Ordering FOSS and CAIPS notes
From Immipedia
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How to order your immigration file notes
There are two ways to obtain FOSS or CAIPS notes.
- If you are physically in Canada, you can obtain them for free under the Privacy Act.
- If you are overseas, someone else (a Citizen, Permanent Resident, or someone physically present in Canada) will have to obtain them for you under the Access to Information Act. This can be a relative, friend or sponsor, or a commercial service. For this there is a $5 fee (more if you use a commercial service), and you will have to provide consent. Forms for this are available on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website.
Forms
Completing the Access to Information and Personal Information Request Form
- Choose "Receive copies of the records"
- For applications being processed overseas, choose "CAIPS (information abroad)".
- For applications being processed in Canada, choose "FOSS (information in Canada)". (Normally, it is not recommended to order "IN CANADA FILE (FOSS included)" since this requires that the paper file is taken out of storage and may affect processing times. The FOSS notes alone are usually sufficient.)
- The "Requester's reference no." can be left blank - that is used by representatives who are ordering FOSS notes for clients, who may have their own reference number for the file in question.
Where to send the request
For the address or fax number to send your request to, see Addresses for Personal Information Requests on the CIC website (mailing addresses only) or alternatively InfoSource (mailing addresses and fax numbers).
Requests for FOSS notes for in Canada applications can be sent either to CPC Vegreville, or to the nearest local CIC office, since FOSS is computerised and all CIC offices have access to the system.
Companies providing CAIPS ordering services
If you are outside Canada and do not have a friend or relative inside Canada who can order your CAIPS notes for you, you may consider using one of these commercial services. Please note, if you are in Canada and can order your notes yourself, or have a friend or relative who can do it for you, that will cost only $5. All of these commercial services cost significantly more.
