CIC uses 3 computer systems for processing immigration / visa
applications. Historically, they used the CAIPS computer
system in CIC offices outside of Canada, and the FOSS system for
applications being dealt with in Canada. CIC is now rolling out a
new computer system called GCMS (Global Case Management System) for use
in both Canadian and international offices, but this is not yet
complete. To ensure that we obtain your file, we routinely ask CIC to
search both CAIPS/GCMS or FOSS/GCMS records as appropriate.
CAIPS FileCheck can help you get a printout of your CAIPS/FOSS/GCMS file from the CIC computer systems. Your file should have
valuable information on the current status and future processing
of your application for a Canadian Permanent Residents Visa. Immigration files are also available for student,
work permit and other visa applications.
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We can access CAIPS and GCMS files for all visa offices around the
world, including New Delhi, London and Buffalo. All CAIPS requests are
processed through a CIC
department in Ottawa, Canada, not through the local visa office,
so processing times are dependent on workloads at that department and
Canada Post delivery times!
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Processing times vary depending on the workload at the CIC office in
Ottawa that deals with CAIPS requests. By law they have up to 30 working days to respond,
but in practice most files come back in about 6 weeks at present.
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You will receive a computer printout of approximately 7 pages in
length. The printout is a screen print from the CAIPS computer system.
On the printout will
be all the relevant information from your file, such as notes that visa
officers have made regarding your application, details of processing
stages passed, points
calculations, and the likely next 'bring forward' date for your file.
What appears in your own file will depend on your individual
circumstances and the stage of
processing that your application has reached. Unfortunately, the
CAIPS system shows very little detail about background checks as these
are completed outside of
CIC.
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File requests are usually possible with just your full name, the name
of the visa office dealing with your application, and your date of
birth. If you do not have
a file number because the visa office did not provide it to you, then we
can still obtain your CAIPS file. However, if you do not have a file
number because the
visa office has not yet created your electronic file, we will not be
able to obtain your file.
We have obtained numerous files without file numbers, and are happy
to try to obtain your file without a file number, but we obviously
cannot guarantee success under these circumstances, as it may be that
CIC have not yet created a file
for you in their computer systems.
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We believe our services are great value (think how much immigration
consultants charge!). We have a range of services starting at just C$40
- or just C$30 for
existing clients. For a detailed explanation of our services and how
much each costs please see our 'Costs' page or our
Application Kit.
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Yes. We offer a special service called 'CAIPS Repeat' as a 'thank
you' for our existing clients. This service costs C$30 which is a 25%
discount from our standard
CAIPS Basic rate. However, if you prefer to choose our CAIPS Premium or
CAIPS Premium Interpreted services, we should be happy to extend the
25% discount to these
- just contact us via email at help@caips.com for details.
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We offer a standard 25% discount for consultants making single
requests, with additional discounts available for those making more than
five requests at one
time (with one payment). Please contact us via email at help@caips.com for details.
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Under most circumstances, you will be unable to request your CAIPS
file yourself. The Canadian law that allows access to immigration files
restricts who has
access to this information - you must be a Permanent Resident, Canadian
Citizen or other person in Canada.
Needless to say, most potential immigrants do not
qualify to obtain the information directly because they are not yet in
Canada! It is for this reason that we established our CAIPS FileCheck
service - having
emigrated to Canada ourselves we have been through the process and know
how frustrating it is, and now we live in Canada we can help others who
want to know what is
happening with their applications but cannot access the information
themselves! If you are in Canada, you can find out how to apply for
your CAIPS notes yourself
through the CIC website.
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Yes. We can obtain FOSS files for applications being dealt with in
Canada, and CAIPS/GCMS notes for study and work permit applications. We
can also obtain full medical
files and copies of applicants' entire (hard copy) immigration files,
although this process takes a little longer and we only recommend it in
cases where there
seems to be a problem that needs resolution. Please visit our Other Immigration Files page for more details.
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CAIPS FileCheck was founded early in 2002 by two emigrants to Canada.
We saw for ourselves how frustrating the process could be, and sought a
way to help other
applicants to obtain information on the progress of their visa
applications for a reasonable cost. Since that time, we have obtained
thousands of CAIPS files and have satisfied customers in all corners of
the world (although the most satisfied are, of course, in Canada!). You
can find details
of how to contact us on our Contact Details page if you would like more information.
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