1. What are CAIPS and GCMS files?
CAIPS stands for Computer Assisted Immigration Processing System, which is the computer system used by the IRCC to process all immigration and visa applications.
CAIPS is part of the Electronic Data Processing System (EDP) used by Canadian Immigration Services to process visa applications. EDP systems are designed and used to collect or update information necessary for the operational support of immigration programs.
The most useful and interesting from the immigration processes’ point of view EDP systems are CAIPS, GCMS and FOSS.
Computer Assisted Immigration Processing System (CAIPS) is an automated application processing system used by IRCC for processing apllications sabmitted from outside Canada. CAIPS files contains all information from the application forms and supporting documents submitted by applicants for visitor and immigration visas, as well as from applications for study and work permits.
Field Operational Support System (FOSS) is the main operating system for operational processing of immigration applications within Canada.
Global Case Management System (GCMS) is the new integrated global IRCC system used for processing all kinds of immigration applications, as well as citizenship applications.
2. Can I request the CAIPS and GCMS files on my own?
To send a request you must be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada or an individual or corporation currently in Canada.
3. Which IRCC visa offices can you get CAIPS files for?
We can access CAIPS and GCMS files for all IRCC visa offices around the world, including the local visa offices such as Kyiv, Moscow or London and Canadian offices such as Ottawa.
All file requests are processed through a IRCC department in Ottawa, Canada, not through the local visa office.
4. How long does it take to obtain my GCMS / CAIPS File?
In most cases, it takes 30 calendar days to receive a CAIPS or GCMS file. However, it is possible both to receive files earlier than the specified time period and later.