Learn
Plain-English guides to your IRCC records: what the notes are, what the codes in them mean, and what to do next.
Short answer
Refused? First check whether IRCC already sent the officer's decision note: most refusals since 29 July 2025 (temporary residence) and 26 May 2026 (permanent residence) include one. For your full GCMS notes, you can request your own records from IRCC yourself, free.
Start here
Before paying anyone, check what IRCC has already sent you.
Getting your notes
After a refusal
General information, not legal advice.
Guides
- Why apply for CAIPS notes after a Canada visa refusalBasics · 6 min read
- How to read your CAIPS notes — common refusal codesRefusal decoded · 3 min read
- A40(1)(a) misrepresentation — the 5-year ban explainedRefusal decoded · 8 min read
- R216(1)(b) "genuine intent" study permit refusalsRefusal decoded · 7 min read
- Illustrative case: a visitor visa refused for "weak ties"Case study · 7 min read
- Illustrative case: a study permit refusal not about IELTSCase study · 8 min read
The same guides, grouped by topic: Guides.
Refusal code decoder
- R179(b)The officer was not convinced you would go home at the end of your trip.
- R216(1)(b)The study-permit version of R179(b). The officer was not satisfied you would go home after your course finished.
- R220Money refusal. The funds shown were not enough, not genuinely yours, or not convincingly explained.
- A16(1)Your duty to answer an officer's questions truthfully and to send the documents they reasonably ask for.
- A40A serious finding for false or hidden facts in an application. The law makes you inadmissible to Canada for five years.
- PFLA letter IRCC sends before deciding, setting out a concern and giving you a chance to answer it.
- See all 18 codes and 20 short forms
General information, not individual immigration advice.
Refusal reasons
- Vague or poorly defined purpose of visitPurpose, itinerary and trip credibility
- Weak or poorly documented employment tiesEmployment, family and home-country ties
- Insufficient readily available funds for the proposed stayFinancial sufficiency and credibility
- Limited or no previous international travel historyTravel history, immigration history and credibility
- See all 50 refusal reasons
Processing delays
- When an application goes quietThe overview: what you can check while you wait.
- Express EntryPermanent residence
- PNPPermanent residence
- Spousal sponsorshipSponsorship
- Parents & grandparentsSponsorship
- Study permitTemporary permits
- Work permitTemporary permits
- PGWPTemporary permits
- Visitor visaTemporary permits
- CitizenshipCitizenship & status
- PR card renewalCitizenship & status
Questions
Articles
- SDS Study Permit Refused? Why the 'Fast Track' Still Says No — and How to Recover26 Aug 2026
- Express Entry / PR Application Refused? Understanding the Decision and Your Options24 Aug 2026
- Spousal Sponsorship Refused: Proving the Relationship Is Genuine22 Aug 2026
- Study Permit Refused: What It Really Means and How to Fix Your Next Application20 Aug 2026
- Bank Statements for a Canada Visa: What Officers Actually Check18 Aug 2026
- See all articles
