GCMS Notes Glossary: Common Abbreviations and Codes Explained

GCMS notes are written by officers for internal use, so they're dense with acronyms and shorthand. Here is a plain-language glossary of the abbreviations applicants encounter most often. When in doubt, read an abbreviation alongside the surrounding officer remark — context usually makes the meaning clear.

Frequently seen abbreviations

GCMS

Global Case Management System — IRCC's internal database for processing applications.

ATIP

Access to Information and Privacy — the request process used to obtain your notes.

IRCC

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada — the department processing your application.

UCI

Unique Client Identifier — your personal ID number with IRCC.

AOR

Acknowledgement of Receipt — confirmation that IRCC received your application.

e-APR

Electronic Application for Permanent Residence — a PR application submitted online (common in Express Entry).

PA

Principal Applicant — the main person on the application.

IME

Immigration Medical Examination — the medical exam used to assess health admissibility.

BIL

Biometrics Instruction Letter — the letter directing you to provide fingerprints and a photo.

RPRF

Right of Permanent Residence Fee — a fee paid before PR is finalized.

PPR

Passport Request — IRCC asks for your passport, a strong sign of approval for visa-required applicants.

COPR

Confirmation of Permanent Residence — the document confirming your PR status.

LMIA

Labour Market Impact Assessment — an employer document underpinning many work permits.

DM

Decision Made — a final decision has been recorded on the file.

R10

A reference to the completeness check under section 10 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations — whether the application is complete enough to process.

To put these abbreviations in context, see how to read and understand your GCMS notes and the guide to GCMS notes status meanings.