Canadian VISA Access Rights

WHAT INFORMATION CAN I ACCESS?

You can access any of your personal information under the control of a government institution. For Immigration. Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This can include visa processing details, notes from immigration officers, and visa officers’ assessments.

HOW COULD THIS INFORMATION HELP ME?

This information can give you a better sense of the status of your immigration applications. If an application was unsuccessful, this information can provide you with the reasons behind why so you can have the decision reviewed or appealed. IRCC has to respond to your request for information within 30 days.

WHAT DO I NEED TO ACCESS IT?

You need to be present in Canada and have all of your necessary documents included in your visa application.

HOW DO I ACCESS THIS INFORMATION?

File an Access to Information and Privacy request to the IRCC. There is a $5 filing fee.

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These pages were last updated and reviewed in the summer of 2024. 

The information on these pages only contains general information and guidance; none of the information constitutes legal advice. If you have a specific issue that you believe is a legal problem, the best practice is to consult a lawyer. 

The information is non-partisan, dynamic and ever changing. It is the result of FIPA’s research and public education programs.

If you note something that needs to be added, corrected, or removed, please contact us by email: fipa AT fipa.bc.ca.