Most of the applicants are often confused between UCI and Application number (file number), and wonder which one should be used to get gcms notes. Both, the application number as well as the UCI number is listed on all correspondence received from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), as well as on the MyCIC account.
Application Number (File number)
An application number (also referred as file umber), as the name suggests, is assigned to each application an applicant files with IRCC. Every application will have a different number and will be categorised by the type of application, which is filed. Even when an individual files multiple applications, each application will have a different number.
An application number starts with an alphabet followed by digits eg: E12345678. The alphabet signifies the type of application.
Unique Client Identifier (UCI) Number
UCI – “Unique Client Identifier” is a numeric reference which is unique to a client. It is assigned by IRCC to each individual whose case is being processed. Each client is given a different UCI. The UCI number remains the same, even when you file multiple applications with IRCC. If you have previously filed any application with IRCC, you would already have a UCI number. If you file a new application with IRCC, your UCI number will continue to remain the same, even though you will have a new application number.
UCI consists of digits only. A UCI can either be and eight digit number or a 10 digit number which may or may not be separated by a hyphen. UCI numbers are usually depicted as:
####-####; or
##-####-####.
If you recently submitted an application, you may see your UCI number as CAN1234567. This is a temporary number allocated, until your data is entered into the system and a permanent UCI is generated.
When requesting GCMS notes should I use UCI or application number?
When you request GCMS notes it is important that you mention the application number. The application number is needed for online and faster processing for your request. GET GCMS asks for both, UCI and application number, but application number is important, even if UCI is not available.
Can I request GCMS notes even if I do not have an application number?
If you do not have an application number, you can still request GCMS notes, However, you will have to provide some information about the application for which you are requesting the GCMS notes for. The information can include the kind of application (student visa, visitor’s visa, permanent residency, work permit etc.) for which you wish to obtain the GCMS notes, the year in which the application was filed, the country from where the application was filed, and any other information that you may have.
☡ TRACK YOUR APPLICATION – GCMS notes are the only way to accurately obtain information about the processing of an application or why an application was refused. To track your application, order your GCMS / CBSA / CSIS notes online.
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