details regarding eligibility can be found in the instructions provided for each round.
Starting from June 14, 2023, the temporary exemption policy for certain foreign nationals applying for Canadian PR (permanent residency) from submitting biometrics has been discontinued by the IRCC. As a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the IRCC implemented a policy within the Global Case Management System (GCMS) that eliminated the requirement for PR applicants to re-submit their biometrics if they had already provided them within the past 10 years while applying for a temporary resident status.
According to an official update from the IRCC program delivery, this interim public policy will no longer apply to PR applications submitted on or after June 14, 2023.
Biometrics refer to the unique physical traits of an individual, such as fingerprints and photographs, which are required for Canadian immigration purposes.
Under the interim provision implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, foreign nationals applying for PR were exempt from providing biometric information if they had previously submitted it for an immigration or visa application within the past ten years.
Until June 14, 2023, PR applications meeting the above criteria were processed without the need for biometrics.
However, as of that date, all foreign nationals seeking PR, including those on work permits like yourself, must now submit their biometric data, regardless of whether they provided it four years ago.
If you fall within the age range of 14 to 79 and plan to apply for PR under the family class, economic class, or refugee category after June 14, 2023, you will need to provide your fingerprints, even if your previous biometrics are still valid.
What is UCI (Unique Client Identifier) in the context of Canadian Immigration?
When engaging with IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada), a distinct number is assigned to individuals. This number, known as UCI, can consist of either ten digits (e.g., 01-2345-6789) or eight digits (e.g., 1234-5678). UCI stands for Unique Client Identifier, and it serves as a unique identification for applicants. It allows IRCC to link individuals to their multiple applications. For instance, in a family of four applying for immigration or a visa, each member receives a separate UCI.
Temporary UCIs may also be issued by IRCC. Here are two examples:
Express Entry applicants are assigned UCIs starting with CAN000123456789.
Other applicants may receive temporary UCIs in the format X01-2345-6789 or T01-2345-6789.
These temporary UCIs will eventually be replaced by an eight or ten-digit UCI.
The UCI remains unchanged for each applicant throughout their lifetime, meaning that your UCI remains constant for all applications submitted to IRCC. It also remains consistent for any interactions you have with CBSA. This implies that if you are already aware of your UCI, you can utilize it for future applications.
Having a UCI (Unique Client Identifier) is contingent upon prior interactions with Canadian immigration authorities. These interactions encompass various scenarios, such as:
Applying for temporary statuses like an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization), TRV (Temporary Resident Visa), work permit, or study permit.
Dealing with a removal order.
Immigrating to Canada.
Sponsoring your spouse or common-law partner (both inland and outside-Canada options).
Sponsoring other family members, such as parents or grandparents, siblings, nieces or nephews, or aunts or uncles.
It’s important to note that this list is not exhaustive. Whenever you engage with immigration authorities, they correspond with you, which may involve receiving various documents, such as:
All these documents contain your UCI, so be sure to locate the 8 or 11-digit UCI on them. Sometimes, the term UCI or Client ID may be mentioned alongside the number. However, it’s worth mentioning that identifying the UCI on visa counterfoils can be a bit challenging. The accompanying image demonstrates how to locate the UCI on this particular document.
What is Canada Visa Application Number or File Number?
The application number or file number is an exclusive identifier assigned to your submitted application. Typically, this number commences with one or more letters, followed by nine digits. Here are some examples:
Full list of Canada Visa Application Number types and samples:
E123456789 for economic immigration
V123456789 for TRV (Temporary Resident Visa), Visitor Record, or eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)
S123456789 for study permit
W123456789 for work permit
H123456789 for Humanitarian and Compassionate considerations
ARC1234567 for ARC (Authorization to Return to Canada)
F123456789 for family reunification
EP12345678 for PNP (Provincial Nominee Program) applications
N123456789 for Removal orders
G123456789 for refugee resettlement or protected people PR (Permanent Residence) application
SV12345678 for verification of status
B123456789 for some older immigration applications
PR12345678 for Citizenship certificates
It’s important to note that instead of the placeholder “12345678,” you will receive a unique number specific to your application. In some cases, IRCC may issue temporary file numbers, indicated by an X at the beginning of the application number. However, if your application progresses, the X will be removed. There may also be rare instances where a temporary file number is replaced with a new one.
The file number or application number remains constant for a specific application, ensuring that you will not encounter any changes to the file number during the course of that application. It’s worth noting that if you were initially assigned a temporary application number, there is a possibility of receiving a new permanent number. However, once a permanent file number is assigned, it remains consistent for that particular application. It is important to emphasize that when opening a new application, a new file number will be allocated to you.
Where to find Canada visa application number or file number?
To find an immigration file number, the most effective method is to consult the correspondences you have received from IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada). This can include emails or physical letters that they have sent to you. If you have enlisted the services of an immigration representative, you can also seek their assistance in locating the file number.
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently announced changes to the English test requirements for students applying for a Study Permit in Canada through the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program. These changes, effective from 10th August 2023, make it easier for students to apply for a Study Permit by revising the IELTS Academic band score requirements. This report provides a detailed overview of the new IELTS Academic band score requirements for SDS applications and discusses the implications of these changes.
Previous IELTS Academic Band Score Requirements for SDS applications:
Prior to 10th August 2023, applicants using the IELTS Academic test for SDS applications were required to achieve a minimum band score of 6.0 in each of the four individual skills: Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking. This meant that test takers had to demonstrate proficiency in each of these areas to meet the English language requirements for the SDS program.
New IELTS Academic Band Score Requirements for SDS Application:
Under the revised requirements, IELTS Academic test takers applying for SDS after 10th August 2023 will no longer need to achieve a minimum score of 6.0 in each individual skill. Instead, a minimum overall band score of 6.0 will be sufficient. This means that applicants can compensate for any weaknesses in certain skills by performing exceptionally well in others, as long as the overall band score meets the minimum requirement.
Rationale for the Changes:
The change in the IELTS Academic band score requirements reflects a more holistic consideration of a test taker’s English proficiency. By removing the specific minimum scores for each skill, the IRCC acknowledges that applicants may excel in certain areas while needing additional support in others. This approach provides a more inclusive pathway for international students to pursue their academic ambitions in Canada, recognizing their overall English language ability rather than focusing solely on individual skills.
Canada has invited 4,800 candidates to apply for permanent residence in the first Express Entry draw of June 2023. The draw was held on June 8, 2023, and was an all-program draw, meaning that candidates from all three Express Entry programs were eligible.
Minimum CRS 486
CRS Cut-off Score and Tie-breaking Rule
The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required to receive an invitation to apply (ITA) in this draw was 486. Following the most recent draw on May 24, where 4,800 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 488 were invited in an all-program draw, this marks the initial draw of June. Notably, the minimum CRS score requirement of 488 in this draw is higher than the previous all-program draw on April 26, which required a minimum CRS score of 483.
The tie-breaking rule for this draw was May 19, 2023 14:04:00 UTC. This means that candidates with a CRS score of 486 or higher who submitted their profile before this date and time received an ITA in this draw.
