The CAIPS Retriever
We put the information you need at your fingertips
CAIPS FAQ
What is CAIPS?
When is it useful to obtain my CAIPS file?
For which CIC visa offices can you obtain CAIPS files?
How much does it cost to obtain my CAIPS file?
How long does it take to obtain my CAIPS file?
I don't have a file number - Can I still obtain my CAIPS file?
Is there a discount if I request my file a second time?
Can I obtain my CAIPS file myself?
Can you obtain other types of files?
Is CAIPS the same thing as the e-Client Application Status?
Will requesting the CAIPS file delay the processing of my application?
Will I be able to interpret my CAIPS file myself?
I hired an immigration lawyer/consultant for my application - Can I still use your service?
If you have other questions please feel free to email us.
What is CAIPS?
Computer Assisted Immigration Processing System (CAIPS) is the computer system used by Citizenship
and Immigration Canada (CIC) to process overseas visa applications.
CAIPS maintains all information relevant to your visa
application, including:
- point calculations;
- visa officers' notes;
- details of the processing stages passed;
- the bring forward date (BFD), which indicates the expected date of the next processing stage.
When is it useful to obtain my CAIPS file?
Before receiving your Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR)
If you have not received your AOR then your CAIPS file will probably not have been created yet. But, requesting your CAIPS notes can confirm whether the visa office has started processing the application or not, especially when there are delays in sending out AORs.
After receiving your AOR
The preliminary points assessment will indicate whether your application is evaluated accordingly to your expectations. For any problems, you have the opportunity to send additional documentation before a formal assessment. The BFD will indicate when to expect a formal assessment of your application.
After receiving an invitation to an interview
The visa officers' notes will indicate why an interview is required. During the interview it is crucial to address the visa officers' concerns, as outlined in the notes.
After passing medicals and paying the Right of Landing Fee (ROLF)
The normal reasons for delays after medical/ROLF are Canadian Security and Intelligence Service (CSIS) security checks or processing errors. The CAIPS file will indicate if security checks have been completed, and what other steps are outstanding if any.
Detecting and resolving processing errors
Obtaining your CAIPS notes allows you to check your application for such errors or omissions and to resolve them early.
For which CIC visa offices can you obtain CAIPS files?
We can obtain CAIPS files for ANY visa office. All CAIPS requests are processed through the CIC office in Ottawa, not through the local visa office that is handling your visa application.
How much does it cost to obtain my CAIPS file?
Please check the Our Services page for details.
How long does it take to obtain my CAIPS file?
Processing times vary depending on the workload at the CIC office in Ottawa. The law requires a response in 30 business days at most. Please check the Our Services page for details.
I don't have a file number - Can I still obtain my CAIPS file?
Yes. If you have not received your file number or do not have it available, a CAIPS file can still be requested. However, a file number ensures faster processing of your request.
Is there a discount if I request my file a second time?
Yes. Please check the Our Services page for details.
Can I obtain my CAIPS file myself?
Under most circumstances, no. Most applicants do not qualify to obtain the information directly because they are not physically present in Canada.
Can you obtain other types of files?
Yes. We can obtain from CIC a copy of your visa file (physical file including CAIPS), medical file (part of the visa file) or citizenship/naturalization file. Email us for details.
Is CAIPS the same thing as the e-Client Application Status?
CAIPS is NOT the same as the e-Client Application Status (e-Client or e-CAS), which only provides limited information on the status of your application.
Will requesting the CAIPS file delay the processing of my application?
No. Requesting your CAIPS file does not affect the processing of your visa application. Moreover, resolving any problems detected with the help your CAIPS notes may help speed up the processing of your application.
Will I be able to interpret my CAIPS file myself?
Yes and no. Sometimes, your CAIPS file is easy to interpret. If you want to interpret the file yourself,
consider getting some free advice on the many Internet immigration forums. Please check the
Useful Links page for a succinct list
of them. However, information might be sketchy and hard to get.
If your
CAIPS file is more complicated, you should consider our
professional interpretation, which is comprehensive and fast. Remember, you can add our
CAIPS Interpretation service at any time.
I hired an immigration lawyer/consultant for my application - Can I still use your service?
Yes. You can use our service even if you have retained an immigration lawyer/consultant. Your CAIPS notes request is handled by a separate office and processed independently of your visa application.
