Study permit rejection and GCMS

Dear Miss Powell,

I applied for a Canadian study permit, but my application was rejected. The letter I received didn’t explain much. A friend said I can request something called GCMS notes. What is that, and how can I apply from Jamaica?

YT

Dear YT,

You are not alone in feeling confused and disappointed after receiving a study permit refusal. Many students from Jamaica and around the world are surprised when they receive a brief refusal letter that provides little or no explanation. Fortunately, there is a way to get more information about your case. This is where GCMS notes can make all the difference.

GCMS NOTES

GCMS stands for Global Case Management System. It is the internal system used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to record details about all immigration and visa applications. The GCMS notes are the written comments and evaluations made by the immigration officer who reviewed your file. These notes can reveal the true reasons behind the decision. For example, they may include concerns about your finances, your intention to return home, the clarity of your study plan, or doubts about the genuineness of your application.

While refusal letters have traditionally been vague, IRCC announced in July 2025 that they are now making changes to improve transparency. Officers are expected to include more detailed reasons for refusal directly in the letters, rather than relying on broad phrases. The updated refusal letters will highlight the key areas of concern such as ties to home country, financial sufficiency, or travel history, in clearer language. This change is part of IRCC’s commitment to fairness and openness in decision-making.

Even with these improvements, the refusal letter still may not tell you the full story. That is why requesting your GCMS notes remains essential. These notes provide a more complete and personalised explanation of why your application was refused. This allows you to understand what went wrong and how to improve your chances if you choose to apply again.

WHO CAN APPLY FOR GCMS NOTES

Since you live in Jamaica, you cannot apply for GCMS notes on your own. Only Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or individuals currently in Canada can make a request under the Access to Information Act. However, you can authorise someone in Canada to apply on your behalf. This can be a lawyer, a regulated immigration consultant, or a trusted relative or friend.

To do this, you will need to complete a consent form called IMM5744. Once signed, your representative can submit the request online through the Government of Canada website. There is a small fee of five Canadian dollars. It usually takes about 30 to 40 days to receive the notes.

Once you have the GCMS notes, you or your representative can carefully review them and then you can then decide whether to submit a new and stronger application or explore other options. Many applicants who are ultimately successful say that these notes helped them avoid repeating the same mistakes.

So yes, the GCMS notes are worth requesting. They offer clarity, direction, and a second chance to achieve your goal of studying in Canada.

Deidre S. Powell is a lawyer, mediator and notary public in Canada you may contact her via WhatsApp or Telephone 613-695-8777, via www.deidrepowell.com or Facebook.