Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) request
Statutory definition
The Privacy Act provides individuals the right to access personal information about themselves held by the federal government. Immigration file requests to IRCC are typically made under the Privacy Act. The Access to Information Act allows broader access to government records. IRCC uses an online ATIP portal (atip.ircc.ca) for most immigration ATIP requests, which reduces processing time compared to paper-based requests.
Explanation
ATIP requests are routinely used by immigration practitioners to obtain GCMS notes, disclosure of IRCC's decision rationale, and any notes from port of entry examinations or enforcement actions. Practitioners submit ATIP requests immediately after a refusal to ensure the notes are available before any judicial review limitation period expires. IRCC processes most ATIP requests within 30 days but complex requests can take longer. The notes received may reveal officer credibility concerns, procedural steps taken, and the exact basis for the decision.